Can I refuse to place my hand baggage in luggage area when flight is full?
I often travel in Europe with low-cost companies, bringing just a hand luggage with me. When the flight is full, it is asked to passengers if there are some "volunteers" to put their luggage for free in the luggage area of the aircraft.
I once was designed as volunteer and didn't dare to say "No", because I had nothing valuable in my luggage that time. However, my luggage was damaged (broken handgrip) during the flight and I never had any refund.
I'd like to know if I can categorically refuse next time, especially when I bring my laptop with me, which is very valuable.
Is there any legal basis where I can politely say "I will bring my hand luggage with me in cabin, even under my seat" ?
Best Answer
Can I refuse to place my hand baggage in luggage area when flight is full?
Yes. But you won't be flying on that aircraft at that time.
As mentioned by @Relaxed, this is a safety issue and airlines are adamant about such matters. The most you could hope for is the sympathy of crew (unlikely) or another passenger who might agree to swap their luggage for yours, but they would have to volunteer, or be bribed by you, to do so.
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Can an airline force you to check your carry-on?
You can also be sure to carry a shopping bag, purse or messenger bag that is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Airlines won't ask you to check a bag that small, and you can keep essentials (wallets, passports, laptops and medications) in it.Can you refuse to put hand luggage in the hold?
Almost certainly not. If there is no space, there is no space, something has to give and it's a safety issue as well. Some airlines have a (smaller) size that's guaranteed to be accepted (in particular because you can put it under the seat if overhead bins are full).What happens if overhead bins are full?
The airline staff will have to gate-check your carry-on. You'll still have to go to a baggage-claim area when you arrive to pick up your checked item. If the airline staff put it in the plane's belly or the galley, where food and drinks are kept, your luggage still has to get processed.Don't Put Coffee In Your Luggage and 23 Other Tips
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