Each year at this time I like to reflect on some of my fellow travelers who continue to raise the bar on stupidity. Alas, some of these folk tend to inhabit first class, but coach tends to be more heavily weighted toward non-frequent fliers.

This year my award goes to Mr. Hairy-Toed Birkenstock Sandal Guy. This fellow, who appeared to be a varsity football type, was lugging a North Face backpack sized for two weeks on Everest. THAT, I thought, will be checked. Well yes, but not until until MR. HTBSG, after smacking every aisle passenger in the head to row 20, wielded his considerable biceps and managed to break the door on the overhead bin in an attempt to overcome the laws of physics. This meant a visit from maintenance, which meant a delay.

At least he had to endure the Stare of Death from passengers near and far. Especially his seat mates who also had to check luggage with the overhead bin out of commission.

And BTW, the method of repair for broken bin doors? You guessed it, duct tape.