We all know that putting stuff in the overhead is the slowest part of getting everyone loaded into and settled onto the plane. On top of that, more and more people are bringing as much carry-on baggage as possible in an attempt to avoid baggage fees. Airlines, in turn, are sometimes limiting who can bring what carry on bags intended for the overhead. I’ve already experienced this with Delta (when they wound up breaking something I had in my carry on bag that they insisted I check at the gate). I’d also bet you anything it was the same thing with the surly gate agents I experienced on American (this one and then this one) who tried to make me gate check my carry on bag.
However, a reader of ours recently told me how he and his wife rarely have to gate check their carry on baggage, regardless of airline or what loading group they’re in.
