Lonely Planet
Day 22 after signup
Why Airlines Make You Gate-Check Your Bag
Even when there’s overhead space.
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Email copy
I’m used to tiny airports and planes when visiting family. Usually, these planes have so few rows that first or business class is not so different from economy. VIEW IN BROWSER Mystery Solved I’m used to tiny airports and planes when visiting family. Usually, these planes have so few rows that first or business class is not so different from economy. We’re all squished together, and most of us inevitably have to gate-check our rolling suitcases (packing hack: use a soft duffel to avoid this). It’s annoying to wait for your bag on the jet bridge or – heaven forbid – at baggage claim, but I get why this happens on smaller flights On a recent, much roomier flight to NYC after a nature-filled weekend in Maine, many folks were asked to check their bags. And yet, as I walked down the aisle of the plane, I spotted numerous overhead bins completely empty. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s odd. Is it because airlines underestimate the amount of overhead space? Astonishingly, no. I found out the real reason. More Q&A Trending Destination RIBNICA VALLEY, SLOVENIA Slovenia is known for its picturesque lakes and towering mountains, but let's not act like those can’t be enjoyed beyond summer. Explore Ljubljana, Slovenia's cozy capital, or paddle down the Kolpa River. Trending This Week A Guide to South Korea's Bathhouses Where to Go Leaf-Peeping in Vermont Where to Stay in Berlin: Hotels by Neighborhood 9 of Egypt's Best Tombs and Temples ADVERTISEMENT *Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by our partners. Terms apply.. Photography by: Ankur Khandelwal/Unsplash, Juliet Coombe/Lonely Planet, Breanna Nichelle for Lonely Planet, Oscar Wong/Getty Images, Antony Sojka for Lonely Planet, Slovenian Tourist Board DID SOMEONE SHARE THIS EMAIL WITH YOU? SUBSCRIBE HERE. THIS EMAIL WAS SENT TO YOU BY: LONELY PLANET PUBLICATIONS LTD. | 1101 RED VENTURES DRIVE, FORT MILL, SC 29707 © 2026 LONELY PLANET UNSUBSCRIBE|PRIVACY POLICY