AC Testing Under-Seat Baggage Tags
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
AC Testing Under-Seat Baggage Tags
Gate agents were attaching a white "under the seat" tag to some some passengers' bags yesterday at YYZ. While I only noticed these tags being attached during the boarding process, it didn't really seem to have any impact on the speed at which passengers were processed. Two types of customers seemed to be targeted: (1) those seated in Y with a roll-aboard and second bag and (2) those in later zones (Z4 & Z5) with only one small bag (e.g. backpack, laptop bag, etc).
While aboard, the SD read a bilingual message explaining the program several times as people settled into their seats. The message stated that the test is intended to "help ease boarding" and provide "more access to the overhead bin space." Passengers were then thanked for storing their tagged articles "whenever possible under the seat in front of you" and reminded that their other items can be stored in the overhead bins.
As a perpetual Z2er who spends the bulk of his flying in Y, I hope this helps change the default behaviour of some who are only too willing to put their roll-aboard, laptop bag, coat, duty-free bags, etc up in the bin and then ignore the struggles of others as they try to find room for their one bag. We often talk about etiquette here on FT, and it seems like the countless reminders to put "one bag under the seat in front of you" have gone unheeded -- hopefully this test is successful and sticks around.
Thoughts? Comments?
While aboard, the SD read a bilingual message explaining the program several times as people settled into their seats. The message stated that the test is intended to "help ease boarding" and provide "more access to the overhead bin space." Passengers were then thanked for storing their tagged articles "whenever possible under the seat in front of you" and reminded that their other items can be stored in the overhead bins.
As a perpetual Z2er who spends the bulk of his flying in Y, I hope this helps change the default behaviour of some who are only too willing to put their roll-aboard, laptop bag, coat, duty-free bags, etc up in the bin and then ignore the struggles of others as they try to find room for their one bag. We often talk about etiquette here on FT, and it seems like the countless reminders to put "one bag under the seat in front of you" have gone unheeded -- hopefully this test is successful and sticks around.
Thoughts? Comments?
#2
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CHI
Programs: UA 1K, MR Titanium, IHG Gold, National Exec
Posts: 3,841
The only time I don't put my personal item under the seat in front of me in Y is when I'm in a bulkhead seat (duh) or on a red-eye. I agree it is good etiquette to not take up more overhead bin space than necessary, even if you are in Zone 1/2.
#3
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: TK *G
Posts: 3,099
Not a big deal for short flights. For long haul flights though, I am not sure if it’s better to walk around a bit to find a bin with space or getting a bit more leg room. I really don’t mind putting my bag far away from me if that means me and others can get the space underneath the seat.
I will also add that my experience with long haul Y is only with non HD 777s, so I understand things can be different for HD.
I will also add that my experience with long haul Y is only with non HD 777s, so I understand things can be different for HD.
#4
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,417
This is less of a issue for long haul with some exceptions (DEL/BOM as example) because for long haul people will have checked bag so less need to bring a ton of stuff into the cabin. Its domestic and TB that has the main issue.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
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Agreed. The test I experienced yesterday was on a Rapid Air flight, which is an ideal candidate for gauging effectiveness of the program.
#6
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE100K, Bonvoy Platinum Elite, IHG Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 2,132
Honestly, I typically have both bags in the overhead above me, but only if I can fit my laptop bag on top of my rollaboard. If not, I wait for all boarding to be done and then look for a spot in the overhead - I can usually fit it somewhere.
I guess that's not great etiquette but I'm very confident I have never been (nor will I ever be) the cause of someone not fitting their rollaboard overhead.
I guess that's not great etiquette but I'm very confident I have never been (nor will I ever be) the cause of someone not fitting their rollaboard overhead.
#8
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Wouldn't it make more sense to tag the bags that are allowed in the overhead, so that ripping the tag off isn't beneficial to the passenger?
#9
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That (Spring/Summer 2015, IIRC) was for carry-on in general and was often done at the start of the security line and everywhere in between.
#10
Join Date: Jun 2004
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What I don't understand, how does VA and QF load a fully loaded 737 in 20 minutes with bags and no issues.
And yet, AC always seems slow and prone to these kind of issues
And yet, AC always seems slow and prone to these kind of issues
#11
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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What AC is doing with this test is what BA has been doing for a while (although BA's tags are yellow). But I've always thought the same as you.
#12
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYC, Canada
Programs: AC 35k
Posts: 1,898
I actually think the opposite. I check my luggage so I don't have to put in a suitcase on the overhead bins, but then I expect space for my laptop, because I don't want it in the seat in front me of me. It's limited pitch as it is, I want the leg space. I'd pay for this. Don't force me to put my laptop under the seat.
You want to board faster? Try making overhead space more expensive than checked luggage.
You want to board faster? Try making overhead space more expensive than checked luggage.
#13
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC 50K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 1,548
This. As long as the airlines charge for checked bags and overhead is free, the problem will remain. Change it around and flights will board faster and the airlines will still collect revenue.