Originally Posted by LondonBA
the overhead bins aren't designed for that kind of weight. Also, if the bin were to accidently open during the flight the 18kg weight increases the likelihood of more serious damage occurring upon impact (on the floor or on a pax). The bag would probably not fit safely under the seats and placing it in a cabin crew's closet would be more cumbersome.
You must be kidding. The overhead compartments aren't designed to carry 18kg of weight? I've flown on a lot of airplanes around the world, and have yet to see a overhead compartment that wouldn't carry 150k of weight.
People *dropping* a bag from the overhead bin onto someone. Sure! However, if the plane is in a violent enough incident, I think I have a lot more to worry about than someones 20k bag. More like the 20k child, or the 150k person who will be careening off the ceiling.
I see these low weight restrictions as a cash cow for many airlines.