The rule is to put your bag under the seat in front of you. This encroaches on your leg space so many people are hesitant to do this.

So here's my question: Why not put the bag under your legs/knees?

I always put my personal item there. That means not under my own seat because that would take leg room away from the person behind me. But so to say leaning against my seat. I never sit perfectly upright so my legs don't even touch the bag. It is also easier to access than leaning all the way forward and getting it out of the foot well. Moreover, this particular spot might be marginally cleaner than the foot well because soles usually don't go that close to the seat edge.

It seems nobody ever talks about this option when the great storage discussions erupt. It's always either bin or under the seat in front of you. Why not use this more elegant way?

If you are very short or your bag to big, this might not be an option but for an ordinary messenger bag or briefcase it works just great for me.

Till

The bag only needs to be properly stowed during taxi, takeoff and landing. You may place it where you please during the flight.

That's what I do when I'm in coach. As soon as the 10,000 chime goes off, I move my underseat bag back so it touches the front my seat. I get full legroom, and it's really as if there's no bag at all. The only time I need to move it back is when I or someone closer to the window needs to get up. You're right - it's such an obvious thing to do I'm surprised that I don't see more of it.

Wasn't even thinking or talking about that. But thanks for mentioning.

What I mean is that there are always these big discussions about where to stow our stuff and the "under knee" option is never mentioned. I wonder why. I also never see people but their bags there. Am I the only? Do I do something wrong?

Talking about "properly stowed", why would under the knees not be properly stowed? Because it might slide out to the side in the event of a really bad accident?

Till

my bag is so small that even when its under the seat it does not get in the way since its really deep in the compartment...

One reason is that it would be an obstruction to other passengers as they exit during an emergency, either in your row or in the aisle, if it were to slide out, as you suggest.

Good one. Thanks.

Because the FAA regulations prohibit that during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Others have already answered your questions about why people don't do it for take off and landing, but I do it during cruise.

On most long haul flights, I have no seat (or no space) in front of me to put my bag underneath, so my bag normally lives in the overhead locker. But if I want access during the flight, I do put it under my knee.

I solemnly promise to put my bag in the right place for said situations. Funny no FA ever noticed.

Still, even in flight I basically never see people put their bags under their knees. When my seat neighbor wants to get out I ALWAYS stand up. I never have them just scoot by. It looks like they have never had trouble getting past my bag that could have been in their way, I admit.

Till