“For travelers on packed planes, ‘fight for the overheads’ is on”

Posted by isaclients on Oct 26th, 2009 | no comments

If you have flown Delta, United, American, Northwest or U.S. Airways, then it is common occurrence for the last passengers boarding with carry-on luggage have a difficult time finding space in the overhead luggage compartments.

I’ve witnessed arguments that nearly boiled to physical altercations because passengers who boarded early put their carry-on luggage in the overhead bins just to have passengers who board later try to squeeze their carry-on luggage into the already filled compartments by smashing other people’s personal belongings.

I’ve seen flight attendants become the final authority of what is acceptable and what has to be checked.

Lines at Security Check Points have increased during peak times as a result of more carry-on luggage. Many airports did not expect the additional carry-on luggage when they designed security check-point procedures and as a result their has not been enough scanning and x-ray equipment. I expect this problem to increase as travelers do not want to pay the additional checked luggage fees.

There are also concerns of safety from flight attendants as overhead luggage bin covers are not able to contain all the luggage and reports of covers popping open during turbulence.

Is the increased amount of carry-on luggage a direct result of the increased checked luggage fees? It’s hard to believe that it’s not. Congress is considering legislation to limit and standardize carry-on size and ensure enforcement at TSA airport checkpoints. I can only imagine the problems this will cause, beginning with longer security lines. Besides taking my shoes off, belt off, jacket off, eligible liquids in a quart bag out and laptop out, now I might  have a TSA security officer weigh and measure my 2 pieces of carry-on luggage. What happens when my luggage is a few ounces to heavy or a few inches to big? Will they confiscate it? Will they require me to go to the ticket counter to have it checked in?

In my personal opinion, I don’t think the TSA’s purpose is to the regulate carry-on luggage. I thought the TSA’s job was to prevent dangerous substances and people from entering planes. Last time I checked, a slightly over sized carry-on bag is not a national security threat.

I think the airlines brought this on themselves and I don’t believe it’s the government’s job to solve their problems.  If the airlines (or government) enforce carry-on limits, then I expect more checked luggage which increase the chances of your luggage being delayed or lost.  Travel insurance covers lost personal items or if your bags are delayed.

Discount airlines like Southwest and Frontier and becoming more popular with air travelers, including myself, with less fees, and are winning the loyalty of domestic travelers. Check out this informal online poll ranking airlines and if you some additional proof, here is a a second poll.  No surprise that Southwest ranks the highest.

Insurance For Trips also believes in customer service.  We offer affordable travel insurance with terrific customer service.  Call us toll free at (800) 647-4589 and speak with a customer service representative or email us at travel@insurancefortrips.com.

Leave a Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website