In addition to the annoying backpacks, I have sometimes tripped over the rollers that people will pull almost horizontally to the ground behind them, extending their footprint three or four feet longer than expected. You're kind of looking ahead mentally adjusting your queueing space and not expecting it. In tight lines I try to push mine if I can, or pull it more vertically.

This is why I don´t carry my fanny pack abroad. I don´t want to be targeted as a well-off tourist. And yes, I always take it off while boarding. :p

Saddest thing is that it doesn't matter at times if someone is holding it in front of them, when they turn to talk/look at whoever is behind them you still get hit while sitting in the aisle. Of course it is usually the shoulder or arm instead of the head in that instance, so there is a plus. :D

Great post. I prefer the aisle seat too so this is a common gripe of mine. When it happens now, I just give the backpack a hearty shove back towards the weearer, which usually makes them aware of what they are doing.

Indeed, this is Kettle behavior. I have learned to see it coming though and can avoid getting blindsided.

+1

Why do you think a fanny pack marks you as a well-off tourist?

Besides, for travel I have a Pac-Safe version, pickpockets will have a hard time with it.

Sort of... I sometimes get a confused "Sorry", as if to say.... "Gosh, did I hit you or something??? how did that ever happen?"

I often travel with a small backpack myself, but just after my Boarding Pass is scanned and as I am beginning down the jetway, I take off the pack and carry it with one hand down in front of me so I know exactly where it is what is happening with it.

I am most likely guilty of clobbering more than one poor soul on the aisle. My beloved walks with a cane (she always wanted to ride a camel). I schlep her carry-on. So my carry-on has to be a backpack.

Usually my BP is small - shaving kit, meds, and a change of knickers. But on a dive trip, it contains the stuff I can't arrive without - regulator, mask, dive computers. Heavy and clumsy.

We will be in 4A & B on our way to Bonaire next month. So I apologize in advance. Come to think, the only reason to go to Bonaire is to dive. So I expect a little slack from fellow pax. I 'spect you will all have carry-on bags as heavy as mine.:p

When I take a backpack with me on the plane, I usually take it off at the airplane door so I don't smack people around with it. :)

Or just don't turn/move around so much.. walk in a straight line. remove bag. put in overhead. sit..
no problems.. :p

+1...if you have a fanny pack, people aren't thinking you are "well-off" ;)

Sometimes I will yell "Ow!" but the offender is usually oblivious.

Painful as it is, I still prefer it to people trailling their rollaboards - those things are dangerous. I am a backpack user but i'm aware of how much space it takes up and I make allowances - which would include not wearing it on a plane

Exactly.