Many people bring a carry-on not only to avoid baggage fees but because they want control over their belongings and to skip the wait at baggage claim. If airlines started charging for that privilege there would likely be a shift toward more checked bags which could create longer processing times at both departure and arrival points. That shift might solve the space problem in the cabin but it could create new bottlenecks elsewhere.
One alternative would be to reward those who travel light rather than punish those who use overhead space. This could mean priority boarding for people without carry-ons larger than what fits under the seat or even slight fare discounts for those who check bags. Behavioral incentives often work better than blanket fees because they give passengers a choice without making them feel penalized for habits that were previously considered normal.
Many people bring a carry-on not only to avoid baggage fees but because they want control over their belongings and to skip the wait at baggage claim. If airlines started charging for that privilege there would likely be a shift toward more checked bags which could create longer processing times at both departure and arrival points. That shift might solve the space problem in the cabin but it could create new bottlenecks elsewhere.
One alternative would be to reward those who travel light rather than punish those who use overhead space. This could mean priority boarding for people without carry-ons larger than what fits under the seat or even slight fare discounts for those who check bags. Behavioral incentives often work better than blanket fees because they give passengers a choice without making them feel penalized for habits that were previously considered normal.