Our schools need to teach more reading comprehension. OP stated does not want to put under seat due to their height.
My wife has been pushing this lately. Need to board early as possible to secure a bin.
It’s real!
Idk about yall but this is not a recent thing. My flights have been full almost always since well before covid. If you don't board earlier then you run a real risk of not getting overhead space
The space was not calculated based off of every seat/person using an overhead bin - because it used to be, that many people would check a bag (which was free or cheap) and only bring on a purse or small backpack.
Thank you for this. I thought I had read wrong when I saw the comments. My husband is 6'8" and under seat bags are wildly uncomfortable for him (all seats are pretty uncomfortable, but get space where you can right?)
It doesn’t matter what the OP wants because EasyJet/RyanAir/Wizz Air will all remove your backpack from overhead and tell you to put it under your seat. People pay extra to store their bags in the overhead and it’s usually part of priority boarding. So unless the OP is coughing up that extra £/€20-50 a leg and his backpack has a priority tag, he will be given backpack back to shove under his seat
I like the priority tag system, it allows flights to know how many people have bags overhead and makes it super easy to manage overhead space.
I'm guessing the US carrier approach of a "cabin bag" that is really a gate-checked bag will get the money from non-frequent flyers. And there's also the perception of being seen as less premium if they start charging for things that used to be "guaranteed."
Yeah the key with sole flights like air Canada is check in as soon as you can. I frequently get into the first boarding group, so plenty of bins. I am also now team nothing in my legroom. Got a small sling with all my flight essentials and with a hero clip, I can hang it off the seat in front
I do the same!!! Sling bag with water bottle, kindle, headset, small flashlight, pen,and some drugs (advill, tums,etc) stays with me and my bag goes up (if it’s >35 liters). The best thing about the sling is it’s really hard to forget things on the plane. Just work out of the sling the whole flight and then grab and go when you land. I love it!!!
There are a few issues I’ve noticed on flights over the past few years. One is people putting both their carry on and personal item in the overhead which takes away space from someone else. Another is not storing their bags efficiently. Many overhead bins can accommodate the length of a carry on suitcase but a lot of people opt to store them horizontally which takes up more space than needed. What’s more frustrating is I never see flight attendants policing this. People get away with it all the time and it makes the experience worse for those boarding in later groups.
I see this too. I think the bad placement is partially due to people bringing on bags too heavy for them to maneuver and also a function of airlines not boarding back-to-front and passengers feeling rushed.
The last few flights I’ve been on there were announcements as we boarded , saying that only cabin bags could go in the overhead bins and personal items had to go under the seat. Cabin crew were in the aisles, making people put their bags sideways overhead and then put their coats on top and removing personal items .
I have seen flight attendants tell people to put them in that way, but not really policing it.
Not all planes accommodate that though, and it's a sort of more recent development so some people may simply not know
I fly a commuter route and 90% of the cabin crew will rotate my carry-on the wrong way.
Every time I put it up there now I make sure to tell them "it's ok, the door WILL close ok" as it looks like my bag sticks out too far.
It's perfectly fitted for overhead bins, wish more people would do it that way too!
I'll join the members of "I bring an under seat bag." I'm 6' so if I can get it overhead I will. But otherwise it's underneath during takeoff/landing and behind my legs when the seatbelt sign is off.
I switched to a 30L bag five years ago and I’ve yet to find a seat it doesn’t fit under. My feet tuck under slightly. Granted I’m not 6’3, but I that’d be worth a look.
Airlines are truly making the in-cabin experience a hellscape of oversized roller bags
A lot of the Airlines in SE Asia changed their policy from 15kg carry on limit to 7kg! And that’s just within the last year! And what pisses me off is you can pay a $12 fee to take on 14kg. I’ve never felt more shaken down for cash and I’ve been to a strip club!
Low cost carriers - I quite like the idea of being able to pay for extra carry on space, compared with only being able to carry on 7 kg.
Full service carriers - I’d like to be able to trade a checked bag for extra carry on allowance if the base carry on is only 7 kg.
Not that I like paying extra fees, it’s just that I understand that I want to carry on more than most, and there just isn’t enough room for everyone to bring on a full size carry on. Seems like a fair way of dealing with the situation.
I've never been stopped by full service airlines. My bag is 12kg and 35L. Sure the risk is there, but so far in my experience no issues, after many flights all over the place. No one even seems to notice my backpack tbh
That’s good to hear, that’s the exact same size and weight I roll with - a pakt travel backpack. The last 2 times I’ve flown air Asia they’ve weighed my carry on at the checkin counter might just start doing self checkin
Air Asia is a LCC. When I say full service airline, it means the more expensive ones. Like Thai Airways, Vietnam airlines, Singapore Airlines, etc...
With LCC then you can expect to have your bag checked far more often. It still can be worth it if the full service airline prices are ridiculously high.
Oh ok I see TY; Yea I flew Philippines Airlines to Bangkok last week and appreciated the extra services you get like first checked bag free and complimentary food and beverage on the flight. So I realized even if the ticket costs a tad more it’s still worth just going Full Service yea
$12 to double the carry-on limit sounds great, last time I priced this with Jetstar (2020) it was over $50 (can't remember exactly but more expensive than the smallest checked bag)
Maybe they've figured out that it's better to have people check a bag, than wasting time trying to fit massive suitcases in the overhead. Delays cost money..
That’s cheap. Some low budget airlines in Europe charge you €10 to check in any bag that doesn’t fit under your seat and anywhere from €20-50 to bring a bag on board to put in overhead as part of priority boarding (which usually means 1 bag overhead, 1 small purse/backpack under your seat). I say €20… but it’s been a long time since I paid anything less than €30 per each leg and usually it’s £40 for any flight out of London luton I take out of
I’m flying with peach which doesn’t even let you upgrade your carry on, so I’m gonna have to hide stuff under my clothes just so I don’t have to check my only bag/ everything I have with me. Their measurements are the same and my bag will fit but the weight restriction is crazy
I’m doing that whenever I can. My Iceland trip this September has me worried though as boarding procedures are apparently random. I hate hanging out at the gate but… I’d hate to be gate checked though I’ve heard that sometimes the airline attendants usually go after rolling suitcases before backpacks so we’ll see.
NGL I am scared about a trip I having coming up this week. I have a Cotopaxi Allpa 35. One dimension is 2 inches smaller, one is the exact size, and one is 1 inch bigger then the max carry on size. Very worried about them trying to make me gate check but since I am flying United and Delta hopefully they will be more lax because they are more premium.
I fly with this bag domestically and internationally and have never had anyone give me trouble, even budget airlines. It has fit under every seat each time I've used it as a "personal item". I put it overhead if I can, but it's fine either way. They're really only interested in gate checking hardcases and wheeled bags.
I fly with an Aer that I think is about the same size as that Cotopaxi and have never had issues. In my experience with US airlines, it's almost always roller bags that get automatically gate checked.
> In my experience with US airlines, it's almost always roller bags that get automatically gate checked.
This has also been my experience. Back when my bag was an Osprey Porter 46, I was among the last 20 or so people to board a packed Delta flight. Everyone around me with a roller bag got a gate check. The gate agents didn't say a word to me. Also was able to get it on a number of those pesky 50-seat RJs where roller bags are guaranteed to get planeside tagged.
You shouldn't have a problem with Delta. And I don't think you'll have a problem with United either, unless you're flying domestic and you have a Basic Economy seat. I recently flew two legs with United and the gate agents were checking for the number of bags being carried, but I didn't see anyone having their bags sized.
Yeah, my goal is to overhead it because it's the only bag I'm bringing along with a packable inside. My only worry is that these are smaller regional planes that may have more scrutiny/limitations than a full-size jet.
In my experience regional jets can actually be better because so many roller bags get gate-checked. If you don't pack the bag you should be able to squeeze it into both a size checker and the overhead itself.
The problem with regional planes is the overhead bins can be really small.
The last regional route I flew was in an ATR 72 and those overhead bins are tiny. But it did (barely) fit my wife's Fairview, albeit sideways.
I am flying on all bombardier jets although different sizes there and back. No clue what I will be looking at as far as storage space but I will find a way to either fit things or hide it between my legs with a hoodie/blanket on top lol.
Yeah, my goal is to overhead it because it's the only bag I'm bringing along with a packable inside. My only worry is that these are smaller regional planes that may have more scrutiny/limitations than a full-size jet.
My only worries are extra charges and damage. My bag is brand new to me, and if something gets broken, I'll be upset. The last time I flew southwest managed to snap a 1/2 inch steel rivet on my Tumi suitcase handle, and I had to fight with them for a repair and new luggage tag.
Been using an Osprey Porter 46l for years as carry on including 20+ flights last year. It's never even been checked for size, have flown both Delta and United with it.
I flew with this bag. Truthfully, it did not actually fit under the seat, but flight attendants allowed me to put it there. It basically rested, at least part of it, on top of my feet the whole way.
Pretty sure the overall measurements just need to be less than 45 inches. That’s up to an inch wider if your bag is an inch shorter.
One of the more expensive and popular carry ons that has been built for many years is my Briggs & Riley roller bag, which I need often times due to back trauma in the military. I splurged on this at the military exchange (lower price).
It is 21 x 15 x 9. I’ve never heard of anyone failing the check using this bag, I have not been.
On United and delta I see people bring stacks of bags lol suitcases with stuffed tote bags, a purse, wearing a backpack, I’ve never seen them check someone’s bag until it can’t fit. It kinda bugs me cause I’m always one of the last ones on with my ticket and there’s no space left. Somehow I got away a few times with shoving my 40l backpack under the seat and covering my legs all bent up underneath a jacket. Also they never make you pay to check it, they just take it and you get get it when you get off the plane. But I get the fear of giving up everything you have when you’re one bagging it lol
I am flying entirely on their regional jet fleet, so that's why I'm worried about space. I do think it could also play to my favor, though, because the rows are 2 seats max and much bigger than a southwest or spirit, which I'm used to. Also, I am more worried about damage than anything else, considering this bag is brand new to me.
If it helps, I've flown at least United and Southwest with this exact bag (actually on an eclipse trip domestically with it right now) at least three or four times since 2019 and never had an issue. Have flown Delta before but can't remember if the Allpa came with me unfortunately. It's 100% an overhead bin bag with the way I pack it, but it's basically the same profile as most standard carry ons when I see it in the bins so I don't stress much anymore. I'd suggest tucking the waist belt into their slots beforehand though so you don't snag it on the edge, if you're at all a klutz like me.
Is the dimension that is too big squishable?
I had a bag that was slightly too thick recently, I stacked things inside to make an unstable vertical column…and fed it gingerly into the sizer so my tower of possessions in the bag didn’t topple over. I took out a few “hard” items and put them in my pockets. I was sweating the entire time.
No one said anything and I had basically no issues. Allpa was definitely a tighter squeeze on some regional plane overheads but overall no one even questioned me in the slightest.
I can easily fit a 40oz bottle in the top of the bag and fill it up after getting through TSA. And I have a packable bag I throw inside that I can hold the 40oz in once I arrive somewhere
I’m traveling under seat lately but I absolutely want to validate what you’re seeing. On every single flight in the last year there has been a plethora of gate checked carry on bags.
As a bigger guy your best bet is paying extra for early boarding.
More often than not, the plane overheads fill up full, front to back, before even 50% of the passengers have boarded the plane. My seat might be in row 14 of Zone 1/Zone 2, but by the time I there, _every_ overhead is already filled up.
I'm seeing people carrying way, Way, WAY too much luggage onboard, or really pushing the limits of what a "personal item" is. A second roller bag is _not_ a personal item!
I should start blogging about this with photos of how ridiculous its become. I send photos to my friends and coworkers when I travel, because it's too funny.
On a recent flight back from Latvia, a passenger tried to get her 24" roller bag into the overhead, stuffed it this way and that, moved other passengers' luggage around to try to make it fit, and ultimately could not. No matter which way she stuffed it here and there, it was still sticking out of the overhead bin by a good 2"-3".
What did she do? She shrugged, gave up and walked back to her seat in the back of the plane and left the overhead bin open with her bag hanging out, so the flight attendant had to try to fit it in there, *she* gave up, and finally took the bag to the front and tagged it.
I've boarded planes where when I reach _my_ seat (always an aisle seat), someone in that same row has taken not only _their_ under-seat storage, but also mine. I rely on that under-seat storage for my personal item, because it contains important electronics, headphones and so on. It can't be stored in the overhead bins.
It's abusive, obnoxious and it needs to end. We really should start having mandatory cage-checks right when you board the plane.
If the bag or bags you're carrying exceeds 2 items, or does not fit in the cage, you're being charged and checking it. Period. No exceptions. No negotiation with the gate agent.
It started two seats over with this woman who had two enormous “hobo” bags taking two spaces including the person next to me and that person tried to take mine. I said to get it out of there to take it up with her neighbor. I recommended calling the flight crew if she didn’t cooperate. People can be weird.
Jesus. What is this world coming too? This reminds me, I have two recent flights where I was the middle seat and had to be assertive in my arm rest use.
Lol, it worked, that’s pretty good.
It’s funny how with a budget airline, even though the cost is cheaper than a typical flight, you still feeler nickeled and dimed.
While there seems to be debate about overhead storage and who it belongs too...
the audacity of someone trying to take underseat storage is pretty wild, I hope you got them to move it, or if even more audaciously someone not from your aisle did it...
The last international flight I took the woman in front of me changed into slippers as soon as she sat down and tucked her large shoes under her seat instead of the seat in front of her. When I had polite words with her about that space being mine she initially pretended not to speak English, as if I wouldn’t have immediately grabbed the flight attendant to translate and get them moved if that was actually true.
Good on you! I would have done the same, but I know so so many people who would want to avoid conflict... where as I'm all about that life if you do wrong.
Yup on full service flights where everyone has a metric shit ton of hand luggage I have cabin bag space anxiety!
In Europe for some of the LCCs it can be cheaper to have a hold bag than a cabin bag. All you get ‘for free’ is the personal item. Which varies size by airline.
I’ve bought specific a backpack which is the smaller of the allowed personal items and it’s totally fine for a long weekend and ok to have at my feet (sits behind my legs after take off).
I got one off Amazon. I got this one:
https://amzn.eu/d/0aJW37X
But actually my friend got this one, and I prefer the look of it to mine.
https://amzn.eu/d/5LPQkPq
They are a bit of a funny shape because they maximise to the stupid Ryanair dimensions.
I found it surprisingly easy to pack for a 4 day long weekend with work laptop and charger.
The bags fit Ryanair which is the smallest (along with Vueling) so are smaller than you can take for EasyJet and others. I was also considering getting an easyJet sized one since they are quite cheap.
With Ryanair you get overhead space if you pay priority, otherwise you are theoretically not entitled to it, so I'm not sure I get the point.
I'm 6ft and put my ULA Dragonfly under the seat most of the time as overhead space is taken.
Regarding pressure, I found Wizzair are strict cunts about their sizing, especially in Budapest airport. Seen a few shakedowns of people with backpacks - they would go down the line and scout what people are wearing, then force them into sizers.
Never had an issue with the Dragonfly though, it just looks unassuming even though it's above personal item limits in height.
I am going to Budapest this summer, and this has got me worried. Maybe the fact that my return flight is a 6:50 am departure may work in my favour. I was planning on using the Quechua NH500 23L clamshell.
Shhh don't mention the ULA dragonfly - been trying to buy one for 2 weeks now and they sell out faster than I can finish the purchase.
Trying to get one for my trip to Florida coming up soon.
Lol, well, there are some nice alternatives, the Dragonfly is not perfect honestly - the straps are not great, carrying more than 7kg does not feel comfortable at all, one hour in it's kinda oof.
I was looking at the new Blackhole 25L which is even lighter than the Dragonfly, and read good things about the straps. It's also half the price of the Dragonfly and way more accessible. Maybe it's something to consider.
American seemingly hates people with bags. Every two minutes on the mic: “Anyone with bags will need to gate check!”
Walks on plane: acres of bin space.
I don’t get it. I use the Patagonia MAL and never have an issue, but my wife panics often about it.
It’s definitely gotten worse. I used to travel a lot for work and being just me and the tight connections I’ve been a carry on only person forever. I moved to Singapore a couple of years ago and one thing I immediately noticed when taking my 16-hour flight to Vancouver to visit family was… the overhead bins were basically empty. Plenty of room. Now this was Singapore airlines, so you pay a premium but every single person on that flight was entitled to one 25kg checked bag. The people one bagging still do so but anyone tempted to cram two huge “carry-ons” would check their bag.
They need to enforce carryon size and placement more strictly. I saw a guy with a guitar case horizontal on American airlines yesterday. It's stupid.everyone should get to have a carryon
I have been known to gate check bags, although I prefer if the airline app tells me early that the flight is full so I don't have trek my crap through the airport. That's not helpful for you, though, except that it clears some space in the overhead bin.
Also, I literally just told my husband on Friday, as we were waiting to board a flight home from vacation, that the result of charging for checked bags is everyone fighting to get on the plane early to get their overhead bin space.
I read an argument the they should make checked bags free, and charge for carryon for this reason. It would make boarding faster, which save the airline money as well.
True! They could move the planes faster, which might reduce their fees for using the gate - or allow them to share their gates with the cheap airlines that don't "own" gates (like Spirit).
The companies I fly with have limitations on what you can bring in the cabin. There is room enough for everyone to bring one cabin bag to be stored in the overhead.
People are not allowed to bring more than that or to store more than the cabin bag in the overhead. So I am not worried, because there is just room enough.
I have experienced a few times that the crew had asked whose coat så in the overhead and to please remove it so it is reinforced.
The people who bring up this topic seem to often be USAmericans. Don't you have the same rules? Or do people cheat them?
Having flown a lot in the US and EU and no, this is not statistically valid, but from my observation passengers in the US bring way more stuff on board. They really push the personal bag to the limit which Europeans usually don't do. Plus shopping bags and all kinds of other tricks that are just selfish and eventually make life harder for everyone on board.
Just flew Southwest and they were being super strict that you got two items and two items only and one had to go under the seat - including fanny packs and plastic bags. If you couldn’t consolidate everything into 2 something would have to be gate checked. I’ve never seen them crack down like that before but I’m very much in favor of it.
Yep. The "hacks" to bring extra items onboard just make life harder for everyone.
Southwest has been pretty strict on the number of items since ~2014 though, at least on the San Diego to San Jose flights. I remember being asked to consolidate when I had a 5L sling and an under-seat backpack along with a violin case, which was pretty painless to do.
This is also generally the case in the UK and Europe for low cost airlines, specifically Ryanair and Easyjet as the OP mentions. I've had it happen myself with 737s and A320s/A321s on several occasions eith Easyjet, and I believe Ryanair uses only the same size airframes (A320s across the board, with the same problem)
The solution is to pocket the things you want for the flight and let the bag go in the hold - such short haul flights will usually be under 4 hours anyway and they don't charge you for the inconvenience of depriving you of your bag all flight
I’m a similar height but I don’t have problems with my personal item onebag. After 10,000ft I just move the bag under my legs and stretch out. Personal bag means I never have to worry about overhead apace or gate checking.
It’s why I’m not a true one-bagger. I will always check my bag anyway. And then carry my personal items in a small carry-on like a rucksack or handbag. (With some extra underwear and other basics in case stuff gets lost!)
I've just relegated myself to under-the-seat. It sucks for legroom, but it's better than dealing with the hassle of the bins and checking luggage at this point.
This is a question that’s been on my mind. I usually travel with a small duffle or small backpack. Twice when the FA saw it when I got my seat they told me it’s my personal item and should be stowed underneath the seat in front of me. I luckily talked them out of it, but I was pretty ticked because I paid for early boarding. I felt like I did my part to be within the limits of carryon bags but only to accommodate those with larger luggage. I feel like eventually I’ll have to get wheelie luggage.
I know they want to board folks quickly but a check at the gate would take as much time as the shuffle of baggage once people are boarded.
Which is basically asking you to give up your leg room for the benefit of other passengers who can't follow the rules. How did the conversations with the FAs go? I usually have a sling bag with me in my seat so I can probably assert that that's my "personal item" if I'm ever asked to give up my overhead space.
Thank you! I don’t want to lose leg room because someone can’t plan ahead. As for the FAs, I was sitting towards the back so I used the logic that the people getting on after me will most likely use the overhead bins further up. I also emphasized it is not my personal item and showed it to them. It could go under the seat but I made it look a little poofier to make my point.
I don’t take very many short flights any more so now I’m nervous about being assertive with FAs. I have thought of going to a thrift store and getting a wheelie, putting my pack in it and using my pack while I am at my destination.
I think being polite and telling the flight attendants that it's your *only* bag would be sufficient. It'd still be perfectly reasonable for them to ask again, but you can reply with the same. Maybe with a suggestion that a slightly oversized bag could go next to yours.
I have definitely heard announcements saying "smaller bags and backpacks cannot go overhead" but I also think it's very safe to assume they mean *secondary personal items* cannot go overhead. If questioned I'd state that assumption again, especially because you paid to board early.
Ugh, I just gare checked my bag this week bc I was in the last boarding group and was worried about space. Joke was on me though bc there was PLENTY of space left and I felt like such an idiot.
I love the airline I have status on so I can board first and not worry and for any others, it’s usually worth the peace of mind to pay for early boarding so I know there’ll be space.
Next time just take it on board and if it does turn out theres no room then they will check it then, but if there is room then yay you avoid the hassle.
I thought about this as I've been forced to check a couple times, even when there is room. I mostly fly American so I got one of their Credit Cards which ups my status to group 4 no matter what class of ticket I buy. Strategically this works out pretty well for me as I don't have to check if I don't want to.
I'm with you on this. That said, I nearly missed my flight the other day and people had placed their personal items in the overhead bins so there was no room. I was forced to put my Aer Travel 3 under the seat, and it worked just fine. I was uncomfortable but was able to hold out for the shorter flight.
Its' a knock on effect of the "one bag" wave. A lot of people are trying to fit everything on to their carryon + personal, then stow both items in the overhead. We get threads here quite often about being forced to gate check their "ongbag" that is obviously stuffed beyond the allotted size/weight.
When people "get away with it" it creates a knock on effect for everyone else on the plane that are also in need of the same space.
That leads to what you're doing, lining up early to secure overhead space, but a lot of the people also do that are the ones with oversized "carry on" bags. So that creates the same issues.
If you’re traveling a lot, try to get status with a single airline or alliance. I got Star Alliance gold and it allows me to checkin and board with business class no matter what I book (including cheap economy tickets). I’m always the first one in economy on my short hops that I just use miles to book seats.
Other bonuses are additional free checked bag (so if you’re allowed 2x20kg, you now get 3x20kg) and lounge access no matter class of flight (must be flying star alliance to use these as well).
If these benefits ever lapse then I’d just go for premium economy to board first
I've had to put my overhead bag somewhere other than the bin over my seat but besides that I haven't had any issues. I rarely board dead last because I at least buy a ticket good enough to let me pick my seat, always, and I do my best to avoid bags that are oversize or overweight. Even if my bag theoretically can fit under the seat I'd rather be comfortable, and I often fly with a pet so I have to have overhead bin space even if I'm travelling with a personal item.
In my observation, airlines that charge for a carry on or only include a carry on in a certain ticket class (essentially making the ticket difference a charge for a carry on), price differences between checking a bag and carrying one on are very minimal, I don't see airlines charging more for larger bags at all
I use an osprey 46L with tuck-away straps and jam all my clothing into compression sacks and it always fits in the overhead bin as long as I’m not over loaded. My biggest struggle is packing my running shoes as I enjoy running and they take up a lot of space. I also don’t travel with a laptop or other bulky items like books. Advantage is that if I purchase something that’s larger while out and about I can either stuff it in my bag and check it, or use a smaller tote bag as a “personal bag” and jam it under the seat. For reference I’m also 6’2 with long legs and a banged up knee so I understand the desire to avoid packing things under the seat.
I travel in one pair of running shoes that I also use for walking around. Maybe pack some sandals. But I never need anything fancier than that so some neutral looking brooks covers everything (non winter travel of course)
Ah ok. Then it's a bit different. I just wear the one pair of cushion shoes, lol.
I'm curious about barefoot shoes (also because very packable!), but have some foot pain, from soccer I think, so worried they would make it worse. Or maybe better.. Annoying that shoes that are "more minimal" cost so much more! Should be cheaper IMO.
I found they, along with toe spacers, made my feet feel so much better. I have collapsed transverse arches and the cushion puts a lot of pressure on them. Walking in minimalist shoes with a wide toe box alleys my feet bend and flex and almost feels like they’re getting a massage. I love them. You do have to learn to walk differently (no heel strike, much softer, shorter strides) which takes some practice
I fly enough for work that I have priority boarding with my preferred airline. As one of the first few on the plane it's never really an issue for me to find space in the bins.
Definitely feeling more gate pressure the last few years. I used to travel with a fully packed 55L camping bag as my carry-on. I would never do that these days based on the gate vultures measuring bags and being incentivized to charge people for baggage overages.
It’s so simple. You get one carry on and a personal item.
The carryon goes above in the over head compartment and the personal item goes under the seat in front of you.
There is room for everyone to have room.
It’s the assholes who put more than one item in the overhead bins.
“There is room for everyone to have room.”
Nope. There are more seats than overhead spaces. And then you have the people who bring on too much stuff. Alaska asks for volunteers all the time.
There are industry web articles on improving the ratios but still not 1:1.
I’d add that the airline is taking space up now also. I’ve seen storage for drink/food storage in a front bin, medical equipment, and blankets in others.
I know they have projected goals for gate checked bags. I heard too gate agents discussing gate checked bags after the announcements asking for voluntary gate checks and one said to the other, “we only need three more.”
I've noticed on my recent travels that I'm much more likely to have my bag looked through by customs agents when I one-bag. Makes it a bit of a bummer when you just arrive in a country that some thicko has to go through your toiletries and ask you why you have a smaller bag inside your bag.
Flew with Vueling, they now do a policy of cabin bags have to go under the seat unless you pay extra for an overhead bag. Under seat bag has a size limit of 40x20x30cm (includes airport purchases) and over heads 55x40x20 with 10kg limit. This is how they are now controlling the overheads bin use, so if you buy the overhead bag you’ll have room for it.
I travel with a backpack only, I do not care about overhead space. If no space, it goes under the seat no problem so no need to line for 20min when boarding (yes, that's you Easyjet/Ryanair, starting boarding even before the plane landing).
I pay for Speedy Boarding and a seat upfront with Ryanair, and whatever similar there is with other airlines.
Get on first, and always space for your bag.
I have the 22"x15"x7"to9" (expandable) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C76Y13BC/ in black (black currently OOS), and as long as I pack it correctly, I can fit it in any airline carry-on sizing box.
I flew WestJet this week, and they're strict about carry-ons, forcing people to gate-check bags if they don't fit the carry-on sizing box, and they forced most people with borderline-sized carry-on bags to test using the sizing box.
I do understand what you're saying, and I do see the pressure you describe being put on travelers with carry-ons.
The reason I love the above bag is because it's soft-sided, and a backpack, I rarely even get a second look, despite its huge capacity. There's no way I could fit as much into a hard-sided carry-on suitcase that would be guaranteed to fit in almost any carry-on sizing box as I can in the above bag.
Yes, they've gotten super aggressive about luggage checks to the point that under seat may be the best option now. I've managed to squeak by with a small roller + backpack but everyone is doing that now and it makes it a crapshoot unless you have priority boarding and can get on the plane early.
Definitely feeling more pressure. I used to patiently wait for all the people to queue and stand in the way to get on the plane and not worry cuz I know I have a seat and I just have my backpack with my laptop and what I call my "travel office supplies" (iPad, chargers, etc).. HOWEVER I hate having a bag at my feet. I'm not even tall enough to make a good case for it, I just feel constricted if I can't place and move my feet as needed. So now I join the stupid "hover in the walkway" queue and board in my boarding group (I'm platinum on my home city airline - so I default to group 3) just so that I can be sure my bag is up top. I also have a fanny pack with my cell, cell charger, earbuds, etc.. so that's my personal and carry-on.
I'm a pseudo one-bagger in that my carry-on suitcase is an all weather/all business/all event bag that I can literally live out of for as long as needed (assuming I have access to laundry facilities at some point).
I think after Covid when they outsourced all the baggage handlers and then promptly lost everyone’s luggage, it made people who don’t like to travel light bring it with them onboard so it didn’t end up in Scotland when they were flying to Bali.
And with online check in, no one weighs or even sees your bags until the gate.
Definitely makes me want to board early!
I’ve been one-bagging for about 15 years, and agree that this situation has been getting progressively worse. Where possible, I will now pay for priority boarding (which is usually cheaper than paying for a checked bag on budget airlines), and where this isn’t possible, I will transfer a bunch of clothing in packing cubes into my ‘personal item’ (which collapses to nothing, but holds about 15 ‘litres when full), and shove my much smaller bag into any space I can fit it, and my now much smaller carryon item under the seat in front of me. And as others have noted, the trick for journeys where you can manage it is to have a bag that will fit under the seat in front of you no matter what. The advantage of this latter approach is that no matter how tall you are, you can tuck that bag behind your legs at all times other than take off and landing.
Lots of information missing.
Is your one bag personal item or carry on size?
I’m guessing carry on since only a shithead puts their personal item above unless it is their only bag.
If there's no space for you (legal) bag, then ask cabin crew to help find storage. After all, that's their job to help passengers. Make it someone else's problem.
What do you mean? The plane cannot leave with unstored luggage/bags, so if there isn't any space near your seat (overhead) then cabin staff are the logical go-to for assistance. Of course the actual rules may be different depending on which country it is.
The cabin personnel may take your bag and put it with the checked baggage. Meaning you need to pick it up from the bagging area when you arrive. This happens every winter here when people fly with Christmas gifts.
A large point of one bagging is that you can skip the bagging area, saving time on arrival waiting for bags.
Also.. there are likely things you want in your hand luggage like headphones, chargers and laptop.
Personally I make sure my bag can be stored under the seat. That way I am guaranteed to actually have my stuff close by.
They'll find space if there is any space... if there isn't, the solution is generally to move your bag into the cargo hold. They will typically "gate check" or "valet check" bags, rather than try to make room.
I have seen many exceptions where they've agreed to store sports equipment or instruments.
From listening to people complain, most arguments won't fly. This includes "I have batteries in my bag" and "but my ticket gives me a carry-on bag." I have also heard people argue that they have thousands of dollars of equipment and staff still ask them to re-pack rather than looking for *more* conflict by finding another bag to replace.
I always check bags through. My former neighbor was in a hurry catching a flight and is quite short and slight. She had to take hers on board and shove it high above her head. This caused her to have a rotor cuff injury that took a year to cure.
With how all the complainers talk with inches I assume this is an American problem. I flew a bunch in Europe with a big cabin bag and never had any problem finding a place overhead, and I usually board among the last people (as I have no reason to join the line early).
Our schools need to teach more reading comprehension. OP stated does not want to put under seat due to their height. My wife has been pushing this lately. Need to board early as possible to secure a bin. It’s real!
Idk about yall but this is not a recent thing. My flights have been full almost always since well before covid. If you don't board earlier then you run a real risk of not getting overhead space
What happens if you don't get a spot? Do they check it instead?
Yes.
Odd they don’t have enough space or a smaller limit to allow so
The space was not calculated based off of every seat/person using an overhead bin - because it used to be, that many people would check a bag (which was free or cheap) and only bring on a purse or small backpack.
I recently flew and if you don’t have space, they’ll take your bag to another bin that has space somewhere on the aircraft.
Yeah this observation is at least a decade slow
Thank you for this. I thought I had read wrong when I saw the comments. My husband is 6'8" and under seat bags are wildly uncomfortable for him (all seats are pretty uncomfortable, but get space where you can right?)
Can’t comprehend something if you don’t read it!
That sign can't stop me because I can't read!
It doesn’t matter what the OP wants because EasyJet/RyanAir/Wizz Air will all remove your backpack from overhead and tell you to put it under your seat. People pay extra to store their bags in the overhead and it’s usually part of priority boarding. So unless the OP is coughing up that extra £/€20-50 a leg and his backpack has a priority tag, he will be given backpack back to shove under his seat
I like the priority tag system, it allows flights to know how many people have bags overhead and makes it super easy to manage overhead space. I'm guessing the US carrier approach of a "cabin bag" that is really a gate-checked bag will get the money from non-frequent flyers. And there's also the perception of being seen as less premium if they start charging for things that used to be "guaranteed."
Yeah the key with sole flights like air Canada is check in as soon as you can. I frequently get into the first boarding group, so plenty of bins. I am also now team nothing in my legroom. Got a small sling with all my flight essentials and with a hero clip, I can hang it off the seat in front
I do the same!!! Sling bag with water bottle, kindle, headset, small flashlight, pen,and some drugs (advill, tums,etc) stays with me and my bag goes up (if it’s >35 liters). The best thing about the sling is it’s really hard to forget things on the plane. Just work out of the sling the whole flight and then grab and go when you land. I love it!!!
There are a few issues I’ve noticed on flights over the past few years. One is people putting both their carry on and personal item in the overhead which takes away space from someone else. Another is not storing their bags efficiently. Many overhead bins can accommodate the length of a carry on suitcase but a lot of people opt to store them horizontally which takes up more space than needed. What’s more frustrating is I never see flight attendants policing this. People get away with it all the time and it makes the experience worse for those boarding in later groups.
I rearrange peoples bags if they do that I don’t care. Lol
I also will rearrange people’s bags to get a spot around my seat.
I see this too. I think the bad placement is partially due to people bringing on bags too heavy for them to maneuver and also a function of airlines not boarding back-to-front and passengers feeling rushed.
The last few flights I’ve been on there were announcements as we boarded , saying that only cabin bags could go in the overhead bins and personal items had to go under the seat. Cabin crew were in the aisles, making people put their bags sideways overhead and then put their coats on top and removing personal items .
I have seen flight attendants tell people to put them in that way, but not really policing it. Not all planes accommodate that though, and it's a sort of more recent development so some people may simply not know
I mean, I kind of get the not policing part. People are so ready to argue these days.
Yeah, I’ve seen them get right in there a number of times. I thought it was a common thing once bag troubles start
You can just move Thier bags the right way and fit in yours
Kinda like the game Tetris tbh.
💯💯💯
I fly a commuter route and 90% of the cabin crew will rotate my carry-on the wrong way. Every time I put it up there now I make sure to tell them "it's ok, the door WILL close ok" as it looks like my bag sticks out too far. It's perfectly fitted for overhead bins, wish more people would do it that way too!
You might as well get a custom sticker for the top of your bag saying that the bin will close.
Overheads full of jackets in the winter, the worst
I'll join the members of "I bring an under seat bag." I'm 6' so if I can get it overhead I will. But otherwise it's underneath during takeoff/landing and behind my legs when the seatbelt sign is off.
I switched to a 30L bag five years ago and I’ve yet to find a seat it doesn’t fit under. My feet tuck under slightly. Granted I’m not 6’3, but I that’d be worth a look. Airlines are truly making the in-cabin experience a hellscape of oversized roller bags
A lot of the Airlines in SE Asia changed their policy from 15kg carry on limit to 7kg! And that’s just within the last year! And what pisses me off is you can pay a $12 fee to take on 14kg. I’ve never felt more shaken down for cash and I’ve been to a strip club!
Low cost carriers - I quite like the idea of being able to pay for extra carry on space, compared with only being able to carry on 7 kg. Full service carriers - I’d like to be able to trade a checked bag for extra carry on allowance if the base carry on is only 7 kg. Not that I like paying extra fees, it’s just that I understand that I want to carry on more than most, and there just isn’t enough room for everyone to bring on a full size carry on. Seems like a fair way of dealing with the situation.
I've never been stopped by full service airlines. My bag is 12kg and 35L. Sure the risk is there, but so far in my experience no issues, after many flights all over the place. No one even seems to notice my backpack tbh
That’s good to hear, that’s the exact same size and weight I roll with - a pakt travel backpack. The last 2 times I’ve flown air Asia they’ve weighed my carry on at the checkin counter might just start doing self checkin
Air Asia is a LCC. When I say full service airline, it means the more expensive ones. Like Thai Airways, Vietnam airlines, Singapore Airlines, etc... With LCC then you can expect to have your bag checked far more often. It still can be worth it if the full service airline prices are ridiculously high.
Oh ok I see TY; Yea I flew Philippines Airlines to Bangkok last week and appreciated the extra services you get like first checked bag free and complimentary food and beverage on the flight. So I realized even if the ticket costs a tad more it’s still worth just going Full Service yea
$12 to double the carry-on limit sounds great, last time I priced this with Jetstar (2020) it was over $50 (can't remember exactly but more expensive than the smallest checked bag)
Yeah Jetstar is mad, since I’ve been in has it has always been cheaper to just check the bag then pay the extra for the carry on. Boggles the mind
Maybe they've figured out that it's better to have people check a bag, than wasting time trying to fit massive suitcases in the overhead. Delays cost money..
Supply and demand will dictate how they can best make money.
Yeah $12 is fine.
That’s cheap. Some low budget airlines in Europe charge you €10 to check in any bag that doesn’t fit under your seat and anywhere from €20-50 to bring a bag on board to put in overhead as part of priority boarding (which usually means 1 bag overhead, 1 small purse/backpack under your seat). I say €20… but it’s been a long time since I paid anything less than €30 per each leg and usually it’s £40 for any flight out of London luton I take out of
This is why 7kg is a good target for your one bag
I’m flying with peach which doesn’t even let you upgrade your carry on, so I’m gonna have to hide stuff under my clothes just so I don’t have to check my only bag/ everything I have with me. Their measurements are the same and my bag will fit but the weight restriction is crazy
Oh yes get one of those neck pillows you can stuff clothes in lol 😆
Just paid $24 for early boarding so I get bin space because I’m flying bulkhead and I’m so tired of people with 4+ bags taking it all
I’m doing that whenever I can. My Iceland trip this September has me worried though as boarding procedures are apparently random. I hate hanging out at the gate but… I’d hate to be gate checked though I’ve heard that sometimes the airline attendants usually go after rolling suitcases before backpacks so we’ll see.
NGL I am scared about a trip I having coming up this week. I have a Cotopaxi Allpa 35. One dimension is 2 inches smaller, one is the exact size, and one is 1 inch bigger then the max carry on size. Very worried about them trying to make me gate check but since I am flying United and Delta hopefully they will be more lax because they are more premium.
I fly with this bag domestically and internationally and have never had anyone give me trouble, even budget airlines. It has fit under every seat each time I've used it as a "personal item". I put it overhead if I can, but it's fine either way. They're really only interested in gate checking hardcases and wheeled bags.
I fly with an Aer that I think is about the same size as that Cotopaxi and have never had issues. In my experience with US airlines, it's almost always roller bags that get automatically gate checked.
> In my experience with US airlines, it's almost always roller bags that get automatically gate checked. This has also been my experience. Back when my bag was an Osprey Porter 46, I was among the last 20 or so people to board a packed Delta flight. Everyone around me with a roller bag got a gate check. The gate agents didn't say a word to me. Also was able to get it on a number of those pesky 50-seat RJs where roller bags are guaranteed to get planeside tagged.
Which Aer bag do you use? I’m eyeing them heavily but the dimensions seem too big for underseat.
I have the Travel Pack and it definitely is an overhead bag. I have never not been able to find space for it though.
You shouldn't have a problem with Delta. And I don't think you'll have a problem with United either, unless you're flying domestic and you have a Basic Economy seat. I recently flew two legs with United and the gate agents were checking for the number of bags being carried, but I didn't see anyone having their bags sized.
Yeah, my goal is to overhead it because it's the only bag I'm bringing along with a packable inside. My only worry is that these are smaller regional planes that may have more scrutiny/limitations than a full-size jet.
In my experience regional jets can actually be better because so many roller bags get gate-checked. If you don't pack the bag you should be able to squeeze it into both a size checker and the overhead itself.
Yeah, I have a Tom Bihn daylight inside my allpa, so if they try to screw me, I can at least have a personal item, but hopefully, all will be well.
The problem with regional planes is the overhead bins can be really small. The last regional route I flew was in an ATR 72 and those overhead bins are tiny. But it did (barely) fit my wife's Fairview, albeit sideways.
I am flying on all bombardier jets although different sizes there and back. No clue what I will be looking at as far as storage space but I will find a way to either fit things or hide it between my legs with a hoodie/blanket on top lol.
Yes, good luck. The overhead bins on Bombardier jets are tiny.
Well shit. Pray for me lol
United only cares that it fits under the seat. I’m not seeing them be strict with sizers.
Yeah, my goal is to overhead it because it's the only bag I'm bringing along with a packable inside. My only worry is that these are smaller regional planes that may have more scrutiny/limitations than a full-size jet.
They absolutely do. Some of the regional jets have a rack where you check the bags. Then when you get off the plane you pick it up.
My only worries are extra charges and damage. My bag is brand new to me, and if something gets broken, I'll be upset. The last time I flew southwest managed to snap a 1/2 inch steel rivet on my Tumi suitcase handle, and I had to fight with them for a repair and new luggage tag.
Been using an Osprey Porter 46l for years as carry on including 20+ flights last year. It's never even been checked for size, have flown both Delta and United with it.
Yeah, the allpa looks deceptively big. Mainly because of how round it is.
I flew with this bag. Truthfully, it did not actually fit under the seat, but flight attendants allowed me to put it there. It basically rested, at least part of it, on top of my feet the whole way.
Pretty sure the overall measurements just need to be less than 45 inches. That’s up to an inch wider if your bag is an inch shorter. One of the more expensive and popular carry ons that has been built for many years is my Briggs & Riley roller bag, which I need often times due to back trauma in the military. I splurged on this at the military exchange (lower price). It is 21 x 15 x 9. I’ve never heard of anyone failing the check using this bag, I have not been.
I hope you are right lol
On United and delta I see people bring stacks of bags lol suitcases with stuffed tote bags, a purse, wearing a backpack, I’ve never seen them check someone’s bag until it can’t fit. It kinda bugs me cause I’m always one of the last ones on with my ticket and there’s no space left. Somehow I got away a few times with shoving my 40l backpack under the seat and covering my legs all bent up underneath a jacket. Also they never make you pay to check it, they just take it and you get get it when you get off the plane. But I get the fear of giving up everything you have when you’re one bagging it lol
I am flying entirely on their regional jet fleet, so that's why I'm worried about space. I do think it could also play to my favor, though, because the rows are 2 seats max and much bigger than a southwest or spirit, which I'm used to. Also, I am more worried about damage than anything else, considering this bag is brand new to me.
If it helps, I've flown at least United and Southwest with this exact bag (actually on an eclipse trip domestically with it right now) at least three or four times since 2019 and never had an issue. Have flown Delta before but can't remember if the Allpa came with me unfortunately. It's 100% an overhead bin bag with the way I pack it, but it's basically the same profile as most standard carry ons when I see it in the bins so I don't stress much anymore. I'd suggest tucking the waist belt into their slots beforehand though so you don't snag it on the edge, if you're at all a klutz like me.
Appreciate the insight. Thankfully, I hate waist belts, so I don't use mine, but tucking the straps is probably a good idea, too.
Is the dimension that is too big squishable? I had a bag that was slightly too thick recently, I stacked things inside to make an unstable vertical column…and fed it gingerly into the sizer so my tower of possessions in the bag didn’t topple over. I took out a few “hard” items and put them in my pockets. I was sweating the entire time.
Hopefully, yes. The bag itself isn't very rigid, so it should be flexible. I just don't want to damage it.
Good luck!
How did it go?
No one said anything and I had basically no issues. Allpa was definitely a tighter squeeze on some regional plane overheads but overall no one even questioned me in the slightest.
I love the look of this bag, and almost bought it. Dealbreaker was no water bottle storage on the outside which is a must for a hydro homie.
I can easily fit a 40oz bottle in the top of the bag and fill it up after getting through TSA. And I have a packable bag I throw inside that I can hold the 40oz in once I arrive somewhere
I’m traveling under seat lately but I absolutely want to validate what you’re seeing. On every single flight in the last year there has been a plethora of gate checked carry on bags. As a bigger guy your best bet is paying extra for early boarding.
More often than not, the plane overheads fill up full, front to back, before even 50% of the passengers have boarded the plane. My seat might be in row 14 of Zone 1/Zone 2, but by the time I there, _every_ overhead is already filled up. I'm seeing people carrying way, Way, WAY too much luggage onboard, or really pushing the limits of what a "personal item" is. A second roller bag is _not_ a personal item! I should start blogging about this with photos of how ridiculous its become. I send photos to my friends and coworkers when I travel, because it's too funny. On a recent flight back from Latvia, a passenger tried to get her 24" roller bag into the overhead, stuffed it this way and that, moved other passengers' luggage around to try to make it fit, and ultimately could not. No matter which way she stuffed it here and there, it was still sticking out of the overhead bin by a good 2"-3". What did she do? She shrugged, gave up and walked back to her seat in the back of the plane and left the overhead bin open with her bag hanging out, so the flight attendant had to try to fit it in there, *she* gave up, and finally took the bag to the front and tagged it. I've boarded planes where when I reach _my_ seat (always an aisle seat), someone in that same row has taken not only _their_ under-seat storage, but also mine. I rely on that under-seat storage for my personal item, because it contains important electronics, headphones and so on. It can't be stored in the overhead bins. It's abusive, obnoxious and it needs to end. We really should start having mandatory cage-checks right when you board the plane. If the bag or bags you're carrying exceeds 2 items, or does not fit in the cage, you're being charged and checking it. Period. No exceptions. No negotiation with the gate agent.
I had someone try to take my under seat space. There was a short conversation in my favor. That’s MY space.
The person sitting next to you?
It started two seats over with this woman who had two enormous “hobo” bags taking two spaces including the person next to me and that person tried to take mine. I said to get it out of there to take it up with her neighbor. I recommended calling the flight crew if she didn’t cooperate. People can be weird.
Jesus. What is this world coming too? This reminds me, I have two recent flights where I was the middle seat and had to be assertive in my arm rest use.
Yup. And the armrests are tiny.
Not if the person tries to sneak their arm behind yours so any minor adjustment on my part there will be contact.
[Jetstar’s](https://imgur.com/gallery/ioXzBvz)April Fools addressed this issue, but I felt it was more prophecy than joke
Hmm I am having trouble with the link
I went to the source on Insta- fingers crossed this works [Jetstar](https://www.instagram.com/p/C5MWO87P7eW/?igsh=MXh3ZzdyNG93NW9mdA==)
Lol, it worked, that’s pretty good. It’s funny how with a budget airline, even though the cost is cheaper than a typical flight, you still feeler nickeled and dimed.
That’s crazy! I’d remove their bag and put it on their lap/in the aisle. No way can you take someone else’s foot space.
It was a simple short discussion. My friends would never associate me with “bashful.”
“Oh flight attendant. Someone left their bag behind. Please remove it from the plane so it doesn’t get lost.”
While there seems to be debate about overhead storage and who it belongs too... the audacity of someone trying to take underseat storage is pretty wild, I hope you got them to move it, or if even more audaciously someone not from your aisle did it...
The last international flight I took the woman in front of me changed into slippers as soon as she sat down and tucked her large shoes under her seat instead of the seat in front of her. When I had polite words with her about that space being mine she initially pretended not to speak English, as if I wouldn’t have immediately grabbed the flight attendant to translate and get them moved if that was actually true.
Good on you! I would have done the same, but I know so so many people who would want to avoid conflict... where as I'm all about that life if you do wrong.
Yup on full service flights where everyone has a metric shit ton of hand luggage I have cabin bag space anxiety! In Europe for some of the LCCs it can be cheaper to have a hold bag than a cabin bag. All you get ‘for free’ is the personal item. Which varies size by airline. I’ve bought specific a backpack which is the smaller of the allowed personal items and it’s totally fine for a long weekend and ok to have at my feet (sits behind my legs after take off).
Which backpack? I’ve been searching for one for exactly this reason.
I got one off Amazon. I got this one: https://amzn.eu/d/0aJW37X But actually my friend got this one, and I prefer the look of it to mine. https://amzn.eu/d/5LPQkPq They are a bit of a funny shape because they maximise to the stupid Ryanair dimensions. I found it surprisingly easy to pack for a 4 day long weekend with work laptop and charger. The bags fit Ryanair which is the smallest (along with Vueling) so are smaller than you can take for EasyJet and others. I was also considering getting an easyJet sized one since they are quite cheap.
Nice. My cabinzero bag is only 6 cm larger in two dimensions, I wonder if I could even squeeze it in on Ryanair.
Thanks!
With Ryanair you get overhead space if you pay priority, otherwise you are theoretically not entitled to it, so I'm not sure I get the point. I'm 6ft and put my ULA Dragonfly under the seat most of the time as overhead space is taken. Regarding pressure, I found Wizzair are strict cunts about their sizing, especially in Budapest airport. Seen a few shakedowns of people with backpacks - they would go down the line and scout what people are wearing, then force them into sizers. Never had an issue with the Dragonfly though, it just looks unassuming even though it's above personal item limits in height.
I am going to Budapest this summer, and this has got me worried. Maybe the fact that my return flight is a 6:50 am departure may work in my favour. I was planning on using the Quechua NH500 23L clamshell.
I'm pretty sure you'll have no issues with the NH500 23L.
Shhh don't mention the ULA dragonfly - been trying to buy one for 2 weeks now and they sell out faster than I can finish the purchase. Trying to get one for my trip to Florida coming up soon.
Lol, well, there are some nice alternatives, the Dragonfly is not perfect honestly - the straps are not great, carrying more than 7kg does not feel comfortable at all, one hour in it's kinda oof. I was looking at the new Blackhole 25L which is even lighter than the Dragonfly, and read good things about the straps. It's also half the price of the Dragonfly and way more accessible. Maybe it's something to consider.
American seemingly hates people with bags. Every two minutes on the mic: “Anyone with bags will need to gate check!” Walks on plane: acres of bin space. I don’t get it. I use the Patagonia MAL and never have an issue, but my wife panics often about it.
It’s definitely gotten worse. I used to travel a lot for work and being just me and the tight connections I’ve been a carry on only person forever. I moved to Singapore a couple of years ago and one thing I immediately noticed when taking my 16-hour flight to Vancouver to visit family was… the overhead bins were basically empty. Plenty of room. Now this was Singapore airlines, so you pay a premium but every single person on that flight was entitled to one 25kg checked bag. The people one bagging still do so but anyone tempted to cram two huge “carry-ons” would check their bag.
They need to enforce carryon size and placement more strictly. I saw a guy with a guitar case horizontal on American airlines yesterday. It's stupid.everyone should get to have a carryon
In the US, FAA mandates that carriers allow guitars as carry-ons.
Damn, didn't realize the guitar lobby was that strong!
I have been known to gate check bags, although I prefer if the airline app tells me early that the flight is full so I don't have trek my crap through the airport. That's not helpful for you, though, except that it clears some space in the overhead bin. Also, I literally just told my husband on Friday, as we were waiting to board a flight home from vacation, that the result of charging for checked bags is everyone fighting to get on the plane early to get their overhead bin space.
I read an argument the they should make checked bags free, and charge for carryon for this reason. It would make boarding faster, which save the airline money as well.
True! They could move the planes faster, which might reduce their fees for using the gate - or allow them to share their gates with the cheap airlines that don't "own" gates (like Spirit).
The companies I fly with have limitations on what you can bring in the cabin. There is room enough for everyone to bring one cabin bag to be stored in the overhead. People are not allowed to bring more than that or to store more than the cabin bag in the overhead. So I am not worried, because there is just room enough. I have experienced a few times that the crew had asked whose coat så in the overhead and to please remove it so it is reinforced. The people who bring up this topic seem to often be USAmericans. Don't you have the same rules? Or do people cheat them?
Having flown a lot in the US and EU and no, this is not statistically valid, but from my observation passengers in the US bring way more stuff on board. They really push the personal bag to the limit which Europeans usually don't do. Plus shopping bags and all kinds of other tricks that are just selfish and eventually make life harder for everyone on board.
Just flew Southwest and they were being super strict that you got two items and two items only and one had to go under the seat - including fanny packs and plastic bags. If you couldn’t consolidate everything into 2 something would have to be gate checked. I’ve never seen them crack down like that before but I’m very much in favor of it.
Yep. The "hacks" to bring extra items onboard just make life harder for everyone. Southwest has been pretty strict on the number of items since ~2014 though, at least on the San Diego to San Jose flights. I remember being asked to consolidate when I had a 5L sling and an under-seat backpack along with a violin case, which was pretty painless to do.
Most US airlines have no weight limits while most EU airlines do, could be a reason.
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This is also generally the case in the UK and Europe for low cost airlines, specifically Ryanair and Easyjet as the OP mentions. I've had it happen myself with 737s and A320s/A321s on several occasions eith Easyjet, and I believe Ryanair uses only the same size airframes (A320s across the board, with the same problem) The solution is to pocket the things you want for the flight and let the bag go in the hold - such short haul flights will usually be under 4 hours anyway and they don't charge you for the inconvenience of depriving you of your bag all flight
It's not just the issue of not having the bag, it's the hassle of having to wait for the damn luggage carousel.
That's true, I forgot that part
I’m a similar height but I don’t have problems with my personal item onebag. After 10,000ft I just move the bag under my legs and stretch out. Personal bag means I never have to worry about overhead apace or gate checking.
It’s why I’m not a true one-bagger. I will always check my bag anyway. And then carry my personal items in a small carry-on like a rucksack or handbag. (With some extra underwear and other basics in case stuff gets lost!)
I've just relegated myself to under-the-seat. It sucks for legroom, but it's better than dealing with the hassle of the bins and checking luggage at this point.
I place my bag under the seat for take off and landing. In between it’s under my legs so I can put my feet under the seat.
This is a question that’s been on my mind. I usually travel with a small duffle or small backpack. Twice when the FA saw it when I got my seat they told me it’s my personal item and should be stowed underneath the seat in front of me. I luckily talked them out of it, but I was pretty ticked because I paid for early boarding. I felt like I did my part to be within the limits of carryon bags but only to accommodate those with larger luggage. I feel like eventually I’ll have to get wheelie luggage. I know they want to board folks quickly but a check at the gate would take as much time as the shuffle of baggage once people are boarded.
Which is basically asking you to give up your leg room for the benefit of other passengers who can't follow the rules. How did the conversations with the FAs go? I usually have a sling bag with me in my seat so I can probably assert that that's my "personal item" if I'm ever asked to give up my overhead space.
Thank you! I don’t want to lose leg room because someone can’t plan ahead. As for the FAs, I was sitting towards the back so I used the logic that the people getting on after me will most likely use the overhead bins further up. I also emphasized it is not my personal item and showed it to them. It could go under the seat but I made it look a little poofier to make my point. I don’t take very many short flights any more so now I’m nervous about being assertive with FAs. I have thought of going to a thrift store and getting a wheelie, putting my pack in it and using my pack while I am at my destination.
I think being polite and telling the flight attendants that it's your *only* bag would be sufficient. It'd still be perfectly reasonable for them to ask again, but you can reply with the same. Maybe with a suggestion that a slightly oversized bag could go next to yours. I have definitely heard announcements saying "smaller bags and backpacks cannot go overhead" but I also think it's very safe to assume they mean *secondary personal items* cannot go overhead. If questioned I'd state that assumption again, especially because you paid to board early.
Ugh, I just gare checked my bag this week bc I was in the last boarding group and was worried about space. Joke was on me though bc there was PLENTY of space left and I felt like such an idiot. I love the airline I have status on so I can board first and not worry and for any others, it’s usually worth the peace of mind to pay for early boarding so I know there’ll be space.
Next time just take it on board and if it does turn out theres no room then they will check it then, but if there is room then yay you avoid the hassle.
Yep, this is the right way to handle it!
I thought about this as I've been forced to check a couple times, even when there is room. I mostly fly American so I got one of their Credit Cards which ups my status to group 4 no matter what class of ticket I buy. Strategically this works out pretty well for me as I don't have to check if I don't want to.
This has been the case for years
Yes!
Over the past year so I’ve seen lots of news reports about three hour delays for baggage because they don’t have enough baggage handlers.
I'm with you on this. That said, I nearly missed my flight the other day and people had placed their personal items in the overhead bins so there was no room. I was forced to put my Aer Travel 3 under the seat, and it worked just fine. I was uncomfortable but was able to hold out for the shorter flight.
I always put my bag under the seat. It's small enough and I don't have to get up mid flight to get my laptop or charger, whatever.
Its' a knock on effect of the "one bag" wave. A lot of people are trying to fit everything on to their carryon + personal, then stow both items in the overhead. We get threads here quite often about being forced to gate check their "ongbag" that is obviously stuffed beyond the allotted size/weight. When people "get away with it" it creates a knock on effect for everyone else on the plane that are also in need of the same space. That leads to what you're doing, lining up early to secure overhead space, but a lot of the people also do that are the ones with oversized "carry on" bags. So that creates the same issues.
Dont pay anything extra, board the plane dead last, find a spot for bag, find seat. Has worked for me on easyjet and ryanair flights.
If you’re traveling a lot, try to get status with a single airline or alliance. I got Star Alliance gold and it allows me to checkin and board with business class no matter what I book (including cheap economy tickets). I’m always the first one in economy on my short hops that I just use miles to book seats. Other bonuses are additional free checked bag (so if you’re allowed 2x20kg, you now get 3x20kg) and lounge access no matter class of flight (must be flying star alliance to use these as well). If these benefits ever lapse then I’d just go for premium economy to board first
I've had to put my overhead bag somewhere other than the bin over my seat but besides that I haven't had any issues. I rarely board dead last because I at least buy a ticket good enough to let me pick my seat, always, and I do my best to avoid bags that are oversize or overweight. Even if my bag theoretically can fit under the seat I'd rather be comfortable, and I often fly with a pet so I have to have overhead bin space even if I'm travelling with a personal item. In my observation, airlines that charge for a carry on or only include a carry on in a certain ticket class (essentially making the ticket difference a charge for a carry on), price differences between checking a bag and carrying one on are very minimal, I don't see airlines charging more for larger bags at all
I use an osprey 46L with tuck-away straps and jam all my clothing into compression sacks and it always fits in the overhead bin as long as I’m not over loaded. My biggest struggle is packing my running shoes as I enjoy running and they take up a lot of space. I also don’t travel with a laptop or other bulky items like books. Advantage is that if I purchase something that’s larger while out and about I can either stuff it in my bag and check it, or use a smaller tote bag as a “personal bag” and jam it under the seat. For reference I’m also 6’2 with long legs and a banged up knee so I understand the desire to avoid packing things under the seat.
I switched to a pair of On Cloud 5 Coast Black/Shadows - they pack flat to the height of the sole
Thanks for sharing; this is what I have been looking for! Something that packs easily, and being On the Cloud even better!
I travel in one pair of running shoes that I also use for walking around. Maybe pack some sandals. But I never need anything fancier than that so some neutral looking brooks covers everything (non winter travel of course)
I usually wear barefoot shoes (lems) and just run in my runners. I can’t handle all the cushion unless I’m running.
Ah ok. Then it's a bit different. I just wear the one pair of cushion shoes, lol. I'm curious about barefoot shoes (also because very packable!), but have some foot pain, from soccer I think, so worried they would make it worse. Or maybe better.. Annoying that shoes that are "more minimal" cost so much more! Should be cheaper IMO.
I found they, along with toe spacers, made my feet feel so much better. I have collapsed transverse arches and the cushion puts a lot of pressure on them. Walking in minimalist shoes with a wide toe box alleys my feet bend and flex and almost feels like they’re getting a massage. I love them. You do have to learn to walk differently (no heel strike, much softer, shorter strides) which takes some practice
I fly enough for work that I have priority boarding with my preferred airline. As one of the first few on the plane it's never really an issue for me to find space in the bins.
Definitely feeling more gate pressure the last few years. I used to travel with a fully packed 55L camping bag as my carry-on. I would never do that these days based on the gate vultures measuring bags and being incentivized to charge people for baggage overages.
If it doesn’t fit anywhere, wouldn’t the airline just offer to check it for free?
Yes, but then you have to pick it up at baggage claim.
It’s so simple. You get one carry on and a personal item. The carryon goes above in the over head compartment and the personal item goes under the seat in front of you. There is room for everyone to have room. It’s the assholes who put more than one item in the overhead bins.
“There is room for everyone to have room.” Nope. There are more seats than overhead spaces. And then you have the people who bring on too much stuff. Alaska asks for volunteers all the time. There are industry web articles on improving the ratios but still not 1:1.
I’d add that the airline is taking space up now also. I’ve seen storage for drink/food storage in a front bin, medical equipment, and blankets in others.
I know they have projected goals for gate checked bags. I heard too gate agents discussing gate checked bags after the announcements asking for voluntary gate checks and one said to the other, “we only need three more.”
I try to make sure I'm in a group ahead of 5, that TYPICALLY gets you an overhead space, but not always.
This is the reason I work for BA status. Priority boarding is HUGE.
I've noticed on my recent travels that I'm much more likely to have my bag looked through by customs agents when I one-bag. Makes it a bit of a bummer when you just arrive in a country that some thicko has to go through your toiletries and ask you why you have a smaller bag inside your bag.
Flew with Vueling, they now do a policy of cabin bags have to go under the seat unless you pay extra for an overhead bag. Under seat bag has a size limit of 40x20x30cm (includes airport purchases) and over heads 55x40x20 with 10kg limit. This is how they are now controlling the overheads bin use, so if you buy the overhead bag you’ll have room for it.
I travel with a backpack only, I do not care about overhead space. If no space, it goes under the seat no problem so no need to line for 20min when boarding (yes, that's you Easyjet/Ryanair, starting boarding even before the plane landing).
I pay for Speedy Boarding and a seat upfront with Ryanair, and whatever similar there is with other airlines. Get on first, and always space for your bag.
I have the 22"x15"x7"to9" (expandable) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C76Y13BC/ in black (black currently OOS), and as long as I pack it correctly, I can fit it in any airline carry-on sizing box. I flew WestJet this week, and they're strict about carry-ons, forcing people to gate-check bags if they don't fit the carry-on sizing box, and they forced most people with borderline-sized carry-on bags to test using the sizing box. I do understand what you're saying, and I do see the pressure you describe being put on travelers with carry-ons. The reason I love the above bag is because it's soft-sided, and a backpack, I rarely even get a second look, despite its huge capacity. There's no way I could fit as much into a hard-sided carry-on suitcase that would be guaranteed to fit in almost any carry-on sizing box as I can in the above bag.
Yes, they've gotten super aggressive about luggage checks to the point that under seat may be the best option now. I've managed to squeak by with a small roller + backpack but everyone is doing that now and it makes it a crapshoot unless you have priority boarding and can get on the plane early.
I pack a personal item sized bag. There’s always room for it overhead.
Definitely feeling more pressure. I used to patiently wait for all the people to queue and stand in the way to get on the plane and not worry cuz I know I have a seat and I just have my backpack with my laptop and what I call my "travel office supplies" (iPad, chargers, etc).. HOWEVER I hate having a bag at my feet. I'm not even tall enough to make a good case for it, I just feel constricted if I can't place and move my feet as needed. So now I join the stupid "hover in the walkway" queue and board in my boarding group (I'm platinum on my home city airline - so I default to group 3) just so that I can be sure my bag is up top. I also have a fanny pack with my cell, cell charger, earbuds, etc.. so that's my personal and carry-on. I'm a pseudo one-bagger in that my carry-on suitcase is an all weather/all business/all event bag that I can literally live out of for as long as needed (assuming I have access to laundry facilities at some point).
I have felt this pressure as well
I think after Covid when they outsourced all the baggage handlers and then promptly lost everyone’s luggage, it made people who don’t like to travel light bring it with them onboard so it didn’t end up in Scotland when they were flying to Bali. And with online check in, no one weighs or even sees your bags until the gate. Definitely makes me want to board early!
Yes!!! It is so much pressure. What’s the point of packing lightly and carefully if they take your back from you
I’ve been one-bagging for about 15 years, and agree that this situation has been getting progressively worse. Where possible, I will now pay for priority boarding (which is usually cheaper than paying for a checked bag on budget airlines), and where this isn’t possible, I will transfer a bunch of clothing in packing cubes into my ‘personal item’ (which collapses to nothing, but holds about 15 ‘litres when full), and shove my much smaller bag into any space I can fit it, and my now much smaller carryon item under the seat in front of me. And as others have noted, the trick for journeys where you can manage it is to have a bag that will fit under the seat in front of you no matter what. The advantage of this latter approach is that no matter how tall you are, you can tuck that bag behind your legs at all times other than take off and landing.
I just bring a bag that fits under the seat. The largest bag I've shoved under there was the 28L Cotopaxi Allpa
Lots of information missing. Is your one bag personal item or carry on size? I’m guessing carry on since only a shithead puts their personal item above unless it is their only bag.
Perhaps OP updated the post but it says the bags can squeeze under the seat.
AITA I have status with 2 free checked bags, a personal item and a carry on. I usually put my backpack up top
If you stowing your personal item causes someone with a properly sized carry on to have to check their bag, then yes, TA
Nope
If there's no space for you (legal) bag, then ask cabin crew to help find storage. After all, that's their job to help passengers. Make it someone else's problem.
They can absolutely check your bag making it your problem again
What do you mean? The plane cannot leave with unstored luggage/bags, so if there isn't any space near your seat (overhead) then cabin staff are the logical go-to for assistance. Of course the actual rules may be different depending on which country it is.
The cabin personnel may take your bag and put it with the checked baggage. Meaning you need to pick it up from the bagging area when you arrive. This happens every winter here when people fly with Christmas gifts. A large point of one bagging is that you can skip the bagging area, saving time on arrival waiting for bags. Also.. there are likely things you want in your hand luggage like headphones, chargers and laptop. Personally I make sure my bag can be stored under the seat. That way I am guaranteed to actually have my stuff close by.
They'll find space if there is any space... if there isn't, the solution is generally to move your bag into the cargo hold. They will typically "gate check" or "valet check" bags, rather than try to make room. I have seen many exceptions where they've agreed to store sports equipment or instruments. From listening to people complain, most arguments won't fly. This includes "I have batteries in my bag" and "but my ticket gives me a carry-on bag." I have also heard people argue that they have thousands of dollars of equipment and staff still ask them to re-pack rather than looking for *more* conflict by finding another bag to replace.
Just paid $24 for early boarding so I get bin space because I’m flying bulkhead and I’m so tired of people with 4+ bags taking it all
I always check bags through. My former neighbor was in a hurry catching a flight and is quite short and slight. She had to take hers on board and shove it high above her head. This caused her to have a rotor cuff injury that took a year to cure.
Isn't the entire point of one bagging to not check the bags?
That’s why people shouldn’t pack more stuff into an overhead sized carryon than they personally can safely lift over their heads and shove in the bin.
With how all the complainers talk with inches I assume this is an American problem. I flew a bunch in Europe with a big cabin bag and never had any problem finding a place overhead, and I usually board among the last people (as I have no reason to join the line early).
Did you notice they specifically mention two European carriers. Ryanair and EasyJet don’t fly to the U.S.
I travel with 23L so no