One of the great things about traveling during the summer is that you don't usually travel with a coat or jacket. Some people do bring sweaters or a sweatshirt due to the temperature inside the airplane, but they don't usually bring them for their destination.

Once it starts to get colder outside, more and more people bring their winter coats with them.  With this, people also tend to pack more inside their bags with thicker clothing that will keep them warm at their destination. (unless of course they are going to a nice sunny vacation spot)

With these over stuffed bags that can barely fit into an aircraft overhead bin, they see an open bin and stuff their suitcases into the bin...then throw their coats/jackets into another bin.  This creates a problem when more passenger board the plane, and you can't find bin space for their bags.

One thing that I have tried to relay to passengers is to hold onto their coats/jackets until all luggage has been accomodated first.  This way, we can be sure that everyones carry-on bag will be accomodated.  Once everyone has boarded and has put their bag into a bin, then we can easily stuff the coats/jackets in the open spots between the bags.

Most passengers don't do this.  They just want to throw their jacket into an open bin, throw their bag into another bin, and find their seat and forget about everyone else...because their bag and coat is 'stored'.  Well, when bins are nearly full of coats, it makes it harder for other passengers to find storage space for their bags.  Now the flight attendants have to start removing coats to accomodate bags...then putting coats/jackets/blankets between bags.

I really wish that people would start listening to the Crew Announcements because the crew often knows what they are saying. The crew is trying to help everyone...not just one or two people.  Keeping your coats/jackets/pillows/blankets until all bags have been accomodated first really helps your fellow passenger.  You would be amazed how many more bags we can fit onto an airplane when people wait.

Until Next Time,

Sluggo