I've learned for my wallet's sake, and overall sanity, to pack lightly to avoid checking luggage on short trips. For a recent flight I strategically chose a seat near the cabin door in order to quickly escape back to my apartment and get ready for the week ahead. Note to self: when closest to the exit you are last to board. As the plane filled with noisy passengers, I saw one last spot in the overhead compartment that should fit my suitcase just right. As I attempted to stuff it in the shrunken space, I was dutifully notified by my neighbor that it wouldn't fit due to the plane's life boats located in the same small area. In a failed attempt to keep my luggage in the cabin, I walked halfway down the aisle looking for an open spot, creating quite the pile up and gaining zero new friends.
Fast forward to Baggage Claim 2 where I was sent to wait with the tourists ready to pick up their recently-purchased, unnecessary amounts of Disney-themed paraphernalia. The only thing worse than the flight attendant prying the luggage from me was hearing the shrill sound of the bell which notifies passengers of luggage arrival. A few renegade strollers and a strangely shaped instrument later, my suitcase came around on the carousel begging to go home. I understand the need for the life boats on board but I suggest a less crowded place to store them, like in first class and/or the cockpit.
I learned that lesson two years ago on a flight to Paris - never let them take your carry on. They lost mine for the entirety of my trip, which is pretty lame when they tell you to pack your most important things on the carry on.
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