[justme]

Originally Posted by Gromit

If TSA took over the job of judging the proper size of a carry-on, I see chaos ensuing. Not every aircraft has the same size bins. How will TSA know what particular type of AC a given airline is using for a given flight? And if there's a last minute AC substitution, say an MD80 with smaller overhead bins has to stand in for a 737?

100% agree, chaos would indeed ensue if they tried to enforce every airlines rules differently. But, I think the guidelines for all airlines are similar enuf that they could just say, "One carry-on that meets the size requirements, and one personal item to pass the checkpoint." Make the size/number standard across the board so that it is easy to enforce.

Originally Posted by PHX

If the seat pitch in economy weren't so cramped maybe more passengers would utilize the stowage area under the seat. If you take away that space to stretch your feet into you wind up with your knees touching your chest for the entire flight!

Agree again. What would you suggest as an alternative other than getting rid of revenue producing seats? You know we (airlines) aren't going to do that. Do you really think changing seat pitch would make much of a difference?

Originally Posted by Silent Bob

I think what should happen, is the airlines need to enforce more strongly the 2 piece carry one rule, it has gotten outrageous. I was told from a coworker that the only people that get it right in this regard is the british, when they limited carry on to one piece only. I myself only bring a briefcase and a carry on bag that meets the overhead standard. But sometimes you see people with so many pieces i.e. a backpack, shopping bags, carry on luggage, it makes you wonder why no one says anything to begin with. I say start charging at the gate, which would help limit people carrying on so much.

Now if you're a parent traveling with children, I think that is the exception of the rule, because you gotta keep the kids happy (so they can stop kicking my chair). Same goes for someone who needs additional care.

SB, everything you suggest should happen are in fact policies that are already in place (to my knowledge), unfortunately they are not being enforced. Gate agents are supposed to be charging for (excess) baggage at the gate, and parents carrying a stroller, diaper bag, etc are not penalized for it. The reason I have been given for why they are not enforcing and charging for excess baggage is because it will simply delay the flight. Stopping the boarding process to charge every other person for an extra bag would double the boarding time needed. So, the agent has to choose between delaying the flight and explaining themselves, or ignoring the people carrying too many bags and hope everything fits. It is an imperfect system, and trust me when I say we are working on ways to fix it.


Suggestions from everyone but jimworcs would be greatly appreciated! J/K jim... I'll take your ideas too!