Spaced out, man
In the constant drive for efficiencies (or profits, as I like to call them) most low-cost airlines are doing more and more to encourage people to travel with carry-on baggage only.
They have encouraged this by introducing high charges for checked-in bags, high penalties for not checking bags in at the time of booking flights online and generally making it a fairly difficult process.
I travel regularly and for short trips, so I am a low-cost airlines dream - well, in this matter at least.
My trolley-dolley bag is wheeled, has a secure laptop compartment and a sizeable section for clothes etc. Sorted. To date, this has worked well. But I see a problem looming.
What are the airlines going to do when all passengers follow my example?
I was on a full flight recently and had boarded early on in the process. I like to get on early - I just LOVE people-watching.
Anyway, one of the last people to join us was a cabin-baggage-only traveller. One of those relaxed, "there's a seat for me" people who avoids the stress by hanging back and casually sauntering on board.
Yep, there was a seat for him. But no space ANYWHERE in the overhead lockers for his  bag.
"I'm sorry, sir," said a crew member, "but your bag will have to go in the hold."
Much to his credit, he stood his ground and refused the order/request (delete as applicable).
After a great deal of huffing and puffing, the crew managed to move things around (primarily, it seemed to me, toilet rolls and serviettes) and found some space.
So, we all look forward to the day when EVERYONE takes hand baggage only.
Especially the low-cost airlines. Because then another revenue stream will open for them - a super, pre-paid, cabin-baggage charge.
How long before we have to pay for everything we carry on board apart from our clothes?
Mind you, there's a thought.