Because checking a bag became a premium feature you have to pay for. So now they’re trying to be first/early to compete for the overhead bag space, which there’s not enough of for everyone. A lot of people have anxiety about traveling and it’s not just the fear of heights or dwelling on the dangers of flying, a lot of it is based on the loss of control of their lives for those few hours. The sooner you’re in your seat with your carryon above your head, the sooner you’re back in control and can relax a little.
The real trick is to just use whichever overhead you see open as you approach your seat. It doesn’t need to be directly above your seat. You’re going to have to pass by it again on your way out of the plane anyways, so it’s not like you’ll be delaying anything during deboarding.
Because checking a bag became a premium feature you have to pay for. So now they’re trying to be first/early to compete for the overhead bag space, which there’s not enough of for everyone. A lot of people have anxiety about traveling and it’s not just the fear of heights or dwelling on the dangers of flying, a lot of it is based on the loss of control of their lives for those few hours. The sooner you’re in your seat with your carryon above your head, the sooner you’re back in control and can relax a little.
The real trick is to just use whichever overhead you see open as you approach your seat. It doesn’t need to be directly above your seat. You’re going to have to pass by it again on your way out of the plane anyways, so it’s not like you’ll be delaying anything during deboarding.