As fees for checked bags continue to increase, many travelers have shifted to flying with only a carry-on bag.
This strategy, however, can leave travelers with overstuffed roll-aboards that are too heavy for them to lift into the overhead bin by themselves. Passengers in this common situation may turn to flight attendants for assistance, only to have a rude awakening: most cabin crew are instructed by their airlines not to lift fliers’ carry-on bags.
The latest iteration of this confusing gray area occurred earlier this month, when a pregnant influencer who couldn’t lift her carry-on asked a flight attendant for assistance, only to be rebuffed. The influencer, Dominique Elissa, didn’t identify the airline, but she said she was “shocked” by the incident, according to People.
However, travelers will find that response is standard across the airline industry to help protect flight attendants’ wellbeing and prevent injuries.
“When packing, please remember that flight attendants are unable to proactively assist customers placing carry-on baggage into overhead bins, with certain exceptions,” says Delta’s carry-on baggage information page, for example. “In addition to keeping customers and crew members safe and healthy, this change also protects flight attendants by decreasing the likelihood of injury caused by repetitive lifting.”
JetBlue’s carry-on policy page similarly advises passengers to “make sure items can be lifted into the overhead bin if assistance is not available and the item does not fit beneath the seat.”
The potential for cabin crew injury becomes even more complicated by the fact that some airlines don’t begin paying flight attendants for their shift until boarding is complete and the aircraft door is closed. This means that crew who are potentially injured helping lift carry-ons might not qualify for benefits like workers’ compensation.
The one exception to this industry standard is for passengers who have a disability. Under the Department of Transportation’s Bill of Rights for Passengers with Disabilities, all airlines must provide these fliers assistance with stowing and retrieving carry-on items, including assistive devices, if assistance is requested.
To ensure you get the assistance you’re entitled to, plan to pre-board with other customers who need more time to get settled and alert a gate agent or flight attendant that you’ll need help with your carry-on. They can arrange the appropriate assistance for you on board.
But if you simply have a bulky bag that you’re having trouble lifting, there’s usually another passenger who’s willing and able to help if asked. (Indeed, another passenger came to Elissa’s rescue on her flight.)
Gate-checking your carry-on bag is always an option, too, and it’s usually a complimentary service with major airlines.
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