When it comes to choosing a seat on an airplane, are some better than others for boarding relatively early and securing overhead space for bags? The question came from one reader, but it nags many fliers, including me.
Below, I'll attempt an answer. But first, fliers need to know that overhead bin space also vexes airlines. And they are in a better position to manage the stress than we are. Take an announcement made on Tuesday. The International Air Transport Association issued new guidelines that would shrink carry-on bags to 21.5 inches by 13.5 inches by 7.5 inches. Most major U.S. carriers currently allow bags that are 22 by 14 by 9 inches.
Those new guidelines are recommendations, and there's no word yet on whether airlines will adopt them.
The association believes the change would unify requirements globally and allow for all passengers on a plane to board with a bag. Worthy goals. But it would also require many of us to purchase new carry-on luggage.
In the meantime, while we can still stow our standard carry-ons, the question remains where to book our seat if we want easy access to overhead bins.
Airlines let first- and business-class passengers board first. Elite frequent fliers also get an early pass. Many airlines, including Delta, include priority boarding with the slightly roomier seats they sell for a premium in coach class. Delta has rolled out a program in which gate agents will place carry-ons in overhead bins before they begin the boarding process for humans. The offering, though, will be sporadic.
As for boarding sequences at the gate, most airlines bring on coach passengers from the back to the front of their planes.
Me? I'm just going to start packing everything in my bucket purse.
