Change the rules about carry-on baggage

It’s holiday travel time. While there are many more urgent and critical problems in today’s world, here’s an idea around airline travel that in a small way just might lighten the load.

I’ve traveled millions of miles over the last three decades, and I’ve seen one thing in particular about traveling that has grown in cost, hassle and aggravation over these years: carry-on baggage. 

Sure, we all love to waltz off the plane with a carry-on, avoiding the wait at baggage claim.  It feels good.  There are bragging rights and pride in saying, “I only travel with a carry-on.”

But there is one thing that makes my head explode. Although it may not be you, there are masses of people who bring so-called “carry-on” luggage that could fit a family of five inside the bag.  It is astonishing to see people with a gigantic suitcase (or two), trying to squeeze them into the overhead compartments. 

On every flight I’ve been on in the U.S. since COVID-19 erupted, the gate agents and then the flight attendants announce, “If you’re in group seven or eight, there will be no room for any additional luggage on board.  You’ll have to check it to your final destination.”  It all takes forever while the rest of the passengers have to wait.  And then there are the people who stuff their bags on top of your bags and crush or ruin a hat or a something else you care about.   

I have a proposal for the airlines.

Charge for carry-on bags, and check everyone’s large bags for free.  It will speed up boarding and disembarking times and make the process so much easier and more pleasant.  Airlines will be on notice that baggage handling needs to improve (although I have to say – as someone who checks everything – I haven’t had an issue for years). 

I know.  You’re going to say that you hate waiting in baggage claim purgatory.  I say give it a try.  I would wager the airlines will welcome the easier, more pleasant boarding process, and will see a good reason to reduce baggage handling time.

Over my next million miles, I hope the airlines get a better handle on this carry-on luggage nightmare. We all have lost way too much time, experienced way too much aggravation and, for some of us, seen way too many hats crushed in the process.