Why don't the airlines enforce their carry-on rules? I just returned from a vacation that involved 6 flight segments. Before each segment, announcements were made (and notices were posted) that everyone was limited to one carry-on bag and a small "personal" item, such as a purse, laptop, etc. As I was in the last boarding group for most of the flights, I watched what people were allowed to carry on to the planes...roll-ons that were clearly larger than allowed, three bags each, bulky items......enough stuff for a 2-week African safari, and not once was anyone challenged. It took forever for everyone to stow their stuff above and below and then another eternity to get everything out and down to disembark. On one flight, I got to my seat to find that my seatmate had stowed a small bag in the space under my seat as she had already completely filled her own space and had a large bag up in the overhead. "Hee-hee" says she, "it's just a little bag and I hope you don't mind." I indicated that yes, I did mind, as I planned on putting my tiny purse and tiny tote bag and not-so-tiny feet there. She gave me a pained look and wandered off to find an empty space. There's so much wailing and gnashing of teeth about the carry-on problem but it's going to continue as long as the airlines don't enforce the rules. On the other hand, I certainly can see why people like to carry their luggage on. On our trip last year, not one, not two but all three of our checked bags didn't make it home til the next day, because of an unscheduled equipment change in a city that was only supposed to be a stop. This time I was lucky.

Isn't that something!

Are they intercepting and gate checking oversized and excessive baggage just outside the plane door where you in the gate waiting area cannot see that going on?

WHen the airline does not enforce its own rules fairly, the airline leaves itself open to claims for damages incurred by other aggrieved passengers as a result, above and beyond the rules.

Travel tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/travel.htm

Carry-on luggage has got to be one of my biggest pet peeves, right next to 5'-0" people peeking out over the steering wheel of huge SUVs, but thats for another time and not here.

I agree it annoys me to the utmost, even when I don't have carry-on luggage myself. Unfortunately, I don't ever see it regulated, and of course it just holds everyone up trying to board and only aggrevates the few that do obey the rules. I'd be willing to make a bet that 80% of carry on luggage can't fit into those boxes at the gates where they say your luggage must be able to fit in.

Oh well, all we can do is complain enough and maybe the airlines will start to hear us.