Is responsibility for your own bag too much to ask?

[Anonymous]

On another site I read a complaint that blew my mind--that there is no communication from the airlines that you are expected to be able to lift your own bag into the overhead compartment. I was honestly gobsmacked by this. I have never packed a bag that I couldn't lift, carry, or generally manage by myself. Barring disability, do you think it's an unreasonable expectation that people can deal with their own bags and not expect the flight attendants to take care of them? And do you think that expectation needs to be communicated better by airlines?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On another site I read a complaint that blew my mind--that there is no communication from the airlines that you are expected to be able to lift your own bag into the overhead compartment. I was honestly gobsmacked by this. I have never packed a bag that I couldn't lift, carry, or generally manage by myself. Barring disability, do you think it's an unreasonable expectation that people can deal with their own bags and not expect the flight attendants to take care of them? And do you think that expectation needs to be communicated better by airlines?

No this is insane.

[Anonymous]

If you cherry-pick the craziest complaints of the internet, and post here to complain about them...

... you are the crazy one.

I truly hope you understand this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On another site I read a complaint that blew my mind--that there is no communication from the airlines that you are expected to be able to lift your own bag into the overhead compartment. I was honestly gobsmacked by this. I have never packed a bag that I couldn't lift, carry, or generally manage by myself. Barring disability, do you think it's an unreasonable expectation that people can deal with their own bags and not expect the flight attendants to take care of them? And do you think that expectation needs to be communicated better by airlines?

Well good for you and your physical prowess, Gobsmacker. I guess the elderly, the disabled, and short people should just fend for themselves. Make them all check their bags (including the ones with their medication or medical devices) and just STFU. That way, it gives lots of jack@sses like you more room to gloat.

[Anonymous]

^ And how does one determine that someone is disabled? Not all disabilities are visible.

[Anonymous]

One person is responsible for one (or two) bags. If the FAs were responsible, theyd be responsible for hundreds if not thousands of bags. Of course it's not reasonable for other people to move your sh*t for you.

I don't even think "barring disabilities". If you are disabled and can't lift your bag, you should check it. If you are elderly and can't lift your bag, you should check it. Or pack small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

[Anonymous]

I dunno. I mean as a 5'1" person I can technically lift my fully packed hard case carry-on into the overhead but it is sometimes a struggle. Thankfully there is always a guy around who likes to feel useful.

[Anonymous]

I routinely help tiny women and elderly people with the overhead compartment. While I’m a 50 year old lady, I’m fortunate to be tall, string, and healthy for now…someday I might not be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On another site I read a complaint that blew my mind--that there is no communication from the airlines that you are expected to be able to lift your own bag into the overhead compartment. I was honestly gobsmacked by this. I have never packed a bag that I couldn't lift, carry, or generally manage by myself. Barring disability, do you think it's an unreasonable expectation that people can deal with their own bags and not expect the flight attendants to take care of them? And do you think that expectation needs to be communicated better by airlines?

Well good for you and your physical prowess, Gobsmacker. I guess the elderly, the disabled, and short people should just fend for themselves. Make them all check their bags (including the ones with their medication or medical devices) and just STFU. That way, it gives lots of jack@sses like you more room to gloat.

How is it the flight attendants fault that you're short? Put it under the seat or check it. What's the issue? Why do you need to involve someone else with your packing?

[Anonymous]

Who cares, there will always be someone to help you. Like me. Because we all want the process to go quickly.

[Anonymous]

I agree in principle. After I had back surgery I checked my bag because I couldn’t lift it. That said, in better times I was happy to help people out - old ladies, little people etc. by lifting their bags up for them.

[Anonymous]

I don't understand your post.

I have back and neck pain. I'm not supposed to lift even a light bag above my head.

I check luggage whenever possible. But I do need to bring a small carry on. Sometimes there is not enough room in the seat underneath. Even if there is, it's better for my back to have that leg room.

So I look around and ask a man if he'd be able to help. Usually their response is, "Wow, this bag is light!"

Not everyone is as able as you, OP. Have some sympathy.

I would never bring a heavy bag on and beg someone to help, though. If my bag gets lost, oh well. I'd rather check than throw someone else's back out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand your post.

I have back and neck pain. I'm not supposed to lift even a light bag above my head.

I check luggage whenever possible. But I do need to bring a small carry on. Sometimes there is not enough room in the seat underneath. Even if there is, it's better for my back to have that leg room.

So I look around and ask a man if he'd be able to help. Usually their response is, "Wow, this bag is light!"

Not everyone is as able as you, OP. Have some sympathy.

I would never bring a heavy bag on and beg someone to help, though. If my bag gets lost, oh well. I'd rather check than throw someone else's back out.

Also, one thing I can do sometimes according to airplane design is put the bags on my seat, then climb onto my seat and put the bag in the overhead. That does not always work, though. usually when a nearby guy sees me doing this he steps in and puts the bag up or down for me.

[Anonymous]

I'm short. Some newer interior designs are configured in a way that I simply cannot reach the overhead compartment, even on my tippy toes. If my bag meets the requirements for size and weight the airline publishes, then I should be able to store it on board even if I need help getting it into the storage compartment provided.

Airlines don't provide the service of transporting your handbags throughout the airport, so I'm not sure who is complaining about bags they can't carry on their own.

[Anonymous]

PP again. You also don't always know what disabilities people have.