Situation: On an overbooked plane. I have already checked my large luggage and am only carrying on my backpack. Because of my status, I am able to board before most. I wasn’t able to get an upgrade to a seat with more legroom, so I decided to take my 1 backpack and place it in the overhead bin above my seat. This allowed me to stretch my legs more in my seat. I’m 6’2 and my legs get very sore if unable to stretch for extended periods.
As more people boarded, the overhead bin space was filling up. This was announced at the gate that many boarding last would likely have to check their carryons. Near the very end a 20-something lady took my bag out and asked who’s it was. I raised my hand and she asked if I would put it under my seat so she could take the space for her suitcase.
AITA for saying no?
Comments
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Situation: On an overbooked plane. I have already checked my large luggage and am only carrying on my backpack. Because of my status, I am able to board before most. I wasn’t able to get an upgrade to a seat with more legroom, so I decided to take my 1 backpack and place it in the overhead bin above my seat. This allowed me to stretch my legs more in my seat. I’m 6’2 and my legs get very sore if unable to stretch for extended periods.
As more people boarded, the overhead bin space was filling up. This was announced at the gate that many boarding last would likely have to check their carryons. Near the very end a 20-something lady took my bag out and asked who’s it was. I raised my hand and she asked if I would put it under my seat so she could take the space for her suitcase.
AITA for saying no?
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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> I denied someone’s ask to move my backpack from the overhead bin above to the seat underneath. It was selfish, I wanted the legroom and got there first. But I wasn’t take up multiple spaces as it was my only carry-on.
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Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.
ESH. Should have been the flight attendant handling it not her, but it’s common policy to reserve the overhead bins for roller bags and have small items placed under the seats.
NTA. You only had one carry on, and there is supposed to be enough space for everyone to have one bag in the overhead.
MORE INFO:
I am not against a passenger doing what they need to (within airline rules) do to be comfortable on a plane ride.
However, would you have been ok if she asked if she could put your bag under the front of her seat (or the seat of one of your seat-neighbors) in order for her to put her carry on in the overhead bin?
NTA, but ONLY because it was your only item up there. On an airline where you dont have to pay for an overhead bag, everyone is entitled to put one item up there within the size limit, and then not until theyfill up the space under their seat, can they then put any remaining ALLOWED items left in the overhead in a first come first served basis.
You didn’t have extra up there, you put your one item in the space available.
AITA for what…what did you? Did you say no?
The ‘right’ answer depends on the rules of that airline. Do you need to pay for carry-ons? If so, then the overhead is for carry-ons as priority. Was your bag a ‘personal item’? Then it needs to be under the seat ahead
Personal item size goes under the seat in front of you.
Nta. I pay xtra for dedicated overhead space for my backpack when in economy. It’s a small charge that’s worth it not to have to fight for overhead space. Based on your description, it sounds as if you also paid xtra to board earlier and likely included dedicated overhead.
NTA. I check my main bag so my carry on, personal item and jacket all go in the bin in the same space or less than a standard roller.
YTA. Flight etiquette.
NTA – Everyone is equally entitled to use the overhead space for an item. If you had 2, that would be a different matter and one should be under the seat in front.
NTA
Everyone has the option to pay for early boarding.
Everyone knows that bin space is limited.
Having her bag checked is a mild inconvenience, but not unforeseen.
Absolutely correct to say no. NTA
Info:
Is this like a little day bag or a large travel backpack stuffed to the brim
I’m leaning YTA – airlines often make announcements that bags that fit under the seat in front of you need to go there and only actual carry on suitcases go up there. Did they make that announcement?
What I do is start with the backpack at my feet, then once we take off I pull it towards me (so it’s standing up) and stretch my legs out so my backpack is under my knees. I’ve been super comfortable doing that – my knees ache a lot, so I need to sit with them stretched out most of the time.
Depends entirely on the rules of the airline. The airline I fly most often always says personal items go under the seat in front of you, big bags in the overhead bins. Personally I hate it, but that’s their rule. I agree with those who say she shouldn’t have touched your bag though, that’s a job for a flight attendants.
If y’all tall people find a solution to plane comfort that doesn’t involve legs in my space, I count it a win for everyone.
Without more details I am thinking YTA – long before they start announcing that they need to start checking carry-on items most airlines will announce that the overhead bins are for suitcases and personal sized items should be under the seat in front of you.
NTA. Tell her your feet are your personal item.