First, on the sizer. Plenty of bags that reasonably fit in the overhead will not fit in the sizers, which are smaller and more rigidly designed than the overhead compartment's "individual" allotment (e.g. 1/3 of an overhead designed for three rollaboards). For a while pre-TSA, AA was putting baggage sizers on x-ray machines. These sizers sensibly had curves to accomodate slightly rounded/bulging rollaboards since those bulges wouldn't take up any additional space in the overhead (you can't fit another bag on top of a rollaboard in the overhead, but the overhead has a curved roof). But the sizers used at the gate are rigid and don't take into account the realities of the situation.

Furthermore, keeping everyone to the sizer doesn't mean that all of the bags will fit. In coach with 3x3 seating, even if using the sizer and with well designed overheads, there isn't enough space for everyone's bag if everyone brings a bag that has to go in the overhead.

Moreover, if your plan is to speed up boardings and departures, running everyone through the sizer at the gate is not going to do that.

As a passenger, while I like on-time departures and arrivals, I have no sympathy for the airlines, as their policy of charging for the first checked bag is what encourages people to try to carry everything on. If they can't get their planes out on time, that's the airline's own fault. And I am plenty tired of having to listed to gate agents whine "too many bags, too many bags" on the PA. Sorry, it's the airline's policy that's at fault.

As for those who think everyone should check all their bags, we'll, if time, loss, delays, theft, and fees weren't issues, then that might make sense. But if you've been flying 20 hours and have only a short while to shower, change, and get to a meeting, the possibility of not having your stuff on time is unacceptable.

Speaking of carryons.. we brought 6 carry ons plus a gate checked stroller onto flight today..

The art of bringing everything onboard and offboard is all logistics.. especially with a one year and five year old..

and then in CUN.. we had to run the bags thru customs through another scanner..

Like you think US customs would have screened everything already..:rolleyes:

Here's my two cents:
1 - Enfore the size restrictions.
2 - If it doesn't fit, gate check it and charge the checked bag fee + $10.

On my recent return from STT-SAV on DL I commented to couple that there was no way their carry on would fit in an overhead bin. They laughed and said I was right but this way they don't have to pay for checking bags or go to baggage claim. I guess they knew the system well.

YES what it is going to take is to make it MORE EXPENSIVE to Gate Check items than checking them at the TKT Counter. Also Totalitarian enforcement of Rules regarding carryons.

You guys still don't believe it. Passengers bringing bags that don't fit, while annoying, is not a significant problem or reason for gate lice.

Even if every passenger had a conforming bag, there would NOT be enough overhead space, and some bags would need to be gate-checked. This is the root cause of gate lice - everyone knows that regardless of bag size, overhead space is scare, and getting on board quickly is the only way to ensure getting space.

On my last flight the GAs announced BEFORE boarding began "If you are in Group 5, we need you to gate check your bag, because there will not be enough overhead space." You talk about lathering the gate lice into a frenzy!

On CO flight yesterday.. HOU-CUN..

lady brought on a suitcase that was obviously too big to fit on the overhead bin..

Was told to put it in front of her seat.. no offer to gate check..

I wonder uncomfortable that would have been?

I wonder if a lesson was learnt.

As for what to do - as long as there is no reward or punishment for bringing steamer trunks on board then it's going to be abused.

May be true in the US but I've never seen this happening in Europe.

Happens on EZY flights with a heavy load of business travellers from time to time, specifically on the 2 remaining 737s which have smaller bins than the Airbuses.

Neil

It has gotten pretty ridiculous, Ive seen people pull out medium sized duffel bags along with a few duty free bags from the overheads after a flight. Indians are pretty famous for traveling with excessive baggage but I try to stick to a handbag that I can slide under my seat.

1) Actually enforce the rules, this would be the most cost effective solution. People are going to have to learn that transporting themselves is not cheap and neither is transporting their stuff. Quit making a stink when you have to check in your bag or pay for it.

2) Install some vertical dividers in to the overhead bins so there is a left right and center compartment or just a left and right one. Now you have no choice but to get a bag that fits or check it in.

You can have a few bins with dividers that can be removed by the cabin crew for things like strollers and walking sticks.

Don't make them full height--stuff could still sit across them if need be, but no oversize bags could be put in.

Im sure the passenger wanted to save the check fee..

and the flight as far as I can tell, was full with no empty seats around..

Im sure a lesson was learnt..

What I would really love to see is a GA actively calling out Gate Lice that try to board early. If they are only boarding Groups 1 & 2 and some lice from Group 4 or 5 and even 3 try to board. They would call them out & tell them to go to the back of the line & wait until their Group number is called.

I personally enjoy seeing confrontations between the DYKWIA type & GA's when the GA stand up & enforces the rules. People mentioned CUSTOMER SERVICE, I think most FF would agree that if the GA & FA would just enforce the rules already in place, that would be a MAJOR CUSTOMER SERVICE UPGRADE for the FF's.

Too many of the FF Perks have been eroded down because of Gate Lice & the DYKWIA Kettle types. If you enjoy the perks that FF's get, then Fly more, Spend More and earn that FF Status.

No reason they should have any faith in US customs.

exactly! people bring their oversized crap cause they know it will still fit.