Originally Posted by im-headed-west
Overhead bins tend to fill quickly up front. Passengers headed for the back will many times stow their bags up front, especially on a full flight. This could be a hassle if you board late and have carry-on luggage.
That's why my seat choice depends on whether it's the only/1st segment I'm flying or a tight connection. If the 319/320 is a connecting flight and I'm worried that the masses will be boarding and hogging the bins up before I'll make it, I preselect an E+ seat further back so at least I can be assured of having room beneath the seat to stuff things instead of an FA offering to find a place for them - a place that for some reason always ends up being the last bin in the back of the plane.
If I don't get a 319/320 with the cutout to put my laptop bag, I always put that bag in the overhead and remove the laptop, which is in a well cushioned sleeve and place it behind my back (it's a lil ole 12" Apple Powerbook) so it looks like a back ortho cushion. Then I whip it out once the flight is airborne and am ready to go - never having been noticed by an FA. Especially great on flights out of DCA with the 30 minute seat rule
