Originally Posted by
Wolkenwandler
Typically, I fly in the evening with IB, and there’s usually no one at the plane to collect hand luggage when boarding. However, the last time I flew with Air Nostrum at noon, before boarding, an attendant tried to collect hand luggage from passengers. I refused to hand mine over because it contained fragile items. I explained that I was traveling in Business Class and there was enough space for my case. The attendant raised his voice so loudly that everyone turned to look at me, which was quite embarrassing. He eventually couldn’t take my luggage, and I carried it on board myself. The stewardess allowed me to proceed once I told her my seat number. Am I required to give up my hand luggage in such situations? I’ve had a bad experience before when, at the gate, they didn’t provide a tag, and my hand luggage was transported with other bulk baggage.
Assuming your hand luggage is within IB dimensions you don't have to surrender it. However if it's Air Nostrum only J pax can bring the rollaboards on board as there's only a small closet. Be sympathetic to the 'valet' attendant as they do have to collect all the rollabaords for economy, ie most of the pax, some who are arguing back. Next time tell them (in their native language ideally) you've flown before and in business it's ok. They are not paid well and you are flying in J, so don't be upset.
Re tags, for regular IB flights (not Air Nostrum), if you are boarding late (after group 1) then absolutely ask for the tag when at the gate. Paradoxically for AirNostrum, no tag is the elite symbol....