Originally Posted by
Lomapaseo
I generally get off facing the front. When I reach for my bag I do a twist during the drop to the floor by facing to the rear. Once the bag starts the drop I can not control it if somebody has taken the space just to the rear of where I am standing. Most FF see this and provide clearance, while some will actually help steady the bag as it comes down. In a worst case scenario I might be able to steer it to hit an armrest, unless somebody already has their hands on the armrest.
It takes two to tango and to avoid hurt
Swing the bag forward because it's more likely the person in FRONT of you has moved forward. Swinging it around back just asks for trouble. So maybe the guy behind you can back up, but what if they don't have space? You just whack them?
With that said in China, sometimes I have to hit people to get my bag out. It's not because I don't have control of my bag. It's because people have terrible habits. For instance, people crowd up right against you where they are bumping into my backpack. Moreover, people jump right up and race down the aisle before the aircraft has come to a complete stop or the seatbelt sign is off. I've learned now to get up quickly (while trying to observe the official rules) so that I can at least get in the aisle and grab my bag, or if they've crowded REAL fast, at least have my body in the aisle so I can then reach for my bag. If I haven't gotten my bag yet, I have to wait for the crowd to start moving forward.
You see, in China, overhead space isn't that big of a deal because it's not like the US where you're nickel and dimed for every checked bag, so in general, people don't carry much onto planes. As a result, traveling like you do in the US, I stand out with my 22x14x9 carry-on as well as a backpack. I do need time to deplane and grab my bag. I will reach for it, and if you are rude enough to push me or try to squeeze by (it happens in China even when you're loading your rollaboard or putting my backpack on the window seat first), then I will try somewhat to avoid hitting you, but make it very clear my bag is coming down and you best GTFO.
It's never an issue in the US because everyone gives everyone time to grab bags and stuff and I'm far from slow compared to families, but I feel that in China, those pushy individuals will get hit and get zero forgiveness from me.