Why is there never enough overhead bin space?

It's a problem that travel experts say was created when airlines started adding more seats and charging passengers to check luggage. As the number of fliers increased, cost-conscious travelers started maxing out their allotted carry-on and personal item to avoid checked bag fees.



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What happens if the overhead bins are full when I get on the plane? The airline staff will have to gate-check your carry-on. Don't worry—you won't be charged for this, and you won't have to get off the plane. The staff will take care of your carry-on for you by tagging it as checked baggage.

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Once all overhead bins are full, all remaining baggage (which doesn't fit beneath the seat space) is tagged and handed-off to baggage personnel for carriage in cargo. Flight attendants generally check to make sure the overhead bin luggage has been properly placed for maximum allowance.

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More overhead space doesn't necessarily mean you're ensured significantly more space for your things. Adding more room for luggage increases boarding efficiency, since carriers lose money for every minute a plane doesn't leave on time.

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Most regular airlines won't check the size, unless it's obviously way larger or heavier than your allowance, but you may need to consider where is that extra inch, if it's too wide/thick, it may not fit in the baggage overhead compartment and a flight attendant may check it in for you…

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Europe. European airlines tend to be stricter than US airlines, especially about luggage weight and personal items (which are sometimes not allowed). Avoid getting your bag weighed if possible (see the tips above). Air France: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 inches), 12 kg (26 lb).

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There is only one true workaround for getting around the no carry-on rule without paying the fee: It all must fit in a personal item, which also must fit underneath a seat. To also take that away, well, it seems borderline illegal.

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Don't be a bin hog Remember the rules: Overhead compartments are primarily for carry-ons that don't fit in under the seat. Everything else is extra, and should be stored up top only when everyone has boarded and at least attempted to store those bigger bags first. Then you can stake more square footage.

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As you've likely observed, most domestic airlines allow passengers one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of them and one larger carry-on suitable for the overhead bin. Some airlines specify size requirements for both items, while others only restrict the overhead baggage.

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You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

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In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you are entitled to compensation for reasonable incidental expenses you incur because of your delayed baggage, up to the maximum liability limits, set by statute. For U.S. domestic flights, this is $3,800 per passenger.

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Yes, $2-3 would be fine when picking your luggage back up. In my experience often the desk clerk will refuse the tip, but it never hurts to offer a dollar or two per bag. I always tip at least $1 per bag to both the person who puts them in storage for me and the person who returns them to me.

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Definition of 'baggage storage room' A baggage storage room is a room in a hotel where people can leave their baggage in order to collect it later.

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Ryanair is strict regarding carry-on luggage. If your bags exceed the airline's size restrictions, they will be placed in the airport's cargo hold, and you will be charged the excess baggage fee at check-in.

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If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside. But airlines rarely ask you to use it. What is this? Unless your carry-on is extremely large, the airline employees at the gate most likely won't ask to measure it.

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