Originally Posted by
bocastephen
OP did the right thing...I would have done the same. Perhaps by discreetly telling the FA privately, although if the self-upgrader was an obnoxious moron about it, I would do it out in the open.
On a recent flight, some kid from coach decided to stow his bag in FC. I held my tongue until the last FC passenger came on and was having trouble finding a place for his bag. Rest assured, I told the FA what happened and she went and grabbed the kid and made him remove his bag and stow it in coach.
I totally agree on discreetly telling the FA and letting them handle the situation. Its unfortunate that the OP had to have the stress of dealing with this wondering if he/she should or should not speak up.
Your second comment reminds me that winter is coming, once those overhead bins are filled and only 1/3 the flight is loaded this will occur. Everyone is told at the door no space is left and sneak it into the FC overhead bins. I have also reported to FA's , when FC overhead space is gone ( a late boarding FC passenger arrives with no bin space), and I had watched a coach passenger put his luggage in there 10 minutes earlier. They never do anything, they just try to find the space by moving things around.
This is all a compounded problem when there are snow delays and CO is cramming every FA/Pilot onto the only flight making it out of CLE-EWR that night so the employees can make their connections and start/finish their work day. They all board early then take the first 2-3 rows of coach bins for their carryons. I know they have no choice but it is aggravating when the space is already at a premium.
Thinking about this thread I must confess....I never stole a FC seat but I do routinely (95% of the time) grab a pillow from the FC overhead bins as I walk down towards my Exit Row seat. I never like to take a chance on not having my pillow on those rock hard 73x seats. I guess I am guilty, not just as much as stealing a FC seat.
