Overhead bins for large items ONLY??
Apr 10, 2019, 6:37 pm
#151
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 1,580
First, it is heartening to see that the OP did get resolution and some love from UA for the rude FA behavior. That's great, good for you!
Second, as to the raging debate.. I'm tall and I board early and I'll darn well put what I can in the overhead. I usually travel with two small bags and will not kowtow to those who bring the just-barely-legal rollaboard plus another item. As the plane fills, if someone ends up in a situation where they will have to check a bag due to full bins, I'll offer to put one under the seat in front of me. But in the mean time, I'm going to give my arthritic knees the best care I can. As someone stated up thread, having no foot space is like flying Spirit, and I don't do that because I can't without taking pain meds.
I have had FAs request that I put one under the seat and I've declined, saying that the problem is the airline's for making seat pitch too small to optimize revenue, but I say it nicely, not wanting to argue. If they demand I put a bag there, really I have no choice. But I've not yet had the request turn into a demand.
The carriers have turned overhead space into a battle zone, and one of the few things I get for my MM Gold status is an early boarding group.
Second, as to the raging debate.. I'm tall and I board early and I'll darn well put what I can in the overhead. I usually travel with two small bags and will not kowtow to those who bring the just-barely-legal rollaboard plus another item. As the plane fills, if someone ends up in a situation where they will have to check a bag due to full bins, I'll offer to put one under the seat in front of me. But in the mean time, I'm going to give my arthritic knees the best care I can. As someone stated up thread, having no foot space is like flying Spirit, and I don't do that because I can't without taking pain meds.
I have had FAs request that I put one under the seat and I've declined, saying that the problem is the airline's for making seat pitch too small to optimize revenue, but I say it nicely, not wanting to argue. If they demand I put a bag there, really I have no choice. But I've not yet had the request turn into a demand.
The carriers have turned overhead space into a battle zone, and one of the few things I get for my MM Gold status is an early boarding group.
Apr 10, 2019, 7:03 pm
#152
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
First, it is heartening to see that the OP did get resolution and some love from UA for the rude FA behavior. That's great, good for you!
Second, as to the raging debate.. I'm tall and I board early and I'll darn well put what I can in the overhead. I usually travel with two small bags and will not kowtow to those who bring the just-barely-legal rollaboard plus another item. As the plane fills, if someone ends up in a situation where they will have to check a bag due to full bins, I'll offer to put one under the seat in front of me. But in the mean time, I'm going to give my arthritic knees the best care I can. As someone stated up thread, having no foot space is like flying Spirit, and I don't do that because I can't without taking pain meds.
I have had FAs request that I put one under the seat and I've declined, saying that the problem is the airline's for making seat pitch too small to optimize revenue, but I say it nicely, not wanting to argue. If they demand I put a bag there, really I have no choice. But I've not yet had the request turn into a demand.
The carriers have turned overhead space into a battle zone, and one of the few things I get for my MM Gold status is an early boarding group.
Second, as to the raging debate.. I'm tall and I board early and I'll darn well put what I can in the overhead. I usually travel with two small bags and will not kowtow to those who bring the just-barely-legal rollaboard plus another item. As the plane fills, if someone ends up in a situation where they will have to check a bag due to full bins, I'll offer to put one under the seat in front of me. But in the mean time, I'm going to give my arthritic knees the best care I can. As someone stated up thread, having no foot space is like flying Spirit, and I don't do that because I can't without taking pain meds.
I have had FAs request that I put one under the seat and I've declined, saying that the problem is the airline's for making seat pitch too small to optimize revenue, but I say it nicely, not wanting to argue. If they demand I put a bag there, really I have no choice. But I've not yet had the request turn into a demand.
The carriers have turned overhead space into a battle zone, and one of the few things I get for my MM Gold status is an early boarding group.
The problem arises when they demand that you put your carry-on under the seat.
I was boarding a flight OGG-SFO and waiting in the Group 1 line (paid F, but only Gold). When the families with young kids boarded a family of 4 tried to get on with 9 bags between them. The GA made them consolidate. Then when they boarded the 1Ks one guy tried to board with about 4 bags. The agent told him no; he tried to DYKWIA his way past ("but I'm 1K and in first...") but the agent wasn't having it. She very professionally said, I appreciate that you are 1K but you can only board with a carry-on and personal item; you can consolidate or we can gate-check some of those bags for you. He ended up boarding late (and walked past me since I was in Row 4 on the 752 -- doors are behind F) and he looked upset. Total jackass. Honestly, what a great GA. Politely and professionally, but firmly, enforcing the rules.
Apr 11, 2019, 6:44 am
#153
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,894
I've seen many a situation when overzealous FAs and gate agents claim that the overhead binds are "full" when they are not - they are often full with jackets, shopping bags, and other small items while passenger after passenger has to gate check their real, standard size carry-on bag. This has happened to me in first class. The focus here should be on space optimization.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 11, 2019 at 11:15 am Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Apr 11, 2019, 6:51 am
#154
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: NJ, USA
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 671
No - OP should not have to check their bag either. I'm sure there was another solution (finding another under seat storage area for the laptop bag elsehwere on the plane, having the FA hold the laptop bag during take off and landing and bringing it back to the OP, etc). But I generally have a standard roller carryon, and I often will sit in the gate area until boarding is almost gone. Gate checking my bag when a small laptop bag is sitting in the overhead would not go over well with me. It should be on the FAs to optimize baggage space.
Apr 11, 2019, 7:43 am
#155
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,884
No - OP should not have to check their bag either. I'm sure there was another solution (finding another under seat storage area for the laptop bag elsehwere on the plane, having the FA hold the laptop bag during take off and landing and bringing it back to the OP, etc). But I generally have a standard roller carryon, and I often will sit in the gate area until boarding is almost gone. Gate checking my bag when a small laptop bag is sitting in the overhead would not go over well with me. It should be on the FAs to optimize baggage space.
I also think it’s funny the new lot of people who say status is no longer worth it even for boarding early. But yet they want the perk of confirmed OH space when they waltz onto the plane at the last minute.
Work towards elite status, or stand in the line with your group number, or check your bag.
This DYKWIA 1K does not care which option someone chooses, but as a pre-boarder, I get first dibs on space whether they like it or not.
Apr 11, 2019, 7:49 am
#156
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Programs: UA LT Gold, American Kettle, Hertz #1 Presidents Circle, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 927
My laptop bag is of the personal item size, but on most 737 planes it will not fit in the under seat storage area for aisle seats (my preferred one) due to how the seat supports are spaced. So it, along with my carry-on, which is NOT a roller bag, go into the OH. I generally take the laptop out, so I can work during the flight, and store it under the seat, the laptop bag then goes into the back of the bin and my carryon in front of it. This also leaves space on top coats/jackets or even a small thin item.
Not all under seat storage space is the same, seat struts, IFE boxes and over stuff cause the available space to vary for each seat. Ironically, my adhoc observations over the years seem to show that the Center Seats seem to have the largest under seat storage area, at least on 737s.
Not all under seat storage space is the same, seat struts, IFE boxes and over stuff cause the available space to vary for each seat. Ironically, my adhoc observations over the years seem to show that the Center Seats seem to have the largest under seat storage area, at least on 737s.
Apr 11, 2019, 8:33 am
#157
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Boston MA
Programs: UA 1K/1.5 million miler, SU Gold, JL Sapphire
Posts: 529
I was on UA 2239 yesterday from SFO-EWR. I had seat 20C. I had checked my bags and only had a laptop bag and a small purse with me. I knew that 20C, being an exit row aisle, had half the storage in front of the seat when compared to normal seats - even that half is further reduced due to the inbuilt box under seat 12C. I knew I could not put anything more than a small purse under the seat in front of me.
I boarded with group 1 and placed my laptop bag in the overhead bin, and my purse in the tiny space under the seat in front of me. Towards the end of boarding, an FA came to my row, picked up my laptop bag from the overhead bin and asked whose it was. When I identified it as mine, he put it in my lap and tried to put another passenger’s large duffel bag in the overhead bin. I protested saying there was no place to put my laptop bag. He said I should put smaller items under the seat in front of me as overhead bins were reserved only for large items. I showed him the space in front of my seat, so he knew there was no way to fit a laptop bag there. He then said he would find space for my laptop bag and went to the front of the plane. In the meantime, I went ahead and placed my bag in the overhead bin, preempting the other passenger from placing his large duffel there. Several minutes later, the FA returned and told the other passenger he would need to check his bag.
I thought that was the end of it. The FA came back to my row later and said:
FA – “We are all good now. But for your information, the overhead bins are only for the large carry-ons”
Me – “I thought passengers are supposed to put THEIR large carry-on in the overhead bin and the smaller item in front of them”
FA – “No, the overhead bins are reserved for large carry-ons only”
Me – “What would you have me do? Check my laptop bag even when that is my large item?”
FA – “Well yes. Other flight attendants would probably have made you do that but since I am nice, I won’t do it”
Me – “You can’t do that !!!”
FA – “You want to try me?”
At this point, I was beyond stunned. I’m close to hitting a million miles on UA soon. For an FA to try to bully me into checking my one single laptop bag to fit a late arriving passenger’s large duffel is beyond unprofessional. And to taunt a passenger with that last statement – I have no words!!! Had I not been in a rush to get back home, I would have escalated the issue to the purser/captain of the flight. I chose to remain quiet and let the FA have his power trip. I have written to UA customer care but I highly doubt anything will come of it. I am still seething nearly a day later. I did describe the FA in my email to customer service - hopefully they can identify him and re-train him. Sigh!!!
I boarded with group 1 and placed my laptop bag in the overhead bin, and my purse in the tiny space under the seat in front of me. Towards the end of boarding, an FA came to my row, picked up my laptop bag from the overhead bin and asked whose it was. When I identified it as mine, he put it in my lap and tried to put another passenger’s large duffel bag in the overhead bin. I protested saying there was no place to put my laptop bag. He said I should put smaller items under the seat in front of me as overhead bins were reserved only for large items. I showed him the space in front of my seat, so he knew there was no way to fit a laptop bag there. He then said he would find space for my laptop bag and went to the front of the plane. In the meantime, I went ahead and placed my bag in the overhead bin, preempting the other passenger from placing his large duffel there. Several minutes later, the FA returned and told the other passenger he would need to check his bag.
I thought that was the end of it. The FA came back to my row later and said:
FA – “We are all good now. But for your information, the overhead bins are only for the large carry-ons”
Me – “I thought passengers are supposed to put THEIR large carry-on in the overhead bin and the smaller item in front of them”
FA – “No, the overhead bins are reserved for large carry-ons only”
Me – “What would you have me do? Check my laptop bag even when that is my large item?”
FA – “Well yes. Other flight attendants would probably have made you do that but since I am nice, I won’t do it”
Me – “You can’t do that !!!”
FA – “You want to try me?”
At this point, I was beyond stunned. I’m close to hitting a million miles on UA soon. For an FA to try to bully me into checking my one single laptop bag to fit a late arriving passenger’s large duffel is beyond unprofessional. And to taunt a passenger with that last statement – I have no words!!! Had I not been in a rush to get back home, I would have escalated the issue to the purser/captain of the flight. I chose to remain quiet and let the FA have his power trip. I have written to UA customer care but I highly doubt anything will come of it. I am still seething nearly a day later. I did describe the FA in my email to customer service - hopefully they can identify him and re-train him. Sigh!!!
These seats are very cramped as they are. So, no, we don't have to keep overhead bins for rollerboards. Sorry.
For this FA to pick a fight with you over this is beyond the pale. Sorry. He is wrong, you are right.
If United wants to solve the problem, it is easy to do. In Asia, first luggage is always free, and guess what, planes never run out of overhead space and planes load much faster. The US airlines have only themselves to blame here.
But while they insist on "monetizing" luggage, then there should be absolutely no expectation to lose someone's feet space.
Apr 11, 2019, 10:57 am
#158
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum; Hyatt Diamond/GLOB
Posts: 738
Apr 11, 2019, 12:07 pm
#159
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,894
I was on the phone in the gate area and was waiting until the end to board. I go to board, and the gate agent says "All overhead bins are full, so you have to gate check your bag." I say "Even in First?" She says "Yes." I get on the plane and notice an entire basically empty bin (maybe with a jacket and a purse) in F. I actually get out of my seat and go back on to the jet bridge and try to retreive by bag, and the GA refuses to give it to me. I blame this more on the gate agents than the FAs, but I would bet there were many empty overhead bins available on that flight if the overhead space was optimized...
Apr 11, 2019, 12:21 pm
#160
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
The guy who boards in Zone 23 and crushes your laptop with his steamer trunk may feel differently.
Apr 11, 2019, 12:53 pm
#161
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SEA, SFO, PRG
Programs: UA 1k, Delta Gold
Posts: 77
Maybe if pitch wasn't 31 inches, making anyone who is not a circus midget very uncomfortable and people over 6'3 straight unable to fit without a foot area empty.
Apr 12, 2019, 12:16 pm
#162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
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Apr 12, 2019, 1:26 pm
#163
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,257
If I bring an empty rollaboard along and put my laptop bag inside it, can I then stow my laptop bag overhead?
Apr 12, 2019, 2:23 pm
#165
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,218
Unbelievable. I mean I believe @onthesam but ridiculous state of affairs.
DVT is a real issue on planes and the ability to move feet and legs helps with minimizing DVT. Bet the policy/guidelines on this change when UA realizes the potential law suits this may open them up to.