Need to pack in a carry-on only for a winter trip? Here is what not to pack: bit.ly/WhatNOTPackWinterTrip

Once, my seat was at the front of the coach section. ALL the overhead bins were full because people sitting at the back had stuffed their cases in the front bins as they boarded. So now I’m one who believes the bins should be for the people sitting under them.

My opinion- you decide to wear a jacket to the airport, you keep it with you when you sit down on the plane! Leave those overhead bins for carry ons!!!!!!

Last flight, one person put their small personal bag in the overhead bin. The flight attendant nicely asked him to put it under his seat. He was ticked and said he needed leg room. She was so nice but firmly told him that they needed the space for carry on. He thankfully just did it. The attendants have a tough job, we don’t need to make it more difficult

Here’s an idea for storing a bulky winter coat. Bring an empty packing cube in your personal item bag then once you take off your coat put it in the packing cube and use it as a foot rest.

I hate it when people who get on the plane before you decide to store their luggage above your seat further forward in the plane, and then they sit elsewhere. Then by the time you get on board, you don't have any place near your seat to put your luggage. So rude. I really think people should be obligated to put their carry-on luggage in a bin that is above their own seat.

I always liked to be the door greeter and YES I was one of those f/a who would watch someone put their bag in first class and continue toward the back. I would take the suitcase down and follow the passenger to the back and give it to them.

What airlines should do to avoid the problem with the overhead bins overcrowded is to number them with the same number of your seat. For example if there are 3 seats, and 3 overhead bin spaces, that means that each passenger must have the right to use one! 😉👍

Last time I couldn't find a place for my carry on and a flight attendant removed a personal item from another passenger and almost threw it at him so that I could put my suitcase in 😂 I was so thankful because I had seen that small bag but I didn't want to cause any trouble

I had a not great issue on an American flight last year from Frankfurt. I couldn't find a spot for my bag so I asked the attendant nicely who I needed to give my bag to since it obviously was going to need to be checked. She kept interrupting me saying it wasn't her problem and finally she yelled for ME to figure it out. I wanted to cry. Finally a man across the aisle came up to me and was like hey 'we'll figure it out let's find you a place' and only then did the attendant try to help. I'm sure she was exhausted but I was literally saying I KNOW it's gonna have to be checked sooooooo. There was also no entertainment on that 12 hour flight. :/ Turns out much of the issue was that people around me had put their personal items, carry-ons AND coats in the overhead compartment. People just need to remember it's not just them on the plane.

This may seem odd, but this fear (of not having overhead bin space) is my biggest traveling stressor. I take a carry-on that falls well into the size limits, but I get so frustrated watching people bring these massive suitcases on board that there is no way it meets the size limits, and when they put it up in the bin they actually have to put it in sideways because it's so overlength, and it prevents anyone else from having access to that bin. If people would stick to actual carry-on limits, this wouldn't be an issue. But the airlines I tend to fly don't seem inclined to enforce size limits.

As a Flight Attendant, this is the worst part of boarding. We make sooooo many announcements asking passengers to place their purses and backpacks under the seat and leave room for rollers in the bins but no one listens. When I see a pax looking for room for their bag, I usually assist and take small bags out and ask the pax to place those smaller items under their seats. That usually works. The only thing that we hate are bags that are obviously NOT a carry on. It's actually comical watching people try and cram those in the bins. Thanks for these tips!

We are seniors (73+) and always take early boarding. A special tip is my wife always gets a wheelchair for transfer. The chair attendant is a great help getting us through customs and they know the fastest way to get to our gate

Great video and SPOT-ON info. I've been working for D for 38 years...(I sound OLD but still young at heart!) I would like to mention that on our flights we have a "Gate Check Bag Threshold" amount that is beyond what bags are checked in at the front counter. Based on aircraft type, amount of passengers booked each flight is given an extra amount of bags the gate agent (or counter agent if it is carry on size and under 25-lbs) will be required to check for free in order to have enough room and ontime departure. We can check bags to the final destination even if passenger is making a connection. We have the same bag tag printers at the gate as the ticket counter. The problem we see the most of with bags are Lithium batteries. The Smart bags (remove the lithium battery) , E-cigarettes, rechargeable lithium chargers....can heat up and catch fire on aircraft and should NEVER be checked in and put in under bin of aircraft, these items should always be carried with passenger. Maybe you can do a video in Lithium batteries in baggage...this is a huge flight safety issue.

Good observation on Southwest and why they can often avoid checking last-minute bags. On my flight from Dallas to Orlando last week there were completely empty overhead bins because all the families checked their bags for free! But, they do not board in a “herd”, they have a very organized system of boarding by groups A, B, and C like many other airlines. They have assigned boarding groups, they just don’t have assigned seats. ❤

Use an empty pillow case to put your coat in and use it as a pillow during the flight.

I’m a retired flight attendant. These are great tips. I have been binge watching some of your videos because we are soon going to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise and I want to see how others do their packing. Great job.

Being an older traveler, it’s getting harder to swing that carry-on suitcase up into a bin and you can’t always count on somebody being courteous enough to help you. I’m to the point where if they don’t announce checking your bag at the gate, I ask at the gate. I’m glad you reminded me about connecting flights with a different airline. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Also, I have an android phone AND an Apple iPad. I have an Apple AirTag and also Samsung Galaxy Air tracker. I figure if one fails the other is a back up! L O L. I use them both all the time now. Every time I watch your videos, I learn at least one new thing. Thanks again!

Hi again Laurie, even for those of us who have travelled a lot in the past, your tips are so useful for keeping us up to date with all the changes with planes and airport rules (which seem to change as often as I change my socks!) Here in Canada, there is a virtual airline monopoly and our air travel system is way more dysfunctional than yours is in the US. There was an unholy mess everywhere over the holidays this year, and thousands of people STILL do not have their bags returned, in mid-February!! I have learned to pack my 'plus one' item based on the assumption that it will be the only bag that I will have at the end of the trip. Then if my carry on actually makes it, that's a bonus. It starts by wearing layers on the plane, and having an airplane outfit that offers a few mix and match options with the items in my underseat bag. Replacing most liquids with those dry laundry/shampoo/soap sheets intended for backpacking also helps, as does using toothpaste tabs instead of paste and pre-cutting dental floss into the necessary length rather than taking the whole canister. It all helps! Eunice from Theory of Simple has a great minimalist toiletries bag video. I plan to wash the day's shirt, socks and unmentionables every night in the hotel sink, and except for the one heavy sweater I pack (or wear) in cold weather, I just do not pack anything that won't be dry by morning. Chicos makes great quick-dry tops. I also only pack one pair of shoes, and my flat Fitkicks slippers which take up virtually no space at all. Oh, as for self-important businessmen taking up entire bins with their suit jackets, if enough other passengers just throw their rolling cases on top of those, they might just start being a little more considerate of their fellow passengers! Just sayin'...

Tip: Bring a pillow case & stuff your coat inside. Then you have a pillow. I keep a foldable tote in my carry-on just in case I’m forced to gate check my bag. I pull out the foldable tote and put several days worth of clothing inside along with essentials. It will fit under the seat in front of me.

I packed for 5 days in NOLA in May in an underseater and a Travelon handbag. I took an umbrella and a water bottle and had clothes to dress up for a restaurant and a Burlesque show. We also did an alligator boat ride and walked all over NOLA. I had a convertible dress that I wore as a halter dress, a long skirt and a knee length skirt. I took all black, red and white tops and black polka dot pants. Had plenty of outfits and I only rinsed out one top in the hotel sink. Had a pair of sneakers and a dressier sandal. It can be done!

Hi Laurie, I really enjoy your videos. I hate the way the airlines handle the overhead bin issue. I believe that the space above your seat should be for those sitting in that row. I've flown a lot for both work and pleasure for many years and I can't tell you how many times I've seen people board, put their suitcase in the first available empty bin space and then proceed to continue walking back to their seat. This is so rude and unfair to people in a later boarding group. The airlines have created this problem by reducing the size of seats and reducing the pitch if the seats in order to cram more passengers in. I used to love to fly but it has become such a drudgery now. However, since I love to travel, I have no choice but grun and bear it

Last time I flew, they announced special offer if you would allow your carry-on to be put under the plane, since I had a change of clothes in my personal bag in a small compression bag, I let them have my suitcase and received a $50 voucher.

Very helpful. Im a gate agent for a major airline, Im the guy who takes your carry on. We just do not have the space on any aircraft for all the carryon bags, and you are right, checking them to the final destination really makes a huge difference in boarding time, AND deplaning. It is really amazing though, how much people drag around with them as "carry on". Rollaboards are really a thing of the past, but everyone wants to take it on board and swears up and down they have "short connections" etc. Well, EVERYBODY has tight connections. As for size, if you allow 22 in, they bring 24 in. If you allow 24 in, they bring 26 in. The bags get bigger and bigger. People should cut back on what they carry on and everybody would hav e abetter flight experience, because the daily fight over checking carryons is probably the most unpleasant thing for both passenger and agent.

What would flyers do without you, Laurie??!! You are so professional, honest, and encouraging to old time and new flyers. Always use a cloth bag, not plastic, to use for stuffing a puffer or any jacket or blanket type shawl. This removes static and is more comfortable to use as a cushion! Updated tips are always welcome, many thanks 😊 🙏 🤗 .

I fly pretty regularly for my job and for visiting family overseas and it has gotten so much worse post COVID. I flew from JFK to Hong Kong via Doha a few months ago and it was a hot mess. Gate agents were not controlling how many carry ons and what size were being brought on board. Some people had FOUR BAGS!! They also weren’t checking boarding zones and everyone was trying to board with preboarding or zone 1, so of course I had to gate check my bag by the time zone 3 was called to board. Seems to me the best way to speed up boarding is to make checked bags free (maybe the first two, some people really don’t travel light 😅) and strictly control what can be brought on as carry on. I’m over everyone bringing 3 roller bags they can’t even lift.

Another tip is to have your ID information inside your bag as well as outside. We have (homemade) laminated tags that we attach (big safety pin) inside every bag that goes with us on a trip -- just in case something happens to the outside tag.

I recently flew American from Vegas to DC. Family boarding in front of me had 6 people and each person had at least 2 carryon bags PLUS a personal bag. Personnel said nope, ain't happening, and would not let them board until they checked their bags. I think people who intentionally use bags that are larger than the posted approved sizes should be made to pay extra to check them at the gate. These days with self check in its easier to slip by with a bag that is twice the size of carry on---you're basically taking up another passenger's bin spot.

It's infuriating that the airlines allow people to start to fill up the overheads at the front of the plane when they sit much further back.

It has never made sense to me that airlines don’t load from back to front. That way your not struggling to wheel your case all the way to the back bumping people along the way and stopping for people that are trying to get their case stored. They should also announce that people with connecting flights de board first! I wish the crew would enforce that and tell people to stay in their seats until it’s your rows turn to leave. People are in such a hurry and so rude.

Last time I flew it was a full flight and a lady had a small carry on suitcase that just wouldn't fit. I had a larger backpack as my carry on and had stowed it in the overhead locker. I only had a small bag as my personal item and knew I could probably get my backpack under the seat with a squeeze. So I offered to do that and the lady could fit her case in that spot. The whole thing would have held us all up if her bag had been taken and checked in. It was only a 2 hour flight and I spent it with my feet on the backpack and me bent in two, but for a short flight it was a small price to pay. The staff were extra nice to me and the lady was so grateful. I got extra treats too 🙂

As a snowbird in Florida and traveling home to Minnesota for the holidays, I fold my puffer coat in a square and sit on it. It adds a little extra Kush to the seat to prevent “Fanny fatigue”. I also check my bag at the gate on direct flights, so I don’t have to struggle with the luggage in the airplane, but you have to make sure your personal item isn’t too heavy to carry to baggage claim. 🧳

We did some travel in Sth America last year and had a wonderful trip on Latam airways the boarding and replanting was so efficient. The boarded the back of the plane first gradually moving forward everyone was told to put their overheads in the bin above their seats and buckle up quickly. When it came to getting off we were told to stay in our seats until our row was called. People with tight connections were identified and allowed to deplane first. It was marvellous so much easier and less stressful. Wish all airlines would follow suit.

Three comments: 1) why do people insist on sliding their carry-on horizontally instead of vertically, where it would consume less space. 2) some of these so-called "carry-on" suitcases are too large; I'm guessing that gate crew just avert their eyes with this to avoid conflict. 3) the overhead bins should be reserved for suitcases only -- not coats. Keep your coats at your seat; you'll definitely need them later when the outside temperature is minus 50.

I have actually taken puffy coats out of the overhead bin and asked who it belonged to. Then I gave their coats to them so we could be our carry-ons in the bin at our row.

I recently flew on Southwest for the first time. I paid an additional fee to get on the plane early as I had valuable equipment for my job. I was number three to get on the plane. When I got on the plane, it was already about 18 people sitting in the plane. ( never saw them in line) I asked the flight attendant and she said because some people are not truthful. 🤣

Hi Laurie, thanks for another very helpful video. Nowadays I always take just a small backpack that I put under the seat in front. It's such a relief never having to rush to boarding or stress about not being able to fit your bag into the overhead bin. Best wishes from Sydney Australia

Oooo. I love the grocery bag in the pocket trick! Putting one in my jacket pocket right now for my Friday flight. I’m traveling personal item only since it’s just for the weekend. It’ll be nice not to have to worry about overhead bin space.

Laurie, Thanks for all your travel hacks. I always enjoy your videos. They are so informative and helpful. I’ve learned to have a “Stash and Go” bag with essentials in my carry-on. It has come in very handy. Wish airlines would board planes from the back first. I think it would save a lot of time.

Adding what your mom does as a non-standby passenger was well done. My last flight was United, so I checked my one suitcase, which is maximum dimensions and I had no problems keeping it under 50 pounds. And the bag in the jacket pocket is an awesome tip! Especially since I board only with a single underwear bag. Bless you for that tip.

After spending the last year travelling to many countries I have enjoyed and used many of your tips! Being flexible and familiar with each countries airline and airport rules before traveling takes the pressure off. A little research goes a long way for a less stressful travel day.

I agree with all of these tips. However, I always allow minimum 60 minutes between domestic flights. Thanks, Laurie for keeping us informed!

I'll gladly check my bag at the gate on the return flight...but I'm very against being away from my things on the way to a destination. Or I'll check a bag (Southwest) with things I don't necessarily need, but want.

Thank you for always filling your videos with so many tips. Your organization and visuals as well as your presentation of tips, information, procedures and personal experiences make your videos outstanding. I bet you were a fabulous teacher and your students were blessed to have you.

Good video Laurie and the content was outstanding. I loved seeing more pictures of what you were explaining and noticed that you were really prepared with lots of confidence for explaining the carry-on suitcase for airline travel. Wow, thanks for a great explanation of how this works.

Hi Laura. I am going on my first cruise in October, Lisbon to Rome. We will be spending extra time in Lisbon and Rome. I have learned so much from your videos and look forward to them. Thank you 😊

As always, great video with lots of great tips!

Thank you for your fabulous tips. I flew solo with carryon only and your tips made the whole trip go without a hitch.

Hi Laurie! I'm preparing for a short trip from Jacksonville FL to Dallas later this month, and have been watching your videos for tips and tricks. This will be my first time flying in quite a few years, and alone even longer! I want to be one of those caring, compassionate passengers, so really, really appreciate this video.

I completely agree with your tip on leaving reasonable time between legs of trips. I’d add that it’s especially important if the two legs are with different airlines. In airports like Bangkok or Dubai you can find yourself landing at one end of a mile-long terminal and having to walk to the other end for your next flight, because they tend to group different airlines in different areas of the airport. This is especially important when the airports (such as Heathrow or Frankfurt) have different terminals which can be the other side of the airport and only connected by train or bus. And people remember that if it takes an age for you to move between gates it will take your checked luggage time too… Also, I’ve also started to use Apple AirTags recently, and on my last work flight via Bangkok it was great to get a notification that my luggage was also in the terminal! Lastly, Tumi make a puffer jacket that rolls up to make a travel pillow…

Another great video with helpful advice. Thank you. 🌷

First and foremost ..glad to see you have recovered from your procedure! OMG great informational video. Overhead bin space etiquette is my number one pet peeve! You covered everything well! Growing up as an “airline brat” standby was the norm so carryon was always implemented. We always upgrade now to have dedicated bin space. Sometimes the planes are swapped out and the smaller planes don’t have enough room. We don’t mind gate checking as last one in, first one out on the jet bridge…we will NEVER gate check to our final destination. Anything essential is always packed in our personal bag! Unwritten rules are really common courtesy…but having that nowadays can be questionable. Turning a flight around is about 30 minutes…I personally think boarding the plane from the rear is faster…and unclogs the aisle. The key is for the passengers to get everything situated PRIOR to boarding. Get on the plane, greet the FA, find your seat, stow your bags, sit down and boom. Once everyone has boarded then you can take your winter coat off and store it if there is room. Your plastic bag idea was great! I can’t do the Southwest cattle call herd seating/boarding…did it once and about lost my mind! Trying to get to my final destination without a layover in jail 🤣

Love your videos!!! They are very helpful. I like the way that you present the information, very entertaining and your gestures are so cute.😊👍

I usually do most of the tips you talked about. The one about heavy coats was good. I’ve not had to worry about that but will be going to Alaska in September so that’s one way to keep it out of my luggage. Thanks!

I have learned so much from your channel… I can honestly say… yrs ago first time I flew alone…and I felt like a pro.. thanks ❤

Inexperienced passengers often cause problems. Your videos are good advice for them.

Love watching your very helpful videos, how clear you give the info. God bless!

Great content ! Love those new overhead bins & I still feel that each bin should be for the seat where it's located. I'm still a 16 inch under the seat packer with one small backpack. Now Vinnie is "on board" as well. I'm loving the "walk" in the Airstream as well. I check the overhead bins & walk the aisle like a seasoned flight attendant on travel days. Hope you're on the road to recovery & safe travels. Can't wait to get to Texas ! 🤩😘

Hello Laurie! I’m from Silicon Valley Ca. Love watching your tips. I have travelled a lot but lately flights , prep. Etc. Are becoming stressful. Your tips helps alleviate worries. I’m leaving for London this May via Virgin Atlantic. I also signed up for TSA pre chk. Thank you for your help.

Great advice & tips as usual! I’m glad to see you back & looking well. It drove me crazy this past year when some (entitled 🙄) people decided to put their personal item bags in the overhead bin as well their carryons, similar to the suit jacket issue. But I’m going to attempt to pack carryon only this year for a river cruise in Portugal & I’ll be using ALL of your tips!

very helpful video, laurie! that trashbag for the coat is a winner.

Laurie, air travel has changed so much & your tips have been a lifesaver. My Dad was military & I have been traveling since I was a little girl in the sixties. We flew American last time. The first flight they checked our carry on at the gate. I watched, from our seats, as our luggage was loaded under the plane.

This was packed with a lot of great info Laurie! I’ll be watching it again❤️

Great tips, Laurie! Thank you.

Hello from Canada! We are flying to Turkiye, Israel, and France for the whole month of March, with our 4 kids/teens, who have never been on a plane in their entire life. They did not even have passports for suitcases until a couple of weeks ago! I am watching AAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL your videos, often with my kids. Your videos are seriously so fun, so helpful, clear, to the point, and your item links are super appreciated. Every time my husband finds me watching yet another one, he says, "Hanging out with Laurie again?!!" We are checking medium-sized luggage with no carry on, just a personal bag, because we will be going on pilgrimage for two weeks (so need to bring nicer clothes) as well as bringing leisure wear for two more weeks, so we have a wider variety of clothes we will pack, but we are still trying to keep it to the minimum and are trying to apply all your tips and tricks to help keep our bags nice and light. Thank you for sharing your advice and wisdom! I love hearing about and learning from your experience. 💖

Hi Laurie, I’m such a big fan of yours. I always learn something new. I will never again be one of “those people” that jumps into the isle when the plane stops. I get anxious 😬 but I just need to relax!!! Thank you and keep traveling 🧳 ❤🤗

Laurie, I’ve been watching your channel for several years. You give such wonderful, practical advice based on your vast experience traveling. You also do it with a positive attitude and a beautiful smile! Thank you!😊💕

Osprey Porter 46 backpack works for me. The huge size of many passengers' carry-on bags never ceases to surprise me. I have seen a few of those get ramp-checked at the gate.

Thank you for the tips I usually fly three to four times a year. By the way I’m a good packer now went to Italy for three weeks - no check in baggage somehow I manage to stuff everything in my carryon plus my under seat bag. I’m a happy camper thanks to your videos.

Hi Laurie, great advice for all travelers. I really enjoy the larger overhead bins with the PICTURE of stowing carry-ons like a book. Still have that 75% that can't read a PICTURE. Also enjoyed your "inside" rules, circumstances, and shaming of employees (wife of a retired DFW pilot). Great Job!!!

Excellent video! Appreciate all your tips.

Love all your tips! Thank you!

Laurie, I purchased the Bento Bag on your recommendation and I love it ! 6 weeks in Italy 🇮🇹 with carry on and the Bento as my personal item. Magnifico 👌. I’ve been to 24 countries and have never felt more organized ! ✅.

I've travelled by air an average of three times a year for the last 40 years, domestically and internationally. Always checked my bag. Never lost one. All this excessive carry on bags practice does is delay boarding, takeoff and exitting at end of flight. Just check your bag people and speed this up for all of us.

Thank you for all the tips! I have found them all to be extremely helpful.

Because of you my trip to San Diego went without a hitch. Now I'm going to Vegas in April and I'm stopping in to makee sure air travel has not changed. Thank You for your helpful content.

Thank you so much for your travel tips!! I am so glad I stumbled onto your channel. Been a chronic over-packer in the past and getting ready to travel here in a couple weeks with my two young kiddos. You give me confidence that I can simplify the things needed so I won’t be boggled down with unnecessary items!

Hi Laurie, Yes, those "special " people who put their coats in the overhead bins are so thoughtless and annoying! If I have a bulky coat I roll it up and put it behind my back as a back rest. Of course, I'm 5ft 2 so it fits, would be more difficult if you are taller. 😂

Thank you for all your tips and videos. You helped me so much the first time flying a few months back. I was very prepared because of you.

You are always so helpful 😊

Laurie, even better than just putting a few of your meds in a baggie so you can transfer it to your personal item if needed, is to automatically pack your meds for the duration of your trip plus a couple of days extra in your personal item at home before you even leave for the airport. We don’t travel as often as we would like to as of now, but, it has become habit right from the beginning. Also in our personal bag we put anything we would need and hate to lose therefore requiring replacement such as passports, boarding passes and itineraries, etc.

I packed in an under seat bag for a 4 day trip. I used the Lovevook backpack 17 inch with compression cubes. And bought some of my toiletries when I got to my location (Universal Fl). It was great. Thanks for your helpful info

Good tips as always. After a holiday, we pack our dirty laundry in one carry on suitcase and check it when the offer is made - it leaves more space in our regular suitcase for souvenirs 😊

You are totally amazing. Every time me and my husband go on vacation I rewatch all your videos ty

I have to say the last few times we’ve flown, I’ve been very impressed with the flight attendants cracking down on people doing things like putting their purse or hat in the overhead bin. My spouse uses a wheelchair so we have to call for an aisle chair to board. We have it down to a science at this point and have changed our carry on luggage to two yeti bags. I’ll wear the 50l waterproof duffle bag that slides perfectly into the overhead bin and we keep the 28l crossroads backpack under the seat. One overhead spot for two people. 💪🏼

Great idea to bring plastic bag for jacket/coat! Then I thought you could use it as a pillow! (Bring pillow case and put coat in it!) I love all your videos, and I have watched a lot! Your videos are to the point ( no uh or other sounds/words) you explain it AND show it! I used to live in NJ (15 years ago). Now I'm in Central Texas. Keep making those videos. (I think I've seen them all! Binge watching during the recent Jan/Feb ice storm🥶)

Thank you so much for all the great tips. I am traveling next week and these are really helpful. 😊

Thank you for your videos. My husband and I flew from Indiana to Orlando a few weeks ago. It was his first flight. He was so nervous. Fortunately everyone we dealt with were very nice and we had a very pleasant trip. But yes people please don't assume everyone knows what they are supposed to do

I'm so glad you did this video. It's been a problem for me because I never am able to afford to be in an early boarding group and have had my carry on gate checked many times. It adds to stress. So far I've always gotten it right away upon disembarking.

Great tips Laurie!!

Hi, I am LaTanya B. I do not travel that often, but recently I have found myself booking flights. Thank you for your videos. They are very helpful.

Big thank you and I found your travel tips are so helpful. I just came back from my Europe tour and whatever you said in this video, was what I experienced during my trip. Thumbs up and thank you for sharing.

THIS is the ONLY thing I'm worried about concerning my upcoming int'l trip! Yes, I'm packing my backpack with all my electronics, meds, and one change of clothes (and that's it, because the airline's underseat dimensions are among the smallest). Yes, I'll be putting unmentionables in my winter coat (which I'll be wearing; it will keep me warm on the plane/make a good pillow). Yes, I paid extra for my domestic flight to the airport from which my int'l flight will depart, so that I'd get to board after the disabled and first class customers. But I can't find any info about the boarding process of my int'l carrier, and have nightmares about the bins being full when I arrive at my middle of the plane economy seat. And no, I absolutely can't afford to pay hundreds of dollars more for an upgrade to business class. I intend to put an airtag in my carry on bag - not that this will help with boarding, but in the dreaded event of me going to X and my bag going to Y. Perhaps upon my return, I will post a note to you telling you my experience on **** airline.

I find your tips so helpful! I often fly Southwest, and check my “carry on” size bag. I recently purchased the Amazon rolling bag that goes under the seat. Worked perfectly! I took that and my CPAP on board only. Made things so much easier to move around. As a senior petite person trying to get a bag in and out those bins is a struggle!

Thanks for your very helpful videos! 😊

Great tip, Laurie, thank you.

Why don’t the airlines have slotted bins with corresponding seat numbers? That should take care of the problem. You purchase a seat and with a space in the overhead bin.

The Chase United Explorer card gives you first checked bag free but we still travel Carry On only (at least when going to Europe - if I come back with liquor or jams, jelly or cheese, I will check the bag for the trip home and pray it makes any connection) But the BIG advantage of the card (worth $90 annual fee) is that we board in Group 2 (not 5) and there is still plenty of overhead bin space. I confess that I lurk close to the desk waiting for the "2" announcement to be sure I'm in the front of the line. Love your blog, Laurie!

I remember the time one couple got on the plane last, and were quite upset that "their' bins were occupied. The man then went on to criticize each bag in the bins "that one needs to go under someone's seat, that one should have been checked, etc. Fortunately, the flight attendant found a spot for their bag and they settled down. Thanks for the tips, I think we all need to be just a little more flexible these days!

Great info… i find this content refreshing as i enter back into flight👍