Policy vs practice
Airlines publish rules, but enforcement can vary by:
- route and aircraft type
- gate congestion
- staff discretion
- priority tiering and fare class
Why variability exists
Carry-on enforcement is often a response to operational constraints:
- overhead bin capacity
- boarding speed
- safety requirements
When constraints tighten, enforcement increases.
A better mental model
Treat carry-on limits as a capacity management system, not a moral rule.