Michael.SF. “I have seen too many people lugging on large bags and then try to stuff them in the over head after the plane is 3/4 full.”
I used to be a frequent flyer, too. Now, I only fly when I absolutely must, and it has nothing to do with cost. I see you reached a similar conclusion about the overhead bins.
Carry on bags has long been a pet peeve of mine. The only person I will help with a carry on is my wife. I have seen people unable to lift their bags into the overhead. I figure if they cannot handle their bag, they should check it.
Dollars to donuts says if you charged even just $5.00 per carry on (again, purses and laptops excepted) you would eliminate 30% of those bags.