Interesting article in the Washington Post Travel section regarding carry on bagging and the various struggles for passengers, airlines, and security: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/18/AR2010021805637.html
Must admit that I am a big fan of carrying on. Hopefully, the airlines won't start charging us for that as well.
Just limit it one bag period. Not one bag plus a personal item. Also, do what they use to do at Dallas Love Field before TSA took over security. At Love Field they use to have metal covers for the x-ray machine that have a hole with the exact height and width of an allowed carry-on. If you bag did not fit through the hole without assistance you did not get through security.
Edwin
Maryam,
Thanks for posting that. One thing that annoys me is the inconsistency in application of the rules at different airports and even with different screeners. The WORST TIMES for inconsistencies are usually immediately following an "incident", where the authorities tend to over react and impose draconian rules which make little sense.
It would be great if the airlines could start enforcing the rules concerning the size of carry-on bags. I've seen some people trying to stuff large hard-sided "wheelie bags" into the overhead bins, when it's quite obvious to anyone looking that the bags will NOT fit. Others travel with HUGE Duffel Bags and after stuffing them into the bins, these inconsiderate morons often end up filling the space very quickly. That doesn't leave any room for those of us that try to follow the rules.
On past flights, I've had to search up and down the rows to find an open spot in the bin to place my carry-on bag. That makes it not only more difficult to access the bag during flight, but complicates things when it's time to disembark as I have to move against the direction of passengers trying to get to the exits.
Given the current financial difficulties with the airline industry, one would think that the airlines would be interested in making the travel experience as pleasant as possible (without the extra fees) to encourage people to fly more often. I've already curtailed my flights to the U.S. as the security procedures are becoming a darn nuisance. Perhaps I'll try Cuba for my "sun break" next winter?
Cheers!
I don't mind carrying on, but the people who obviously bring on huge carry-ons in violation of the policies really irritate me. I think the check-fees are ridiculous. Just slightly lower the weight limits on the checked bags (you don't need 50lbs), restrict people to one bag on domestic flights, charge for more and enforce the carry-on limits. This is about making money for the airlines, not weight limits. If it was truly about weight limits, they would be charging passengers by weight, too.
My frustration too is with those who try to cheat the carry on rules, and in turn, maybe ruin a good thing for the rest of us. I try to be responsible and conscientious and only carry on what is permitted. However, have been behind folks at check-in counters insisting that they will not pay for their overweight luggage or witnessed a man having words with a flight attendant on the airplane because she wanted to check his wheeled-bag plane side since it clearly did not fit in the overhead bin. Oh well. Always an adventure when you fly.
I fly a reasonable number of times a year between Hawaii and Seattle and between Seattle and Europe. I can not ever remember being on a flight where someone hasn't been allowed to bring a "carry-on" onto the plane that would not fit into the overhead bins. If all of these folks can not figure it out before hand, the airline needs to start enforcing the size restrictions. While I am on a roll, my other complaint is that too many folks who board first due to their seat being in the back of the plane, grab an overhead bin as soon as they get on the plane denying those who get on later a place to put their carry-on as Ken mentioned.
How about assigning the overhead bins to the rows under them? As mentioned, the airlines are taking, taking, taking from us. How about giving us something back.
I only carry one bag and it's well within regulations - no personal or other item. It seems the airline rarely worries about carry on size until things start to fill up.
I buy my ticket very late both because I fly on business and because I take advantage of last minute sales. That usually puts me at the back of the line for boarding. I can't tell you how many times I see people boarding with way too much stuff then later have the airline people ask the back of the line to gate check their stuff.
I can see the airlines charging for checked luggage. It costs them a ton to handle, transport and deliver your bag - all of which they have some liability for if it's lost or damaged.
I do wish they would enforce the carry-on rules consistently though.
I ran into a carry-on overload situation last May flying US Airways from SNA-PHX. Our flight was delayed 40-45 minutes because of carry-on baggage. When I tried to contact US Airways to express my dissatisfaction, image my surprise when the only published number I could find for Customer Service was a fax number. I fired off an email and received a reply explaining their carry-on policy. I replied to the email saying, "I like your carry-on policy, I'm just wondering if you will ever enforce the policy". The 2nd response I received stated that they were taking my suggestion under advisement.
I was a little apprehensive on my next flight, I was afraid my name had been put on a list.
