Running out of overhead space
Jan 16, 2009, 5:35 pm
#46
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ZRH
Posts: 659
Quite often, IME, people just throw bags haphazardly into the OH's and waste space. I can quite often open a closed OH, do some reconfiguration, and fit in my bag with minimal disruption of others' property.
I can put whatever I want in the overhead. There is no FAR that says I have to place one under my seat. If I want to place two overhead, thats my prerogative. If there is not enough space, US needs to address this by changing the allowance of two bags, or at least enforce their current rules on size.
My status doesn't give the right to waste communal space and possibly inconvenience others who would have to then check a bag. Esp. on US!
I think FA's who encourage pax to first put bags underfoot, and then use the OH's are sending the correct message. Even though that is not, per se, a FAR. Of course, on an obviously light flight, I will put both my bags--and I almost always have two--up into the OH. If this became an issue, I would quickly take my computer bag and put it back under my seat to accomodate the bags of others.
I just feel everything seems to go more pleasantly when pax look out for one another and take others into consideration. Just my $.02
Jan 16, 2009, 5:43 pm
#47
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ZRH
Posts: 659
Give me a break. I am constantly amazed at the self stuffed, self entitled few who think they own the plane. What is it going to hurt to try and make the experience a bit more pleasant for all. I have a visual of the obliviate who will stick his roll a board in sideways on the long side, put the laptop behind that and then the coat - voila - a whole overhead taken up - now, where is the FA with my pre-departure drink?
Jan 19, 2009, 9:23 am
#48
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: AA EXP; Marriott Lifetime / Annual Titanium; Massively Missing Starwood
Posts: 5,352
Dingo, in many ways the f/a is correct, however he probably COULD help the wheelchair passenger if the chip on his shoulder wasnt so big!
Here's the deal. The company does NOT consider f/a's bag handlers. The company insurance reps are VERY specific with that. We are required to "ASSIST" the passenger. The problem with that is that the customer doesn't always live up to their side of the bargain with regards to the word assist. In the past, if a f/a DID become injured because of lifting a bag for a customer, the insurance companies have denied coverage stating "it is not your job." Simply put, it is not our job. The company, however, gets all pissy when they hear things like this, but are unwilling to change the language and work with the insurance companies so we are allowed to truly help.
I do know f/a's who have been injuries helping grandma or a disabled passenger with their bags. Regardless if they stated they were assisting or not, it is no fun to be on an OJI (on job injury). The company assumes you are faking and you only get 80% of your pay PLUS no work and no per diem means $400+ less in your paycheck. A big price to pay for lifting a bag. It is a no win situation.
The problem is attitude. I see the strongest guys wuss out with helping old ladies. They will brag about heading to the gym on their layover, but God forbid they lift a bag for an elderly man or woman on the a/c. I take my chances with those really needing help. But I ain't 24 and at 46 I DO need to be more protective. Obviously, I don't have a chip on my shoulder bigger than Manhattan.
Here's the deal. The company does NOT consider f/a's bag handlers. The company insurance reps are VERY specific with that. We are required to "ASSIST" the passenger. The problem with that is that the customer doesn't always live up to their side of the bargain with regards to the word assist. In the past, if a f/a DID become injured because of lifting a bag for a customer, the insurance companies have denied coverage stating "it is not your job." Simply put, it is not our job. The company, however, gets all pissy when they hear things like this, but are unwilling to change the language and work with the insurance companies so we are allowed to truly help.
I do know f/a's who have been injuries helping grandma or a disabled passenger with their bags. Regardless if they stated they were assisting or not, it is no fun to be on an OJI (on job injury). The company assumes you are faking and you only get 80% of your pay PLUS no work and no per diem means $400+ less in your paycheck. A big price to pay for lifting a bag. It is a no win situation.
The problem is attitude. I see the strongest guys wuss out with helping old ladies. They will brag about heading to the gym on their layover, but God forbid they lift a bag for an elderly man or woman on the a/c. I take my chances with those really needing help. But I ain't 24 and at 46 I DO need to be more protective. Obviously, I don't have a chip on my shoulder bigger than Manhattan.
The wheelchair thing was what caught my attention.
Jan 22, 2009, 3:16 am
#49
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NC
Programs: Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,881
A different twist on a flight from CLT to BOS last night - the GA announced that anyone in a Zone lower than 3 who was willing to check their luggage at the gate, would be given a new boarding pass with a Zone 3 designation.