And to use this opportunity to rant —
Airlines charge for checked bags, and lose them. And the TSA always wanting in your panties and bags ....
So people carry on instead. No Brainer.
Then there is a safety issue of these bags all over during passenger loading and unloading. And the ‘cabin door’ checking, where they take larger carry ons and put them some where. But they are stacked by the passenger entry door (with wheel chairs and baby strollers, etc.) to plug up things during loading and unloading.
Meanwhile, some ‘smart, seasoned’ travellers stash their carryon (carry on, not carrion) in the overhead up near the front, as they proceed to their seat in the back. This is very convenient for them, but a PITA for all else.
I consider this a recipe for disaster, caused by greedy airlines.
With this mindset of ‘protect your stuff’, and the ‘prepare for landing’ stress to get out of the plane — I would predict that people are thinking that Number 1 priority = get my bag!
So taking their bags is to be expected.
Not smart, not safe, but expected given the circumstances.
I have never been charged for checking a bag. Yeah if you want to drag in a bunch of bags you will be charged. At some point it becomes freight and should be chargeable. I do agree the airlines are taking advantage of it to make money and it has safety ramifications. .
In any event when a plane crashes and catches fire - leave the clothes, PC, whatever and get the heck out. Those items can be easily replaced.