Has there been a recent change in baggage policy for emergency exits (on Short Haul in this instance)? I've been on a couple of A320s in the past week where the aisle passenger in the emergency exit row has put a small bag under the seat in front of them. I was waiting for CC to ask them to store securely prior to taxi and takeoff but they either didn't notice - unlikely - or were content with it being there.

I'd always assumed that you cannot put anything other than your feet in the seat in front of you in an emergency row or indeed bulkhead. Am I mistaken or has this changed recently? And while I'm on, what is the policy on having hand bags on your lap for taxi/takeoff and are you allowed to put your main cabin bag under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight apart from takeoff and landing?