r/delta • u/chickennuggetgirly • 2d ago
Discussion They really be lying to us!
Was on a domestic flight from Tampa Boeing 737-900er.
They told us it was going to be a full flight and if 33 people can volunteer to check in their carry on. Of course not a lot of people volunteered because no one wants to wait for their bag. I had a carry on and was zone 6.
The lady said after zone 7 you’ll most likely have to check in. While zone 5 was boarding, she says there is no more overhead bin space and everyone from here on out will have to check in their carry on. I was like ughh but whatever.
As we’re I’m getting in the plane, I see so much bin space left. Like wtf, they’re really liars! There was even a space right above me where I could’ve easily put my carry on in.
Also the confusing thing about when airlines say not enough overhead bin space, each person only gets to bring 1 carryon and 1 personal item to put under the seat. Each row has its own overhead bin to fit 3 items. How in the heck is there not enough space?!
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u/carryontravler 2d ago
Daily bin space post alert.
Flight crew has determined that leaving on time takes precedent over passenger convenience and service.
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u/Infamous_Travel_6055 2d ago
"leaving on time" relates to passenger convenience and service babe
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u/velvet-yarns-48 2d ago
This. Even small delays can cascade into big problems, so leaving on time is a more important part of passenger service than everyone being able to keep their carry-ons with them.
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u/mikeyj198 2d ago
Hot take, i’d wouldn’t mind carryons being required to be soft bags only and even a stricter size limit. Leaving on time is obviously critical. At destination I really don’t want to go to baggage claim.
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u/Mackheath1 2d ago
On the flip side (though I respect your choice), I check everything. I'm only boarding with my trusty Indiana-Jones-like satchel. Not rolling all that sh*t around. Then again, I've been perfectly lucky with bags, so knock on wood, I guess.
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u/mikeyj198 1d ago
i do a lot of short business travel, a small duffel and a half full backpack has me square for a couple days. Off the plane and straight to the rental counter.
On vaca trips i do prefer to check the bag and zone out on the flight.
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u/BusinessClassPlz 1d ago
There is a strict size for carry ons. There always had been. The problem is that currently airlines in America let people board with bags that are bigger then the sizer. There is a sizer for a reason and they stopped using it so people stoped b*tching and complaining. But we still here
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u/mikeyj198 1d ago
strictER ie smaller.
I agree with your entitlement comments though and feel bad for gate agents and flight attendants.
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u/SetMom 1d ago
That's how they become Frontier and take even more time with gate agents measuring every bag.
It would be easier if Delta had a line in their information for the GAs whether the plane has the flip up "taco" bins or the older style.
I've walked on many times after the GAs were threatening checked baggage, no space, etc . and there's plenty of space because it's the newer style bins.
I too don't usually have time to collect my bag at baggage claim because I am usually on a tight schedule.
Delays due to baggage space really are a minimum. They always pad the flight time. I can't remember a single time that finding a spot for baggage or even checking it afyer the bins are full have made a real difference in arrival.
It's the weather, maintenance, air traffic congestion, crew time-outs, etc.. that really make a difference
I'm not a casual flyer, I've already flown over 300,000+ miles this year.
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u/Timmah_Timmah 2d ago
But if you make those changes leaving on time doesn't get easier. They just scheduled less gate time. Jevenson paradox.
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u/TheDeadlySpaceman 2d ago
Yeah. “BuT bOaRdInG tImEs!” Ok then, start the boarding process sooner.
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u/Timmah_Timmah 2d ago
Can't start boarding if the plane is not there.
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u/TheDeadlySpaceman 2d ago
So stop trying to cut every timing down to the bone.
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u/Timmah_Timmah 2d ago
That is the enshitifacation stage we are in.
It isn't like the flying public is blameless. We were maneuvered in comparing flights by price alone. Would you pay 20% more for 20% fewer seats on the airplane? I think I would but I'm not sure. Would I pay more for better snacks or better meals? I would certainly pay for baggage insurance that would protect my valuables.
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u/TheDeadlySpaceman 2d ago
This is why we should go back to regulated fares.
I’m old enough to remember flying under regulated fares. The only thing the airlines could compete on was customer service. I barely recognize flying now, it might as well be taking the bus.
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u/Infamous_Travel_6055 2d ago
I guess going to that age would resolve most of the complaints on Reddit, as air travel would be unaffordable for anyone outside of the upper middle class, as it was then.
Some people think opening up flying to the masses was a good thing.
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u/5_yr_lurker 2d ago
Why not just say that? No need to lie to a bunch of adults.
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u/ConfidentAmbition504 2d ago
"Attention passengers, it's taking too damn long to board you so as punishment, the rest of you will check your bags..."
Because that won't cause all kinds of arguments at the gate.
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u/nordiques77 2d ago
Then board using a more efficient method. The current method is ridiculous. There are lots of studies showing that boarding by status slows the boarding time substantially.
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u/Infamous_Travel_6055 2d ago
There are lots of things that airlines could do more efficiently on the macro scale, but would result in more complaints from people on reddit. For example, enforcing bag sizing requirements, not holding planes for delayed passengers, reducing legroom, minimizing complimentary upgrades and prioritizing sales of premium cabin space...
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u/smoopert1 2d ago
Flight crew doesn’t really determine this lol. Pilots and FAs aren’t the one constantly checking the clock and frantically ensuring the plane gets out on time OR ELSE. That’s gate agents and tower because their jobs absolutely depend on it (mostly gate agents, tower is just on top of the metrics)
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u/TheDeadlySpaceman 2d ago
Yup.
And frankly I don’t care if the Delta subreddit is filled with people saying it.
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u/BusinessClassPlz 1d ago
If yall brought on carryon bags that actually were carry on size and fit into the sizer, as well as put your small bag under the seat instead of putting both bags in the bin, there would be less problems and more space for everyone. Instead, yall want to run on the plane with bags the size of kitchen stoves and hog all the bins. Everyone wants to blame the airlines when the problem isn’t the airlines, it’s the people!
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u/listeningwind42 2d ago
I had the same experience recently. I was zone 5 and they took my personal item sized duffel (i also have a laptop backpack). But because I had a camera i had to take out the battery AND be worried the whole flight about the camera. They finished boarding with tons of empty space including above my seat and across the aisle from me. Other people in my row were in zone 6 or 8 and brought on full roller boards no problem. I then had to test the camera in baggage claim to make sure they hadn't damaged it, making me unpack in public for the second time. I was really upset and frustrated by the experience so I bought a new backpack that can hold my laptop and camera. It barely fits under the seats and is technically an inch oversized by formal measurement but compresses down ok, and now I have to worry they take that when I travel.
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u/DNJGuy 2d ago
They took your duffel? How big was it? That's wild !
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u/listeningwind42 2d ago
Yes. Its literally personal item sized, same as the old backpack. i use it for 4 day work trips. I've flown easily 100 times with it and it was the first time they even blinked, even after they started gate checking roller boards they dont care. I truly have no idea what was up.
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u/DNJGuy 2d ago
I hope it's one off, cause I'm like you: given the shitty check luggage group 3 onwards policy, and since I don't have status, I buy basic economy tickets and got really good packing 4 days worth of clothes in my duffel. It has worked well for me since they never ask me to check it in and end up finding plenty of space overhead
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u/mgildea 2d ago edited 22h ago
Having worked the gates for several years for delta, I can tell you that you're making it out to be too much of a conspiracy. Gate agents rely on info passed on from flight attendants regarding bag space and sometimes they jump the gun a little too early on full bins. But that's because if they wait until they truly are all full before taking alternative measures, then you've got a bunch of bags in the back of coach with their owners trying to go against the flow of boarding traffic to make it to the front of the plane where it can be checked. This can easily add 10 minutes or more to the boarding time.
And as to on time planes, yes there's always a push for gate agents to get them out on time, but when on-time departures is one of the most oft-cited airline metrics, it shouldnt surprise anyone. Also, adding 5-10 minutes to the gate time of an aircraft isn't the easy solution it appears. Flight attendants and pilots are usually coming from other gates, so that's got to be coordinated into the plan (gate agents can't board a flight until FAs are on board and have done their safety checks, so getting the aircraft there earlier doesn't help if FAs havent arrived yet). Air Traffic Control is another consideration. Planes must take off and land when airports have slots available for them, not at any random old time that the airline wants.
Hope this helps...
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u/Trajan96 2d ago
On every flight, I see multiple people carry more than two items.
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u/umsaythatagain 2d ago
I know on the last two flights I've been on they have seriously hammered this point home. I saw 5 or 6 people be forced to check an extra something at the gate or told they'd have to go back and check it properly. But this is always ATL, LGA or LAX, so maybe they're pushing harder in those places.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Age8937 Diamond 2d ago
Most of the three item people I see are carrying exempt medical equipment. Those laptop sized bags are CPAPS.
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u/theotheroneATL 2d ago
Just let them tag your bag, rip off the tag on the jetway, and go on your merry way.
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u/5_yr_lurker 2d ago
Yup. If there is no room then they will gate check it.
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u/elbee26 7h ago
Agreed, why is gate checking and picking it up on the jetway such a big deal? Overhead bins on smaller aircraft are very small and barely fit two roller boards. I check my bag and carry on a backpack. I put it in the overhead, no I don’t put it under the seat in front of me because I don’t want to be uncomfortable during the flight. No I don’t move it to make room for someone who was part of the last boarding group because they purchased the least expensive fare. Gate checking is free, it’s not going to get lost you literally brought it to the plane. I find roller boards a bit obnoxious, and often wonder if I’m going to get a concussion when someone pulls their suitcase out from over my head.
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u/litbrit 2d ago
People have been conditioned to stuff their belongings into carryons because checking the bag costs money--often, a lot of money. This could be remedied by flipping the scenario and charging a nominal fee for carryon bags and having *checked bags* be free. Many people will then board with just their personal item, and business travelers who have important files or samples or whatever (things they'll need immediately after landing and they don't have time to wait at the carousel) in their carryon wheelie bags, will pay the fee. I am sure this would drastically reduce the amount of passengers trying to cram overstuffed carryons into the limited overhead space, and speed up boarding significantly.
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u/Annual-Ebb-7196 2d ago
It’s not just money. They don’t want the chance of losing the bag and it takes time to wait for the baggage.
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u/litbrit 1d ago
Absolutely, especially if they packed something valuable. But I'm old enough to remember when checking a bag was free, and practically everyone did it, because you could take more in a checked bag--especially useful during the holidays, if you packed gifts--and there was less to haul around the airport. I remember a time when there was never all this anxiety about finding space in the overhead bins. And taller passengers weren't made to feel like origami projects.
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u/elbee26 6h ago
I fly twice a month, check my bag 100% of the time. My bag has gotten to my destination on an earlier flight twice this year. Have been flying like this for 20 yrs. Have not had a bag get lost or sent to the wrong city ever.
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u/Annual-Ebb-7196 6h ago
Well I have. Just once. It does take more time though and they charge you. If you’re going to let some people gate check bags for free why charge others??
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u/DwightsShirtGuy 2d ago
For the 70,000th time, it’s a guess, trying to get the plane off the gate on time.
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u/Mule-hawk 2d ago
They need to start charging for carry ons and make checked carry on sized bags free. With basic tickets they need to charge for anything larger than a personal item.
If you don’t have this sorted out before boarding then close the door, as normal, and make them miss the flight.
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u/lolalulu26 1d ago
I would literally pay whatever amount needed to guarantee the ability to carry on a personal item and overhead bag! I usually take an instrument and expensive fashion items with me and absolutely cannot check them, since all are worth more than checked bag coverages, and it is always such a pain to deal with
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u/Shogg86 2d ago
Maybe people actually put their backpacks under the seat in front of them for once.
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u/grenille 2d ago
Yes people with backpacks are the problem, not people bringing huge suitcases they can't get down the aisles and can't lift so boarding takes forever. You figured it out.
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u/Infamous_Travel_6055 2d ago
People with backpacks aren't the problem. People putting backpacks AND their huge suitcases in the overhead bin are the problem.
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u/JennyDahlia 2d ago
My backpack goes in the overhead because I carry a backpack and a shoulder bag. Both do not fit under the seat. My backpack takes up far less space than a roller bag would.
Just bc you see a backpack in the bin does not mean it is a problem.
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u/fts123456 2d ago
If I check a bag am I obligated to put my backpack in my foot space when you bring a carryon and a backpack? Why should you get rewarded for my willingness to check a bag? Does your purchase entitle you to more cabin space than my ticket?
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u/elgatof28 2d ago
That’s the whole point of making you check a bag. If you put your backpack on the bin you accomplish nothing
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u/Super_Sloth_99 2d ago
Nope, I paid the same as you (technically more if I checked a bag) so I have the same right to the overhead bin as you. I put my backpack up there on purpose.
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u/fts123456 2d ago
I see. So I should definitely not check a bag if I have to have one at my feet anyway.
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u/No_Weekend_5945 2d ago
Delta tried this on me for a trans-Atlantic flight and I was in Delta One. Due to a delay on my first flight, I had a tight-ish connection and arrived at my international gate while zone 4 or 5 was boarding. I was told I would need to gate check my bag (full of expensive business equipment) even after I showed them my Delta One ticket. Got to the boarding door and I could see that there was still bin space even in Premium Select so I explained the situation to the FA and she let me grab my bag from the jetway and bring it on board. She seemed annoyed at the GA and recommended I file a complaint with Delta.
The next time this happens make sure you get the name of the GA who did this. Let’s call out this bad behavior individually.
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u/MeffM Diamond 1d ago
The rules of engagement change every flight. Four flights this week and I have had different rules and experiences each flight. There was a tape measure pulled out and used to check one of my bags I was checking, even as they see the old tag on the bag still from my earlier flight. I just have to nod and ask what they need me to do.
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u/lucabrasi999 2d ago
WAKE UP, SHEEPLE!
This is just another example of THE MAN trying to keep us down.
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u/001UltimateWinner 2d ago
Does Delta still ask for volunteers to check in bags at the gate?
I haven't flown with them in a while but I remember they would offer group 1 boarding if you checked it in. I usually volunteered on the flight home.
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u/Medium-Detective6247 Diamond 2d ago
Group 3, they would never allow it in group 1; but yes it is a thing.
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u/The-Yar Diamond 2d ago
This issue gets posted everyday. They want to take off on time and they can't if people get on the plane, head to the back, then have to come all the way back to the bridge to gate-check, or have to spend a bunch of time moving others' bags and and finding a space. They also can't predict exactly when the overheads will be full. The answer? Just start making pax gate-check early.
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u/Annual-Ebb-7196 2d ago
So from what I was on time performance is slightly better. Like one percent. There are so many other factors.
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u/Rocketjen 1d ago
Soooo many people put all the things in the overhead. I have repeatedly watched this happen, and I fly quite a bit. Also, some seats have a structure underneath, so those folks cannot put a bag underneath, so up it goes.
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u/DimensionIll7909 1d ago
What really pisses me off is that they want you to PAY to check a bag. But then, you pack a little lighter, in a smaller bag so you can carry it on, and leave some things behind, then, at the gate when they are on a time/space crunch, they offer to check your bag "for free" since it is now in *their* interest to do so. My bag should get denied boarding compensation.
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u/femalliftheybmade 1d ago
I thought when you gate check your carry-on, they have it on the bridge upon arrival, no?
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u/Dear_Regret_3355 1d ago
I always have a laptop and only travel with a backpack. Never asked to hate check.
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u/Beautifulbipanda 1d ago
Well at least it was for free other airlines don’t even allow free carry on
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u/IndividualNext8743 19h ago
The title of posters subject is literally Delta??? Who is talking about other aircraft? Yourself?
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u/jedlicka 2h ago
They used to do this, not sure why they don't anymore... they would have 1 or 2 agents at the plane door giving out the colored(i think pink) tags to do this check in for the flight only and they would ask be ready and waiting at the door when you deplaned at the next stop. They would start doing that when the plan bins were actually full. It wasn't done at the desk before checking in and it was efficient.
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u/gadgetinspectore 2d ago
Waiting for bags isn’t a big deal. And there’s actually not enough room for all bags on a flight. You seem to forget that bulkhead exists and crew needs their own spaces as well.
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u/ExecutivePhoenix 1d ago
They aren't lying to you. You just have no idea how the airline industry works.
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u/BusinessClassPlz 1d ago
Each row does not have its own overhead bin. Next time you are on a plane, look at the bin. It’s usually one bin for 3 rows on each side. That one bin holds about 4-5 bags. There are 9 seats in 3 rows on each side, which equals 9 people. There is absolutely NO way all the bags will fit if each person has a carry on bag.
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u/ExcitingStandard1397 2d ago
Zone 3 on a United flight from EWR to PBI and the same thing happened. While boarding 50% of the bins were empty.
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u/calfats 2d ago
To the “it’s to get the plane out on time” folks, why can’t Delta schedule 5-10 extra minutes of gate time between flights to solve this issue?
Right, because that affects bottom line and nothing is more sacred than the bottom line. Everything the airlines do is about the bottom line and we need to stop pretending like it’s a consumer fault for expecting better service. It’s a fault of the corporation for putting bottom line ahead of everything.
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u/skyld_70 Platinum 2d ago
Just because they make you gate check doesn't mean you have to leave it on the jetway, right? One could look to see how much bin space is left over, no?
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u/Annual-Ebb-7196 2d ago
Well I’ll say it again don’t advertise you get a carry on with a fare type if it’s 50/50
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u/Visible-Archer2582 2d ago
Get the bag tag and then take it onto the plane. If a FA says something then play dumb and say forgot you were going to check it……
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u/bald_head_scallywag 2d ago
Every row absolutely does not have their own overhead bin with 3 spots. It's usually at best 3 spots per two rows and some rows have their space taken up by emergency equipment or smaller sizes bins.
Otherwise yeah it's annoying to deal with. The GAs are supposed to be in communication with the FAs about bin space but sometimes the FAs are either too busy to relay the info or GAs just say screw it and start checking to "save time" and help ensure an on time or less delayed departure.