Is responsibility for your own bag too much to ask?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Thank you for being kind (instead of smug about your health)

I used to be a very independent woman. Now I am elderly and bring a carryon which is not heavy for a healthy, younger person (especially a male ). I might be able to put it in the overhead compartment, but would run the risk of an injury that would ruin my whole trip.

Can’t the more fortunate (for now) help the less fortunate in our society? I can tell you that in other cultures, that would be the normal expectation.

Yes, the more fortunate can help the less fortunate. But the problem is when someone EXPECTS the help. That's entitled. Bringing a suitcase that you know you can't lift is the definition of that.

They are literally entitled to assistance.

https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights#The%20Right%20to%20Assistance%20on%20the%20Aircraft

So yes they absolutely should expect that assistance.

Did they self identify at the gate? Doesn't sound like that's what they are doing. They are bringing their bags on they standing around waiting for unsuspecting passengers to help them. Not the same. The airline isn't going to assign a random passenger for the assist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have heard FAs say- I don't lift bags.

It always catches me by surprise when it is a elderly woman or really short woman or even an unaccompanied 12 year old who can't lift their bag up. Also, I have a terrible back but I am still helping other people when the FAs refuse to help

I am one of the people calling the overreactors here jerks but I don't think FAs (or anyone) should be REQUIRED to help and I believe FAs are sometimes not allowed to because it exposes the airline to workers comp risks

Of course they shouldn't. They aren't even PAID while passengers are boarding. What kind of a AH would ask someone not even being paid to do a basic task that they should be able to complete themselves.

Why should they? They “should” be taller? They “should” be older (in the case of children) or younger (in the case of the elderly)? Perhaps the aircraft designers “should” have taken more care with making bins accessible for more passengers, but your idea of what people “should” be able to do is simply…your idea.

Is this putative child not traveling in the company of an adult?!

Are you unfamiliar with unaccompanied minors?

They have a FA assigned to them, and they PAY for this. Very different from just expecting people to manage your shit.

We all PAY for the use of overhead space. You’re saying people who don’t meet a specific criteria should not receive what they paid for — and in fact should pay more— because of where airline engineers chose to put access to bins. Its ridiculous.

No, you don’t pay for overhead space. No one is guaranteed any space. Maybe in first, but certainly nowhere else.

Just because no one is guaranteed to use it doesn’t mean we don’t pay for it. Its the whole premise behind “basic” economy tickets not coming with carryon bags

You pay for a seat and that’s about it. You may think you paid for one drink and bag of pretzels but if there is turbulence, you’re not getting that snack and if they are out of your favorite beverage, then too bad for you. If the overhead bins are full, then your bag gets gate checked. If you run your mouth about it, you will be escorted off. Heck, even if you’re not dressed appropriately you may not fly. Sometimes the a/c doesn’t work either, even though you paid for a comfortable flight. Your idea of your rights and what you’re owed, don’t line up with reality.

The bins being full has what, exactly to do with someone being able to access them? Because at the first hint of your utopia— elderly and disabled left standing helpless until there is no bin soace— the passengers will refer to the ADA and which yes ^entitles^ the individual to assistance stowing and accessing luggage. Get ready to stew even longer waiting for the pre-boarders you already hate.

As a very short person who can definitely manage their own bag you sound extremely lazy and selfish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Thank you for being kind (instead of smug about your health)

I used to be a very independent woman. Now I am elderly and bring a carryon which is not heavy for a healthy, younger person (especially a male ). I might be able to put it in the overhead compartment, but would run the risk of an injury that would ruin my whole trip.

Can’t the more fortunate (for now) help the less fortunate in our society? I can tell you that in other cultures, that would be the normal expectation.

Yes, the more fortunate can help the less fortunate. But the problem is when someone EXPECTS the help. That's entitled. Bringing a suitcase that you know you can't lift is the definition of that.

They are literally entitled to assistance.

https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights#The%20Right%20to%20Assistance%20on%20the%20Aircraft

So yes they absolutely should expect that assistance.

Did they self identify at the gate? Doesn't sound like that's what they are doing. They are bringing their bags on they standing around waiting for unsuspecting passengers to help them. Not the same. The airline isn't going to assign a random passenger for the assist.

I think most people don’t feel the need to self identify for minor disabilities. Thankfully, as shown on this thread, most people are willing to help. If people with disabilities started being edged out of use of overhead space, they would start identifying at the gate. Then they would start pre-boarding. Then, you would be even more upset.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have heard FAs say- I don't lift bags.

It always catches me by surprise when it is a elderly woman or really short woman or even an unaccompanied 12 year old who can't lift their bag up. Also, I have a terrible back but I am still helping other people when the FAs refuse to help

I am one of the people calling the overreactors here jerks but I don't think FAs (or anyone) should be REQUIRED to help and I believe FAs are sometimes not allowed to because it exposes the airline to workers comp risks

Of course they shouldn't. They aren't even PAID while passengers are boarding. What kind of a AH would ask someone not even being paid to do a basic task that they should be able to complete themselves.

Why should they? They “should” be taller? They “should” be older (in the case of children) or younger (in the case of the elderly)? Perhaps the aircraft designers “should” have taken more care with making bins accessible for more passengers, but your idea of what people “should” be able to do is simply…your idea.

Is this putative child not traveling in the company of an adult?!

Are you unfamiliar with unaccompanied minors?

They have a FA assigned to them, and they PAY for this. Very different from just expecting people to manage your shit.

We all PAY for the use of overhead space. You’re saying people who don’t meet a specific criteria should not receive what they paid for — and in fact should pay more— because of where airline engineers chose to put access to bins. Its ridiculous.

No, you don’t pay for overhead space. No one is guaranteed any space. Maybe in first, but certainly nowhere else.

Just because no one is guaranteed to use it doesn’t mean we don’t pay for it. Its the whole premise behind “basic” economy tickets not coming with carryon bags

You pay for a seat and that’s about it. You may think you paid for one drink and bag of pretzels but if there is turbulence, you’re not getting that snack and if they are out of your favorite beverage, then too bad for you. If the overhead bins are full, then your bag gets gate checked. If you run your mouth about it, you will be escorted off. Heck, even if you’re not dressed appropriately you may not fly. Sometimes the a/c doesn’t work either, even though you paid for a comfortable flight. Your idea of your rights and what you’re owed, don’t line up with reality.

The bins being full has what, exactly to do with someone being able to access them? Because at the first hint of your utopia— elderly and disabled left standing helpless until there is no bin soace— the passengers will refer to the ADA and which yes ^entitles^ the individual to assistance stowing and accessing luggage. Get ready to stew even longer waiting for the pre-boarders you already hate.

As a very short person who can definitely manage their own bag you sound extremely lazy and selfish.

I can’t tell you how troubled I am that an Internet person who believes that short, disabled, elderly, etc. people should be made to pay extra for the crime of their existence believes I might be lazy and selfish.

[Anonymous]

The funny thing to me about packing a bag you can't manage is that it's not only on the plane that it's a drag. At every stage of your trip it's a hindrance. Do you expect someone else to carry, roll, lift, etc. your bag throughout your entire trip? You need like a faithful manservant, and those are in short supply these days. Just pack less. If that means packing fewer sweaters in order to fit in your nebulizer, or whatever medical device, then do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have heard FAs say- I don't lift bags.

It always catches me by surprise when it is a elderly woman or really short woman or even an unaccompanied 12 year old who can't lift their bag up. Also, I have a terrible back but I am still helping other people when the FAs refuse to help

I am one of the people calling the overreactors here jerks but I don't think FAs (or anyone) should be REQUIRED to help and I believe FAs are sometimes not allowed to because it exposes the airline to workers comp risks

Of course they shouldn't. They aren't even PAID while passengers are boarding. What kind of a AH would ask someone not even being paid to do a basic task that they should be able to complete themselves.

Why should they? They “should” be taller? They “should” be older (in the case of children) or younger (in the case of the elderly)? Perhaps the aircraft designers “should” have taken more care with making bins accessible for more passengers, but your idea of what people “should” be able to do is simply…your idea.

Is this putative child not traveling in the company of an adult?!

Are you unfamiliar with unaccompanied minors?

They have a FA assigned to them, and they PAY for this. Very different from just expecting people to manage your shit.

We all PAY for the use of overhead space. You’re saying people who don’t meet a specific criteria should not receive what they paid for — and in fact should pay more— because of where airline engineers chose to put access to bins. Its ridiculous.

No, you don’t pay for overhead space. No one is guaranteed any space. Maybe in first, but certainly nowhere else.

Just because no one is guaranteed to use it doesn’t mean we don’t pay for it. Its the whole premise behind “basic” economy tickets not coming with carryon bags

You pay for a seat and that’s about it. You may think you paid for one drink and bag of pretzels but if there is turbulence, you’re not getting that snack and if they are out of your favorite beverage, then too bad for you. If the overhead bins are full, then your bag gets gate checked. If you run your mouth about it, you will be escorted off. Heck, even if you’re not dressed appropriately you may not fly. Sometimes the a/c doesn’t work either, even though you paid for a comfortable flight. Your idea of your rights and what you’re owed, don’t line up with reality.

The bins being full has what, exactly to do with someone being able to access them? Because at the first hint of your utopia— elderly and disabled left standing helpless until there is no bin soace— the passengers will refer to the ADA and which yes ^entitles^ the individual to assistance stowing and accessing luggage. Get ready to stew even longer waiting for the pre-boarders you already hate.

As a very short person who can definitely manage their own bag you sound extremely lazy and selfish.

I can’t tell you how troubled I am that an Internet person who believes that short, disabled, elderly, etc. people should be made to pay extra for the crime of their existence believes I might be lazy and selfish.

Why aren’t they identifying at the gate then? Whats the problem?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Thank you for being kind (instead of smug about your health)

I used to be a very independent woman. Now I am elderly and bring a carryon which is not heavy for a healthy, younger person (especially a male ). I might be able to put it in the overhead compartment, but would run the risk of an injury that would ruin my whole trip.

Can’t the more fortunate (for now) help the less fortunate in our society? I can tell you that in other cultures, that would be the normal expectation.

Yes, the more fortunate can help the less fortunate. But the problem is when someone EXPECTS the help. That's entitled. Bringing a suitcase that you know you can't lift is the definition of that.

They are literally entitled to assistance.

https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights#The%20Right%20to%20Assistance%20on%20the%20Aircraft

So yes they absolutely should expect that assistance.

Did they self identify at the gate? Doesn't sound like that's what they are doing. They are bringing their bags on they standing around waiting for unsuspecting passengers to help them. Not the same. The airline isn't going to assign a random passenger for the assist.

I think most people don’t feel the need to self identify for minor disabilities. Thankfully, as shown on this thread, most people are willing to help. If people with disabilities started being edged out of use of overhead space, they would start identifying at the gate. Then they would start pre-boarding. Then, you would be even more upset.

So they aren’t actually in need or disabled. Which is it?

[Anonymous]

I've flown a lot and have never once seen a situation where other passengers weren't happy to assist if another had trouble with overhead luggage. Does this actually happen?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have heard FAs say- I don't lift bags.

It always catches me by surprise when it is a elderly woman or really short woman or even an unaccompanied 12 year old who can't lift their bag up. Also, I have a terrible back but I am still helping other people when the FAs refuse to help

I am one of the people calling the overreactors here jerks but I don't think FAs (or anyone) should be REQUIRED to help and I believe FAs are sometimes not allowed to because it exposes the airline to workers comp risks

Of course they shouldn't. They aren't even PAID while passengers are boarding. What kind of a AH would ask someone not even being paid to do a basic task that they should be able to complete themselves.

Why should they? They “should” be taller? They “should” be older (in the case of children) or younger (in the case of the elderly)? Perhaps the aircraft designers “should” have taken more care with making bins accessible for more passengers, but your idea of what people “should” be able to do is simply…your idea.

Is this putative child not traveling in the company of an adult?!

Are you unfamiliar with unaccompanied minors?

They have a FA assigned to them, and they PAY for this. Very different from just expecting people to manage your shit.

We all PAY for the use of overhead space. You’re saying people who don’t meet a specific criteria should not receive what they paid for — and in fact should pay more— because of where airline engineers chose to put access to bins. Its ridiculous.

No, you don’t pay for overhead space. No one is guaranteed any space. Maybe in first, but certainly nowhere else.

Just because no one is guaranteed to use it doesn’t mean we don’t pay for it. Its the whole premise behind “basic” economy tickets not coming with carryon bags

You pay for a seat and that’s about it. You may think you paid for one drink and bag of pretzels but if there is turbulence, you’re not getting that snack and if they are out of your favorite beverage, then too bad for you. If the overhead bins are full, then your bag gets gate checked. If you run your mouth about it, you will be escorted off. Heck, even if you’re not dressed appropriately you may not fly. Sometimes the a/c doesn’t work either, even though you paid for a comfortable flight. Your idea of your rights and what you’re owed, don’t line up with reality.

The bins being full has what, exactly to do with someone being able to access them? Because at the first hint of your utopia— elderly and disabled left standing helpless until there is no bin soace— the passengers will refer to the ADA and which yes ^entitles^ the individual to assistance stowing and accessing luggage. Get ready to stew even longer waiting for the pre-boarders you already hate.

As a very short person who can definitely manage their own bag you sound extremely lazy and selfish.

I can’t tell you how troubled I am that an Internet person who believes that short, disabled, elderly, etc. people should be made to pay extra for the crime of their existence believes I might be lazy and selfish.

The truth hurts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have heard FAs say- I don't lift bags.

It always catches me by surprise when it is a elderly woman or really short woman or even an unaccompanied 12 year old who can't lift their bag up. Also, I have a terrible back but I am still helping other people when the FAs refuse to help

I am one of the people calling the overreactors here jerks but I don't think FAs (or anyone) should be REQUIRED to help and I believe FAs are sometimes not allowed to because it exposes the airline to workers comp risks

Of course they shouldn't. They aren't even PAID while passengers are boarding. What kind of a AH would ask someone not even being paid to do a basic task that they should be able to complete themselves.

Why should they? They “should” be taller? They “should” be older (in the case of children) or younger (in the case of the elderly)? Perhaps the aircraft designers “should” have taken more care with making bins accessible for more passengers, but your idea of what people “should” be able to do is simply…your idea.

Is this putative child not traveling in the company of an adult?!

Are you unfamiliar with unaccompanied minors?

They have a FA assigned to them, and they PAY for this. Very different from just expecting people to manage your shit.

We all PAY for the use of overhead space. You’re saying people who don’t meet a specific criteria should not receive what they paid for — and in fact should pay more— because of where airline engineers chose to put access to bins. Its ridiculous.

No, you don’t pay for overhead space. No one is guaranteed any space. Maybe in first, but certainly nowhere else.

Just because no one is guaranteed to use it doesn’t mean we don’t pay for it. Its the whole premise behind “basic” economy tickets not coming with carryon bags

You pay for a seat and that’s about it. You may think you paid for one drink and bag of pretzels but if there is turbulence, you’re not getting that snack and if they are out of your favorite beverage, then too bad for you. If the overhead bins are full, then your bag gets gate checked. If you run your mouth about it, you will be escorted off. Heck, even if you’re not dressed appropriately you may not fly. Sometimes the a/c doesn’t work either, even though you paid for a comfortable flight. Your idea of your rights and what you’re owed, don’t line up with reality.

The bins being full has what, exactly to do with someone being able to access them? Because at the first hint of your utopia— elderly and disabled left standing helpless until there is no bin soace— the passengers will refer to the ADA and which yes ^entitles^ the individual to assistance stowing and accessing luggage. Get ready to stew even longer waiting for the pre-boarders you already hate.

As a very short person who can definitely manage their own bag you sound extremely lazy and selfish.

I can’t tell you how troubled I am that an Internet person who believes that short, disabled, elderly, etc. people should be made to pay extra for the crime of their existence believes I might be lazy and selfish.

The truth hurts?

Just to clarify: that PP won't self identify at the gate to get the help they are entitled to, won't ask to gate check, won't pack less, won't check the bag at arrival, nay, the only answer is to inconvenience other passengers while also insisting that they shouldn't be considered lazy and entitled? What a joke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The funny thing to me about packing a bag you can't manage is that it's not only on the plane that it's a drag. At every stage of your trip it's a hindrance. Do you expect someone else to carry, roll, lift, etc. your bag throughout your entire trip? You need like a faithful manservant, and those are in short supply these days. Just pack less. If that means packing fewer sweaters in order to fit in your nebulizer, or whatever medical device, then do so.

Except that often it is. I posted above that I often travel with groups of people who have disabilities that impact their stature.

They can roll their bags through the metro system, to get to the airport, and through the airport. What they can't do is lift things beyond the lengths of their arms. There is no number of sweaters that solves this problem.

The thing is, this is never an actual problem on the plane. We do preboard, because we need a little more time. I could lift everyone's bag (I guess I'm the faithful manservant, except I am a woman) but I have literally never done it because people always offer. Every single time. Just like I've always had people offer help when I've flown with little kids. My elderly mom has always had help offered.

So, people who are objecting, aren't objecting because they are being forced to lift, or that things are being slowed down. They are being objected because someone else is helping, and as a result a person who they consider "less" is getting some of the scare overhead space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The funny thing to me about packing a bag you can't manage is that it's not only on the plane that it's a drag. At every stage of your trip it's a hindrance. Do you expect someone else to carry, roll, lift, etc. your bag throughout your entire trip? You need like a faithful manservant, and those are in short supply these days. Just pack less. If that means packing fewer sweaters in order to fit in your nebulizer, or whatever medical device, then do so.

Except that often it is. I posted above that I often travel with groups of people who have disabilities that impact their stature.

They can roll their bags through the metro system, to get to the airport, and through the airport. What they can't do is lift things beyond the lengths of their arms. There is no number of sweaters that solves this problem.

The thing is, this is never an actual problem on the plane. We do preboard, because we need a little more time. I could lift everyone's bag (I guess I'm the faithful manservant, except I am a woman) but I have literally never done it because people always offer. Every single time. Just like I've always had people offer help when I've flown with little kids. My elderly mom has always had help offered.

So, people who are objecting, aren't objecting because they are being forced to lift, or that things are being slowed down. They are being objected because someone else is helping, and as a result a person who they consider "less" is getting some of the scare overhead space.

You haven't figured it out at all. Your situation is that there is a dedicated person tasked with this job, which is how it's supposed to work. Some of the weirder PPs don't want to follow the rules and just assume others will step in. Why when there are other solutions? Why not directly ask for help if it is required?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The funny thing to me about packing a bag you can't manage is that it's not only on the plane that it's a drag. At every stage of your trip it's a hindrance. Do you expect someone else to carry, roll, lift, etc. your bag throughout your entire trip? You need like a faithful manservant, and those are in short supply these days. Just pack less. If that means packing fewer sweaters in order to fit in your nebulizer, or whatever medical device, then do so.

Except that often it is. I posted above that I often travel with groups of people who have disabilities that impact their stature.

They can roll their bags through the metro system, to get to the airport, and through the airport. What they can't do is lift things beyond the lengths of their arms. There is no number of sweaters that solves this problem.

The thing is, this is never an actual problem on the plane. We do preboard, because we need a little more time. I could lift everyone's bag (I guess I'm the faithful manservant, except I am a woman) but I have literally never done it because people always offer. Every single time. Just like I've always had people offer help when I've flown with little kids. My elderly mom has always had help offered.

So, people who are objecting, aren't objecting because they are being forced to lift, or that things are being slowed down. They are being objected because someone else is helping, and as a result a person who they consider "less" is getting some of the scare overhead space.

You haven't figured it out at all. Your situation is that there is a dedicated person tasked with this job, which is how it's supposed to work. Some of the weirder PPs don't want to follow the rules and just assume others will step in. Why when there are other solutions? Why not directly ask for help if it is required?

Having a dedicated person isn't how it works at all. Sometimes, people with disabilities travel with other people, just like people without disabilities travel with colleagues, friends, family members etc . . . Often times when that happens, the traveling companion offers help, and I do too. But I'm not there for that reason, and I'm not "tasked" with this job.

There is no rule that says that someone with a disability that impacts their ability to reach above their head needs to bring someone, or to identify their needs in advance. You are making up rules that don't exist.

And yes, at this point after having had the same experience on many many flights, I do assume that that will happen. If it didn't happen, I have a back up plan which is lifting them all by myself. If it didn't happen for my elderly mom, she'd ask a flight attendant to help her identify someone. But, as I said, it has literally never happened.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The funny thing to me about packing a bag you can't manage is that it's not only on the plane that it's a drag. At every stage of your trip it's a hindrance. Do you expect someone else to carry, roll, lift, etc. your bag throughout your entire trip? You need like a faithful manservant, and those are in short supply these days. Just pack less. If that means packing fewer sweaters in order to fit in your nebulizer, or whatever medical device, then do so.

Except that often it is. I posted above that I often travel with groups of people who have disabilities that impact their stature.

They can roll their bags through the metro system, to get to the airport, and through the airport. What they can't do is lift things beyond the lengths of their arms. There is no number of sweaters that solves this problem.

The thing is, this is never an actual problem on the plane. We do preboard, because we need a little more time. I could lift everyone's bag (I guess I'm the faithful manservant, except I am a woman) but I have literally never done it because people always offer. Every single time. Just like I've always had people offer help when I've flown with little kids. My elderly mom has always had help offered.

So, people who are objecting, aren't objecting because they are being forced to lift, or that things are being slowed down. They are being objected because someone else is helping, and as a result a person who they consider "less" is getting some of the scare overhead space.

You haven't figured it out at all. Your situation is that there is a dedicated person tasked with this job, which is how it's supposed to work. Some of the weirder PPs don't want to follow the rules and just assume others will step in. Why when there are other solutions? Why not directly ask for help if it is required?

Having a dedicated person isn't how it works at all. Sometimes, people with disabilities travel with other people, just like people without disabilities travel with colleagues, friends, family members etc . . . Often times when that happens, the traveling companion offers help, and I do too. But I'm not there for that reason, and I'm not "tasked" with this job.

There is no rule that says that someone with a disability that impacts their ability to reach above their head needs to bring someone, or to identify their needs in advance. You are making up rules that don't exist.

And yes, at this point after having had the same experience on many many flights, I do assume that that will happen. If it didn't happen, I have a back up plan which is lifting them all by myself. If it didn't happen for my elderly mom, she'd ask a flight attendant to help her identify someone. But, as I said, it has literally never happened.

Sorry but as a person in this class and also elderly parents, none of us act this way. The dedicated person is someone in your group, otherwise you should alert the FAs you need assistance. You're not going to be able to explain or wiggle your way out this self centered waffling. You can't claim ADA and then refuse to follow the policies that help you. It's like ignoring the wheelchair ramp and insist a stranger carry you up the stairs instead.

[Anonymous]

This is way too long but it bothers me when someone who overpacked and needs help putting their heavy bag into the overhead asks my tall husband for help - because he has a bad back. He won’t refuse, but will not volunteer and no one should expect another customer to help because you are too anxious about your possessions and must bring ALL of them with you. I do not need him to help you and possibly ruin our trip.

And yes, we check bags and only bring on small carryons.