It’s that time of the year when millions of people, bundled up and lugging gifts, fly for the holidays. It’s also the season when overhead bins turn into hallway closets.
The rules for stowing belongings in the cabin are straightforward. Carry-on bags such as rolling suitcases and duffels go up. Outerwear and personal items such as backpacks and totes stay down — under the seat in front of you or on your lap.
During the busy travel season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, airlines say it is imperative that passengers follow these protocols. Flights are often packed, and bin space is limited. To keep the peace and ensure an on-time departure, gate agents and flight attendants will remind passengers about the proper way to store their smaller bag and coats.
Many people are not hearing their pleas.
On a recent flight from New York City to Paris, Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and owner of the Protocol School of Texas, watched a passenger place a suitcase, tote and jacket in an overhead compartment. To make room for other carry-ons, Gottsman said, the flight attendant patiently removed the two misplaced items and returned them to their owner for proper storage.
“While many requests may feel inconvenient, frustrations are heightened when you watch someone breaking a simple rule when everyone else is trying to do the right thing,” she said.
Chip Lowe, a local vice president with the Association of Flight Attendants union, gives some people a pass, such as folks who fly only during the holidays and are unfamiliar with the rules. Others, however, are knowingly flaunting the rules.
“A certain amount of people are just like ‘me, me, me,’” Lowe said, “and they don’t want anything under their feet.”
‘People get nasty’
To avoid any confusion or discord, airline staff will typically make reminders early in the boarding process.
Lowe said a gate agent may make an announcement to waiting passengers before passing the baton onto flight attendants, who reiterate the protocols over the intercom. Some flight crew members may stand in the aisle, informing passengers as they file onto the plane.
John E. DiScala, a travel specialist who goes by Johnny Jet, said he has rearranged overhead items with a passenger’s permission or, in pricklier situations, flagged down a flight attendant for help.
Because of some people’s territorial nature or sense of entitlement, he treads carefully.
“I think most people, if you ask nicely, will comply, but I have seen people get nasty going, ‘What are you doing with my coat?’” DiScala said. “Or some people just push their bag right on top of other people’s coats.”
Flight attendants, who are trained in de-escalation techniques, encourage passengers to call on them for interference. Lowe will soften the directive with empathy, explaining that he understands the tight squeeze but the flight crew must accommodate everyone.
“Kill people with kindness, but also make it real and tangible because this could affect you and all of us on board,” Lowe said.
As the clock ticks to takeoff, the message may take on a more urgent tone.
A kerfuffle over an incorrectly stashed backpack or briefcase could cause the plane to miss its pushback spot from the gate or takeoff slot, Lowe said, leading to delays.
You can stack up but not sideways
The rule governing overhead bins has some wiggle room.
If the plane is not fully occupied, Lowe said, passengers can use the available space for their smaller items. Even on fully booked flights, people can stack their belongings vertically as long as their items do not spill over into the adjacent plot.
Once everyone is seated, Lowe said he will sometimes seek out passengers who are tall or had inquired about storing their goods overhead. Before take off, he will try to find nooks and crannies between or on top of larger carry-ons.
“Technically, the rule with most airlines is that backpacks go under the seat, but we do give people some leniency and grace,” he said. “If they’ve made the effort to check back, then maybe we let it slide.”
Ask if there’s a closet
Travelers can ask a flight attendant whether the plane has a closet where they can hang their puffer or peacoat. Lowe said some planes are equipped with closets, such as the larger aircraft used on international flights. But passengers should not assume all planes have the extra storage space.
“Sometimes people don’t believe us,” Lowe said, “but certain planes like the 737-700 don’t have a closet.”
Instead of feeling like you’re saddled with a lap baby, put your coat to work. Gottsman recommends using a jacket as a lumbar pillow or blanket. Another option is to dress in lighter clothing and wear your coat on the flight without overheating.
Though the idea of placing your coat on dirty airplane carpeting is unappealing, Gottsman reminds travelers that they can wash or dry clean the garment as soon as they’re home.
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