Overhead bins for large items ONLY??
Apr 12, 2019, 2:25 pm
#166
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
I'm under 6'0, but I have arthritis. So a full foot area in front of a 30 inch pitch will not work. My small laptop bag has to go overhead. It's the only thing I take on the plane and it's simply absurd that I should have to put it under the seat to make room for someone who is going to take up 5X as much space.
If I bring an empty rollaboard along and put my laptop bag inside it, can I then stow my laptop bag overhead?
If I bring an empty rollaboard along and put my laptop bag inside it, can I then stow my laptop bag overhead?
Please do not start stealing my "idea". 😛
Apr 12, 2019, 2:49 pm
#168
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,620
I fly often with just a personal item. I sit in an aisle seat typically so I usually put my small personal bag in the overhead and access it during the flight as needed. I have never been asked to remove it and place it beneath my seat. If that started to happen I would just shift to a "large carry-on", agree ridiculous.
Apr 12, 2019, 5:45 pm
#169
Join Date: May 2013
Programs: UAL 1k, AA Gold, Delta Silver
Posts: 64
Not in defense of rude FAs, but.....
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.
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.
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 13, 2019, 1:30 am
#170
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
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Posts: 20,343
The carrot isn't working with carry-on. Now it is time for the stick it seems.But it could all be nipped at the bud at the gate.
Apr 14, 2019, 7:10 am
#171
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: MCI ** UA Plat, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,250
I dunno. Does that mean every bag goes into the sizer? I've seen that (F9) and it's frustrating and a huge waste of time in 90% of the cases. Especially when the sizers are in no way near representative of the overhead bins on the aircraft. Or does that mean everything with wheels gets a gate check tag, as I've seen some agents do? Most people just pocket the tag on the jet bridge and quietly take their stuff aboard anyway (as I do) - I fly every week and know my stuff fits on every aircraft I fly, and am always boarding in group 1.... How do you fix it at the gate?
Apr 14, 2019, 7:19 am
#172
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I dunno. Does that mean every bag goes into the sizer? I've seen that (F9) and it's frustrating and a huge waste of time in 90% of the cases. Especially when the sizers are in no way near representative of the overhead bins on the aircraft. Or does that mean everything with wheels gets a gate check tag, as I've seen some agents do? Most people just pocket the tag on the jet bridge and quietly take their stuff aboard anyway (as I do) - I fly every week and know my stuff fits on every aircraft I fly, and am always boarding in group 1.... How do you fix it at the gate?
Apr 15, 2019, 5:39 am
#173
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Programs: AAdvantage - PLT Pro, United Premier PLT, HHonors - Diamond, National - Ex. Elite
Posts: 31
I would argue by ONLY taking a personal item aboard, you've already been more courteous than 95% of the flying population. However, if you'd like to go the extra mile and put your one item under your feet, I commend you. Just don't try to make me feel guilty about taking only one tiny item onboard... then daring to store it overhead rather than underfoot.
Just to be clear.. in the case where someone a carryon and a personal Item, I agree, the personal item should go under the seat.
Just to be clear.. in the case where someone a carryon and a personal Item, I agree, the personal item should go under the seat.
Sorry, but it is obviously a very sore subject with me. Weekly.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 15, 2019 at 5:28 pm Reason: Using symbols, spaces or other methods to mask vulgarities is not allowed.
Apr 15, 2019, 6:20 am
#174
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: GUM/BOI
Programs: *bucks Gold
Posts: 69
It's just plain foolishness to pick a fight with an FA, just as it's foolishness to mouth off to TSA or CBP. Especially AFTER the issue has already been resolved in your favor.
It's easy to talk big on line. We get this foolish bravado every time one of these threads crops up.
It's easy to talk big on line. We get this foolish bravado every time one of these threads crops up.
Apr 15, 2019, 2:27 pm
#175
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
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I rarely see much abuse on domestic flights - most people have one bag but there are more than a few like myself that have a 22" suitcase and a backpack/large handbag combo. Maybe 1 in 100 has a third item and maybe 1 in 50 a suitcase that will not fit wheel out in a standard 737, 757 or 319 bin. So I think the abuse part is overrated. For international I normally fly paid C and sometimes have a small shopping bag with duty free when I'm headed home in addition to my 22" and swiss laptop backpack, but I have never ever seen the Polaris bins 100% full - usually the opposite with plenty of open space. So I'm not taking anyone's space with my duty free or even my backpack when flying TATL or TPAC.
As for the "policy" I've said it before and will say it again: I fully expect to put both my items in the overhead bin, and think I've earned that privilege, both through status and by flying on full Y domestic for business and paid C international. If UA decides to mandate that all 2nd carry-on items must go under the seat, I will switch to another airline for my domestic travel. That's non-negotiable for me. I don't check bags except on Qantas where I have no choice (or on a ski trip). I could not care in the least if a Group 3-5 customer has to check a bag because the bins are full. Better them than me as they probably paid less and have no status.
As for the "policy" I've said it before and will say it again: I fully expect to put both my items in the overhead bin, and think I've earned that privilege, both through status and by flying on full Y domestic for business and paid C international. If UA decides to mandate that all 2nd carry-on items must go under the seat, I will switch to another airline for my domestic travel. That's non-negotiable for me. I don't check bags except on Qantas where I have no choice (or on a ski trip). I could not care in the least if a Group 3-5 customer has to check a bag because the bins are full. Better them than me as they probably paid less and have no status.
Apr 15, 2019, 3:10 pm
#176
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,620
I rarely see much abuse on domestic flights - most people have one bag but there are more than a few like myself that have a 22" suitcase and a backpack/large handbag combo. Maybe 1 in 100 has a third item and maybe 1 in 50 a suitcase that will not fit wheel out in a standard 737, 757 or 319 bin. So I think the abuse part is overrated. For international I normally fly paid C and sometimes have a small shopping bag with duty free when I'm headed home in addition to my 22" and swiss laptop backpack, but I have never ever seen the Polaris bins 100% full - usually the opposite with plenty of open space. So I'm not taking anyone's space with my duty free or even my backpack when flying TATL or TPAC.
As for the "policy" I've said it before and will say it again: I fully expect to put both my items in the overhead bin, and think I've earned that privilege, both through status and by flying on full Y domestic for business and paid C international. If UA decides to mandate that all 2nd carry-on items must go under the seat, I will switch to another airline for my domestic travel. That's non-negotiable for me. I don't check bags except on Qantas where I have no choice (or on a ski trip). I could not care in the least if a Group 3-5 customer has to check a bag because the bins are full. Better them than me as they probably paid less and have no status.
As for the "policy" I've said it before and will say it again: I fully expect to put both my items in the overhead bin, and think I've earned that privilege, both through status and by flying on full Y domestic for business and paid C international. If UA decides to mandate that all 2nd carry-on items must go under the seat, I will switch to another airline for my domestic travel. That's non-negotiable for me. I don't check bags except on Qantas where I have no choice (or on a ski trip). I could not care in the least if a Group 3-5 customer has to check a bag because the bins are full. Better them than me as they probably paid less and have no status.
Apr 27, 2019, 4:07 pm
#177
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Chicago IL US
Programs: UA 1K; National Executive Elite; Hertz PC & Hotels Galore
Posts: 946
Just heard FA announce:
"for those of you who do a lot of traveling, if something fits underneath the seat in front of you, then it doesn't go overhead"
"for those of you who do a lot of traveling, if something fits underneath the seat in front of you, then it doesn't go overhead"
Apr 27, 2019, 6:51 pm
#178
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
You appear to have flights with the overhead police. Interesting it was limited to those who do a lot of travelling. Well this frequent flyer is going to ensure my carryon is "too large" to fit under the seat in front of me, which I think if all of the FFers start doing this will actually result in less room in the overhead.
Apr 27, 2019, 7:00 pm
#179
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Chicago IL US
Programs: UA 1K; National Executive Elite; Hertz PC & Hotels Galore
Posts: 946
until recently I had never heard a PA on the subject. Now I've heard something on 2 of my last 10 flights.
Apr 28, 2019, 12:06 am
#180
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
Meanwhile, Friday night I saw a passenger take up a substantial section of an overhead with his hat. Luckily, the flight wasn't full and there was plenty of room for everyone's carry-ons.