I’ve recently had a lot of problems (see commentluv article below) where even with a correct size, one carry on I can’t take it onto the flight. Why? Because other people are trying to by pass checked bag fees by bring more than their allowance onto the flight. They often do get them on the flight because gate staff don’t enforce baggage policy.

It ends up that my one, single bag with important work papers and essentials are out of my control and possession. Thankfully I have locks in place to reduce the chance of things being stolen; as happened to a colleague of mine when he gate checked his bag (gave it up at boarding) on instruction of the flight crew.

I agree that baggage fees have changed the dynamics of travel and carry-ons. The US (although not exclusive to the US) is probably the worst country I fly through as people routinely try to get 2-3 relatively large bags with them into the cabin. I always just have one and feel pretty narked off that a one bag policy is not enforced.

Hope that once you’ve read my KLM Hand Baggage Policy article you’ll understand my plight.

Overall, I think the airlines need to have a rethink their process because they can solve this problem for all of us.