Passengers are cramming all sorts of items under their seats on flights these days. With rising luggage fees and shrinking space in economy class, it’s no wonder why people are getting creative with their carry-ons.
The Cause of the Space Crunch
- Increased Luggage Fees: Earlier this year, airlines raised their checked luggage fees. This has led many travelers to bring more items on the plane.
- Reduced Cabin Space: Airlines are also reducing space in the main cabin, leaving less room for personal belongings.
The Results
With less space in overhead bins, passengers are jamming everything under their seats. Here are some of the more surprising items and the reasons behind them:
Items Passengers Are Trying to Fit
- Coolers: On a flight from Buenos Aires to Madrid, a passenger tried to fit a large plastic cooler under his seat. When it didn’t fit, he eventually moved it to the overhead bin.
- Oversized Medical Devices: Uneaka Daniels, flying from St. Kitts to Miami, had to place her expensive CPAP machine under her seat, leaving no room for her legs. She worries about evacuation safety during emergencies.
- Wheeled Luggage: A passenger on a flight from Los Angeles to Spokane attempted to fit an entire rollaboard under her seat due to full overhead bins. A flight attendant eventually forced her to gate-check the bag.
The Space War
- Seat Pitch and Width: The average seat pitch in economy class is 30 to 32 inches, and the average seat width is 17 inches. However, these numbers can be misleading as they don’t account for seat material and design.
- Legroom Variations: Legroom can vary greatly. For instance, American Airlines allows underseat carry-ons of 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches, while JetBlue allows 17 inches by 13 inches by 8 inches.
What’s Next?
Passengers will likely continue this trend of trying to fit more under their seats due to high luggage fees and limited space. Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance, believes it will take 5 to 10 years before travelers adjust and start packing lighter. Until then, expect to see more creative uses of the space under airplane seats.
Quick Tips for Air Travelers
- Check Airline Policies: Always check your airline’s policy on carry-on sizes and fees.
- Pack Smart: Try to pack lighter to avoid the hassle of fitting items under your seat.
- Safety First: Be mindful of safety concerns and ensure your belongings don’t block exit paths.
Flying has become a game of maximizing space. Understanding these trends and packing smartly can make your travel experience more comfortable and safer.
