Baggage Revisted....

I know I've covered this topic before but somehow it continues to be an issue. The fight for space. The itty bitty bags in the overhead taking up room for someone's suitcase.  And my favorite- purses in the lap.  Boarding is chaos when passengers fail to follow instructions.

Thx Google! I Love it!

Overhead Bins Space is limited & first come-first serve.  If you board toward the end, expect to have your bag "Gate Checked" to its final destination.  If the airplane has an overhead bin the size large enough to fit a carry-on bag (see the airlines' size requirements) then they will NOT "Gate Valet" your bag and bring it to the jetbridge for you in your next arrival city.  Please do not argue with us about this.  We do what we can in making room for bags in the bins, but if there is no space- there is no space. We haven't been given a magic wand yet (but our union is in negotiations for one).

The itty-bitty bags up top are a huge pet-peeve too. BUT I can't force anyone to put their small bags under their seat.  If they want to put their bag up- they can.  Sometimes they have 2 small bags with one already under their seat.  Do NOT move another person's bag without asking the owner of the bag. Basically- the Golden Rule of "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" applies here.  Would you like it if you were the last on because you had to run from one end of an airport to make your flight and were unable to board with the first boarding group as your ticket says only to have to check your bag? No. So do that person a favor and put your briefcase or backpack under your seat.  Once we get in the air, you can put that bag behind your feet and stretch out.

Thank you Google Image Search....how fashionable..

PURSES & Handbags: When I announce over the PA that all Carry-on & Personal Items must be properly stowed- I am telling you that whatever you brought on the plane must be put away under the seat in front or in the overhead bin. Is that a difficult concept?

Apparently.  Ladies....do your Flight Attendants a favor and put your handbag under the seat before we even have to ask you during our pre-take-off safety checks.  And if you forgot- please do not give us attitude when we say "Ma'am could you place your purse under the seat for take-off? Once we're in the air you can put it back on your lap if you prefer." We don't really like to get into a debate with you about it not being a carry-on. We always win that match.  Did you carry it onto the airplane? Yes.  Then it is a carry-on and must be stowed.  But it's your purse. I know. But PERSonal Items must be properly stowed as well.  Is that purse yours? Yes. Then it is a Personal item.  Are you still not wanting to stow your item? Thank you so much for your compliance & again you can place it back on your lap as soon as we get into the air.

See that wasn't so bad.

Stowing & Removing Items: Please be careful...if your bag is heavy ask the person near you to assist you just to have an extra hand to prevent the bag from falling on the passenger sitting below the overhead bin.  The aisle seat can be terrifying!  Imagine if a bag fell on you because of a passenger unable to fully lift the bag.  Note: Strong Men- help out those who appear to struggle- you'll not only get an ego boost but you'll save the head of someone & a headache of paperwork for me :)

Do NOT do this.

If the bag is stuffed full and all of its expansion zippers are opened- your bag has NO wiggle room. If you attempt to fit it in- and are having to force it in the bin- don't. Forcing the bag into the bin can damage the bin or prevent your bag from coming out.  Just let the flight attendant know.  I usually suggest removing a few items (usually its the shoes or toiletry bag that do it) and try to stow it again. Otherwise check the bag. It's FREE.

If the bag has this tag- Its NOT yours!

MANY BAGS LOOK ALIKE. Be sure you take your own bag during deplaning.  If the bag says "CREW" on it- that's not your bag. If you are crew- be sure you take your own crew bag, and be sure you add things to your bag to make it easily identifiable as "Crew".  My airline has had several incidents of passengers accidentally taking a crew bag and sometimes these bags never turn up. 

The same goes for regular passengers- be sure to make your bag easily identifiable.  There are tons of ways to do this. My favorite is from eHow.com if you don't mind personalizing the actual bag!  Get a bright color other than Blue, Black, or Red. But if you do get those colors I think this example is a way to take an old plain, popular bag and make it a one & only! Another idea is to buy ribbon in your favorite team colors and tie a few on each handle.  Its quick & easy and helps you know its your carry-on.

I am still not convinced that the carry-on bag problem is a result of checked bag fees.  My passengers get upset about having to part with their bag- even when we tell them that gate checking is free!  Some gate-check as soon as they get to the gate because they know its free, but more often than not it's a huge confrontation between the ground crews & flight crews about passengers refusing to check bags.....just sayin.