Enforce those baggage rules

Regarding “Airlines: Assign Overhead Bins” (Letters, Dec. 21): I obey the airlines’ size restrictions and check my garment bag. It is an inch or two wider than the regulations allow, but it is slim and would fit in the overhead compartment. I could easily take it on board.

Then I see fellow passengers cram behemoth wheel-ons into the bins, struggling under their weight. If space is tight, the attendants ask that I place my small case or backpack under my seat to accommodate the rule breakers.

The airlines should enforce their size restrictions for carry-ons, starting at the check-in lines at curbside stands, where agents or skycaps can spot oversized suitcases. Enforcing the rules would guarantee plenty of overhead space and free legroom for those of us who are considerate. This would reduce waiting and assist security, because fewer bags would mean less searching in the lines and greater accessibility on board.

Neal Osherow

Los Angeles