I am fully capable of, opening an emergency exit (door/window), and evacuating an aircraft. I'm requalified every year. I can also lift my heavy rollerboard, that I pack into the overhead. But I am not obligated to lift anyone elses. What if I get hurt lifting PJ's bag in the overhead? Will he/she pay for my disability out of there pocket, because CO will not compensate me.

I have no idea what other airlines policy is on this issue. But CO firmly states to NOT lift any carry-on baggage. If the pax isn't able to get it in the overhead, we'll gladly check it.

I think PradaFA is trying to tell us politely that her job *shouldn't* have to be about carryons. Unreliable checked baggage transport, non-enforcement of carry on policy by gate agents, and passenger abuses have made this a thorny and much discussed issue.

And a little off topic, 5'8" 125 lb people can be taught to safely lift items approaching their bodyweight. It's more about technique than strength.

PradaFA -- thanks for the question. My experience with CO FAs has been (almost) uniformly excellent. Just a couple ideas:

After-meal drink service: in F, I go to the galley to get more to drink on a regular basis. The hydration situation in Y is even worse. I don't need a fancy drink of any sort, just water (and preferrably not tap water. It would be great if you could come through the cabin with one of those trays of water in plastic cups on a semiregular basis (half-hour to an hour) when there's no beverage service.

Some etiquette enforcement in F. For example, when the person next to me sets things down on me, or goes barefoot, or sticks their feet on the bulkhead, I don't like to complain to the FA, especially since I'm generally too busy/lazy to switch my EUA window to an aisle until its too late. In Y, I don't expect people to know better.

I realize I'm totally capable of lifting a heavy item - if taught the proper technique. All I'm saying is, I will not lift someone elses heavy bag, because I will not risk hurting myself. Especially since I will not be compensated for my injury.

My job is about carry-ons. I will rearrange items, so the space is used more efficiently, help you find overhead space (not neccesarily directly above your seat), or help you check the item.

Thanks for the honest response. I'm probably going to upset you and/or others with my response (which is not my style), but I think it should be said...sorry in advance.

Not knowing the workers compensation and or union bylaws for your particular situation, I am almost positive CO would be liable even though they tell you not to handle passengers bags. However, my question then becomes...who is liable if the "strong able bodied young man" who inevitably helps with the bag hurts himself? Is it CO (nope, not an employee), the passenger (nope, no fiduciary or agency relationship), guess he is out of luck.

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you won't help the passenger for fear of getting hurt and not having any recourse, why should any other passenger help? You are not obligated, but I think the fact that you are an FA is more compeling of why you should help. I understand your hesitation given CO's policy. CO policy is not passenger friendly, but I think we already knew that about CO.

You initially asked what you could do to make flying CO a more pleasant experience. A poster took the time to tell you that she would like help with her bag instead of leaving it to another passenger. I think that CO should cover the liability so that you may make flying CO a better experience.




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Randy
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HH Gold; WN CP; NW Gold Elite

I suppose their medical insurance would cover such a situation, if they have it. It sort of comes under the heading "each person is responsible for their own actions." Every time something bad happens doesn't necesasrily mean that someone else is at fault.

They shouldn't, unless they want to voluntarily assume the risk. Nobody has a responsibility for a passenger's carry-ons other than the passenger themselves. If the passenger is unable to properly stow it, they should plan to check the item or pack lighter.

You act like CO is being particuarly unfriendly about this policy. Can you point to another US carrier that has a different policy? I do think that the FA's should be polite in how they deliver the message, and not just snap back a comment like "we don't do that." If they politely offer to check the heavy item, then I think that the FA has done their job.

As a passenger, I once had the experiene of helping another passenger pull a suitcase off the luggage carousel at baggage claim. In the process, the handle broke off in my hand. The owner of the bag expected me to pay full replacement value for what was obviously a well-traveled suitcase! As I had in my opinion practiced ordinary care in the situation, I didn't think I had any responsibility. Along with worker's comp issues, this is another reason that the airline probably doesn't want FAs handling baggage. My experience reinforced the all-to-common notion that whenever something goes wrong, it must be someone else's fault and compensation is due in some people's minds.

I can't help wonder what type of impression this made on others? It sounds like a very hostile announcement. So, what happens if the aisle is blocked and someone is just short of using their empty cup? Will AA be flexible and let them use the lav? If someone is prevented from using the toliet, would they sue the airline?

What amentities are in BF lavs and excluded from coach lavs? Last I checked, there are sinks, toliets, soap, mirrors, toliet paper, tissue paper, trash bins and lights in all lavs. On B777 BF lavs there are two with more room, but the same standard items. All the 767/757 lavs are of similar size to YC; actually on the 767 there is a larger lav in YC (located in the center of the plane).

Our directive has been to inform, not enforce...we are not the air-police. If you think this should be changed, write CO.


[This message has been edited by OpenOncePourTwice (edited 01-30-2003).]