Gate agents were attaching a white "under the seat" tag to some some passengers' bags yesterday at YYZ. While I only noticed these tags being attached during the boarding process, it didn't really seem to have any impact on the speed at which passengers were processed. Two types of customers seemed to be targeted: (1) those seated in Y with a roll-aboard and second bag and (2) those in later zones (Z4 & Z5) with only one small bag (e.g. backpack, laptop bag, etc).

While aboard, the SD read a bilingual message explaining the program several times as people settled into their seats. The message stated that the test is intended to "help ease boarding" and provide "more access to the overhead bin space." Passengers were then thanked for storing their tagged articles "whenever possible under the seat in front of you" and reminded that their other items can be stored in the overhead bins.

As a perpetual Z2er who spends the bulk of his flying in Y, I hope this helps change the default behaviour of some who are only too willing to put their roll-aboard, laptop bag, coat, duty-free bags, etc up in the bin and then ignore the struggles of others as they try to find room for their one bag. We often talk about etiquette here on FT, and it seems like the countless reminders to put "one bag under the seat in front of you" have gone unheeded -- hopefully this test is successful and sticks around.

Thoughts? Comments?