Airlines make it clear that small personal bags must be stored under the seat and not in the overhead bins. However, this is a rule that is usually violated by the travellers. The problem brings in delays, frustration and a lack of adequate space where larger carry-ons can be held. To explain the reason behind this behaviour of passengers, it is necessary to explore issues related to habits, confusion, convenience, and pressures of the modern mode of travel.
Insufficient knowledge of Baggage Regulations
Some passengers just do not know about the special regulations regarding small bags. They can be aware of the carry-on limits but not the difference between personal items and cabin baggage. The changes in the policies of airlines are frequent as well and confusing.
Desire for Extra Legroom
Small bags are usually placed in overhead bins by the passengers to have more legroom. By leaving the seat under the seat clear, they are able to stretch their legs, particularly during long flights. The need to feel more comfortable supersedes adhering to guidelines.
Addicted to Previous Travels
It is hard to change the habits of travelling. There are passengers who might have been travelling without any strictness, and therefore, they might still keep the small bags up there as a habit. Unless they have been corrected in the past, they will think that they have not done anything wrong.
Crew Crew Cabin Crew
Inequalities in enforcing it also add to the issue. Other flight attendants are very vigilant with the overheads, whereas others are not. When they observe small bags being allowed as overheads on some flights, the passengers will demand the same treatment on other flights.
Concern About Bag Safety
There are some passengers who believe that their luggage is more secure in the overhead compartments than in the seat. They are fearful of stepping on, kicking on, or spilling their bags. This worry is particularly widespread with respect to bags of electronic devices, documents or valuables.
Overpacked Carry-On Luggage
Carry-on luggage that is overpacked can cause the passengers to fail to fit in a carry-on and a personal item underneath the seat. In order to distribute space, they are putting the smaller overhead. This mostly occurs when passengers attempt to evade the costs of checked baggage by carrying more on the plane.
Late Boarding Anxiety
Late-boarding passengers are usually under pressure to pack fast. They can rush, putting small bags in overhead bins without putting it into consideration. They fear making a stop and reorganising the items as they may take up more time and attention, hence they take up the first opportunity they can.
Effects of fellow passengers
Observation of other passengers carrying small bags on their heads supports the behaviour. Passengers are likely to do what others are doing, but it should be acceptable by them. This is an easily transmitted group behaviour, particularly during full flights.
Absence of Charismatic Support
Although airlines declare the baggage rules, the visual reminders are not present in many cases. In the absence of proper indications or demonstrations, passengers use their own judgment. A large number of individuals are more responsive to visual representation than oral directions.
Stress and Travel Fatigue
Travelling by air is very stressful, particularly when there is a tight time limit and when an airport is overcrowded. Weary passengers might not be concerned with regulations when boarding. Convenience wins in such instances at the expense of compliance.
