RANT: I don't care if you want to sit next to your kids on the airplane

[RedSox68]

I was flying home from Fort Lauderdale Sunday evening when a woman demanded that I move from my aisle seat so she could sit next to her kid who would be sitting in the middle seat. This was after SnoToriousBIG 2016, so every single flight was full.

I don't give a ratatouille if you want to sit with your kids. I paid for this aisle seat assignment and you wanted to take your chances at the airport! You can keep trying the passive aggressive "well he gets motion sickness." I have a kid and had dogs and witnessed one whelp puppies twice. I can handle it. Unless you want to pay me five times what I paid for this seat, keep moving on! The flight attendant made her go to her seat several rows back!

The only time I have ever given up my seat and in first no less was for someone in uniform. Their willingness to die for their country trumps someone who doesn't want to pay for their seat every day of the year!

Similar situation, but not with a kid. We were flying to Barcelona and my DH and I were in the row behind my daughter, who had the window seat in front of us. She was sitting next to a young man. As we waited for take off, we noticed he kept leaning over and saying things to my daughter and she was getting visibly upset. I finally asked what was going on and it turns out he was trying to pressure her into moving to the back of the plane so his wife could sit next to him. I finally leaned forward and said loudly in the young man's ear that our young daughter was NOT giving up her seat for his wife and if he wanted to sit with his wife, he should have paid for assigned seats like we did! To "get even", he proceeded to put his seat back during take off, to which I had to report him to the steward. In the end, he went back to his parents to whine about the situation and his father told him to grow up and act his age and sit down. My DH switched with my daughter while he was out of his seat, and he was so miserable when he returned that he ended up switching his seat with his sister. THEN we had a peaceful flight. Funny thing, when we landed, he and his whole family quickly exited the plane, leaving his wife in the back to get off alone!

So I have no problem with you sticking to your desire to keep your seat. I wonder if she tried to get someone in her row to switch so she could move her kid back with her?

 

[GreatLakes]

To each their own. To me, gate checking defeats the purpose of "carry on". Especially when, in most cases, they make you go to baggage claim to retrieve your gate checked luggage. Whenever I carry on my luggage instead of checking it, its usually because I don't want to hassle with baggage claim or because time is of the essence.

I have never had to get my gate-checked item at baggage claim. It has always been available in the jetway or plane-side if we were deplaning via stars, more times than not before I am even off the plane.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Just by reading some threads on here, you should know that things that are "self-explanatory" aren't always.

touché

 

[sam_gordon]

True, some people may still carry on a bag in addition to checking one. Although for #1 and #3, if you've checked a bag, you'd need to go to baggage claim regardless and the checked bag can still be misdirected. For me, if I've checked a bag, I'm not hassling with another carry on size rolling bag as well, which is what usually goes in the overhead bins taking up space. I will bring a backpack or shoulder bag with things I will need that fits under the seat in front of me.

I am a big proponent of carrying on anything you would NEED for the first 24 hours. I have checked a bag and put my medicines and contact stuff in my backpack (i can always run to Walmart and get underwear/clothes if needed). However, if I'm traveling with my family, I will carry on a rolling bag (in addition to my backpack) that has everything the family would need for 24 hours. When we went to Europe last year, our 90 minute layover in Detroit turned into 10 minutes because the first plane was delayed. We made the flight, our checked bags didn't. It took 2 days for our bags to catch up with us. We ended up using what was in the carry on and STILL had to go shopping for clothes.

I have never had to get my gate-checked item at baggage claim. It has always been available in the jetway or plane-side if we were deplaning via stars, more times than not before I am even off the plane.

There are two kinds of "gate check"...
1) Small plane with minimal overhead space... leave your bags at the end of the jetway/planeside and it gets returned at the jetway/planeside when you get off that plane.
2) Larger plane with normal overhead space that is all used... turn your bags over, and see them at the carousel at your final destination.

I've never used #2, but I have heard enough announcements while waiting for flights that I know it's an option.

 

[nkereina]

I have never had to get my gate-checked item at baggage claim. It has always been available in the jetway or plane-side if we were deplaning via stars, more times than not before I am even off the plane.

2) Larger plane with normal overhead space that is all used... turn your bags over, and see them at the carousel at your final destination.

Yes, #2 has been our experience when overhead storage space is full and we are forced to gate check our carry on luggage. The airline doesn't bother getting the luggage out for you at the end of the flight. They send them straight to the carousel with the rest of the luggage. As sam_gordon points out, smaller planes or people who opt to gate check luggage will usually see them returned on the jet bridge to pick up on the way out. It would behoove a person to know if its being sent to the carousel or not before gate checking, because otherwise it might defeat the purpose as I mentioned.

 

[RedSox68]

I think airlines should allow one checked bag and one personal item, and charge for the one acceptable carry on.

I think the BEST solution to the nonsense I have seen allowed onboard as "carry-ons" is for all airlines to go back to allowing one free checked bag. The only reason people are bringing so much onboard, and for the most part not being stopped at the gate with 3-4 carry-ons, is because they don't want to pay to check anything. Over the years, I have seen people be allowed to bring on large black garbage bags as a carry-on, try to shove not only their allowed carry-on in the overhead, but then also their personal item and their coat(s)!, etc.

I also think the airlines should strictly enforce that the overhead bin is for those there seats of which it sits over. If you can't fit three people's items in that row in that overhead, then one or more of those people have brought too much. I hate having to put my carryons three or more rows back or forward because the overhead above our seats is already full from the people across the aisle! It's a domino affect and creates chaos -- especially after landing and trying to get your stuff to get off and get to that baggage carousel

 

[china mom]

.......She was sitting next to a young man. As we waited for take off, we noticed he kept leaning over and saying things to my daughter and she was getting visibly upset. I finally asked what was going on and it turns out he was trying to pressure her into moving to the back of the plane so his wife could sit next to him.

Isn't it funny that they always want the person with the better set (up front or window) to move back so that their spouse/child/whatever can move up and they can sit together. Why do they never want to move back to sit with their loved one and give the person sitting next to their LO the better seat?

 

[GreatLakes]

There are two kinds of "gate check"...
1) Small plane with minimal overhead space... leave your bags at the end of the jetway/planeside and it gets returned at the jetway/planeside when you get off that plane.
2) Larger plane with normal overhead space that is all used... turn your bags over, and see them at the carousel at your final destination.

I've never used #2, but I have heard enough announcements while waiting for flights that I know it's an option.

Every time I've used #2 they treated it the same as #1. Gate-check it and it is still sitting there waiting for me. I'm sure #2 happens but I have never had to get my gate-check, even in your second scenario, at baggage claim.

 

[sam_gordon]

I think the BEST solution to the nonsense I have seen allowed onboard as "carry-ons" is for all airlines to go back to allowing one free checked bag. The only reason people are bringing so much onboard, and for the most part not being stopped at the gate with 3-4 carry-ons, is because they don't want to pay to check anything. Over the years, I have seen people be allowed to bring on large black garbage bags as a carry-on, try to shove not only their allowed carry-on in the overhead, but then also their personal item and their coat(s)!, etc.

1) Checked bag fees are NOT the only reason people bring carry ons. I've often brought a carry on even when I get a free checked bag.

I also think the airlines should strictly enforce that the overhead bin is for those there seats of which it sits over. If you can't fit three people's items in that row in that overhead, then one or more of those people have brought too much. I hate having to put my carryons three or more rows back or forward because the overhead above our seats is already full from the people across the aisle! It's a domino affect and creates chaos -- especially after landing and trying to get your stuff to get off and get to that baggage carousel

Except, as I mentioned before, the overhead bins span multiple rows. There are more seats than spaces in the bin. So no, it doesn't mean people "brought too much".

ETA: Even before the checked bag fee came about, I remember people bringing GARMENT bags (anyone remember those) as a carry on. You will never convince me those fit the size requirements. And sure enough, the FAs would help find somewhere to keep them.

 

[RedSox68]

1) Checked bag fees are NOT the only reason people bring carry ons. I've often brought a carry on even when I get a free checked bag.

Except, as I mentioned before, the overhead bins span multiple rows. There are more seats than spaces in the bin. So no, it doesn't mean people "brought too much".

ETA: Even before the checked bag fee came about, I remember people bringing GARMENT bags (anyone remember those) as a carry on. You will never convince me those fit the size requirements. And sure enough, the FAs would help find somewhere to keep them.

I always bring a carry-on for our personal medications and papers, but I have seen people bring a large tote, a backpack, a rolling carry-on and a small duffle -- all for one person -- and take up a whole overhead bin. THAT is over the limit, but they weren't stopped at the gate, so they do it.

 

[neverlandsky]

I know this thread is old. Our plane had mechanical issues and we were placed onto another flight separated from each other by rows from our originally booked altogether and upgraded paid seats. Without even asking, a passenger mid flight traded seats with DD so she could seat next to her dad. DD was placed between 2 adult males and she was extremely upset. DD kept leaving her seat every chance she got. I kept checking on her constantly and was just about to trade seats with her because she wasn’t claiming down so she would be a row behind and then across from Dad, yet next to an older women and an adult male. So grateful for that passenger that offered her seat next to DH to trade.

 

[sam_gordon]

Every time I've used #2 they treated it the same as #1. Gate-check it and it is still sitting there waiting for me. I'm sure #2 happens but I have never had to get my gate-check, even in your second scenario, at baggage claim.

I've never had to use #2 (that just doesn't sound right), but I've heard a lot of pre-boarding announcements explaining that's how it would work.

 

[sam_gordon]

I always bring a carry-on for our personal medications and papers, but I have seen people bring a large tote, a backpack, a rolling carry-on and a small duffle -- all for one person -- and take up a whole overhead bin. THAT is over the limit, but they weren't stopped at the gate, so they do it.

Agreed. I do wish airlines would enforce the luggage size. Heck, they'll charge you extra if your checked bag is one pound over the limit, but allow people to bring multiple bags into the cabin.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

1) Checked bag fees are NOT the only reason people bring carry ons. I've often brought a carry on even when I get a free checked bag.

Except, as I mentioned before, the overhead bins span multiple rows. There are more seats than spaces in the bin. So no, it doesn't mean people "brought too much".

ETA: Even before the checked bag fee came about, I remember people bringing GARMENT bags (anyone remember those) as a carry on. You will never convince me those fit the size requirements. And sure enough, the FAs would help find somewhere to keep them.

There used to be a place on the plane that held garment bags. It was in the front of the plane and looked like a closet with a bar in it. Flight attendants would hang them there.

 

[longboard55]

Many flights ago I determined wasting energy getting upset about a flight is just not worth it. Just get me there reasonably on time. I would have no issue switching with a mother.

As far as bags, they seem to be very strict with a 2 carry on rule, and your purse counts. We usually go American or Hawaiian, and we have credit cards for both so free check in so I check when possible and avoid the overhead hassle.

In general flying is amazing, the idea I can fly from LA to Orlando for $200 each way is a great deal. We live in a golden age. Enjoy it. When I was a kid if your family wanted to go cross country it was 6 days of motel 6s.

 

[DopeyDame]

I know this thread is old. Our plane had mechanical issues and we were placed onto another flight separated from each other by rows from our originally booked altogether and upgraded paid seats. Without even asking, a passenger mid flight traded seats with DD so she could seat next to her dad. DD was placed between 2 adult males and she was extremely upset. DD kept leaving her seat every chance she got. I kept checking on her constantly and was just about to trade seats with her because she wasn’t claiming down so she would be a row behind and then across from Dad, yet next to an older women and an adult male. So grateful for that passenger that offered her seat next to DH to trade.

How old was your DD at the time? What do you think made her so upset to be between to men?
I'm glad another passenger was able to help the situation.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you can't fit three people's items in that row in that overhead, then one or more of those people have brought too much.

Not accurate. Overhead bins span more than a single row of seats. You would, as sam_gordon posted above, need to remove does of seats. Fewer seats = higher costs.

ETA: Even before the checked bag fee came about, I remember people bringing GARMENT bags (anyone remember those) as a carry on. You will never convince me those fit the size requirements. And sure enough, the FAs would help find somewhere to keep them.

Well, back then planes had closets.

 

[neverlandsky]

How old was your DD at the time? What do you think made her so upset to be between to men?
I'm glad another passenger was able to help the situation.

DD was 12 and it was her, mine, and DS’s first long flight ever. Last time she was on a plane she was 2 and doesn’t remember. DD has had social anxiety with relatives and strangers since she was baby. Hence us going always booking the upgraded seats altogether. Yes very glad another passenger helped out. DD calmed down immediately after being able to sit with her dad.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have never had to get my gate-checked item at baggage claim. It has always been available in the jetway or plane-side if we were deplaning via stars, more times than not before I am even off the plane.

I have but they announced it as such, as they were looking for people to voluntarily give up their bags. I pack in such a way that I can do that if it is offered.

 

[piccolopat]

1) Checked bag fees are NOT the only reason people bring carry ons. I've often brought a carry on even when I get a free checked bag.

Except, as I mentioned before, the overhead bins span multiple rows. There are more seats than spaces in the bin. So no, it doesn't mean people "brought too much".

ETA: Even before the checked bag fee came about, I remember people bringing GARMENT bags (anyone remember those) as a carry on. You will never convince me those fit the size requirements. And sure enough, the FAs would help find somewhere to keep them.

I actually remember flights where the FA took my garment bag and stored it into a closet up front designed to hold them!