Q: Why don't flight attendants require passengers to put articles directly above their seats instead of in the first empty space? Recently I was sitting in the middle of the plane, and I had to wait until all the passengers in the back exited to retrieve my bag, which was stowed many rows behind me.

A: People are lazy and don't want to tote their bags to the back. (I'm referring to able-bodied folks who don't feel like walking another 20 feet -- anyone who finds it physically difficult to handle their bag should ask a flight attendant for help.) You also have people putting bags in the overhead that could fit under the seat in front of them, despite the flight attendants' announcement asking them not to. Then throw in the underlying complications of planes not having enough overhead space to begin with and more passengers traveling with big carry-ons to avoid paying checked-baggage fees ... it's pretty much a perfect storm.

I've seen flight attendants stop passengers seated in the back from using the front overhead bins. You're right that there should be more of this. But travelers can do a few things, too. First, pack lighter. If you don't need a full-sized carry-on, bring a smaller bag. If you're sitting in the back, don't be lazy -- carry your bag to your seat. And if there's nothing you need during the flight in your carry-on, consider gate-checking it.

Q: If the guy sitting next to me on a plane appears drunk, what should I do?

A: Tell a flight attendant, stat, but privately. Not everyone who looks drunk is drunk. If you haven't seen him downing lots of drinks on the plane, it might be a medical issue. The flight attendant will assess the situation and handle it. If he's harassing you -- drunk or not -- you shouldn't hesitate to ask to be reseated.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.