[justme]

negs, I wish more people would follow your lead and check their bags to minimize the amount of carry-on luggage. Boarding would be a much faster, and much less agonizing experience if everyone only had a laptop bag. (Or something similarly as small.) Oh, we can only hope. And as far as picking your battles and The Judge thinking this is one to avoid, I would disagree and stand my ground if someone "demanded" I put my laptop bag under my seat. I'm with you negs, you have just as much a right to the overhead as everyone else, and sounds like you are prepared to make some sacrifices (paying to check a "overhead sized" bag, sitting in the back of the airplane) to ensure you have the opportunity to use it. Safe travels negs!