Many passengers bring overpacked carry-ons, sneak extra airport purchases onboard

When I read news that Vietnam Airlines begins charging for hand baggage that exceeds the prescribed size or weight from Nov. 3 for "safety reasons and efforts to improve the passenger experience", I noticed a flood of negative reactions, saying this policy "makes it difficult for passengers," "takes advantage of travelers," and "imposes unreasonable extra fees."

Frankly, I think the policy is necessary.

I fly frequently for work -- a few times a month on average -- and I've queued at boarding gates watching people with suitcases and backpacks so heavy that ground staff have to help lift them into the overhead bins.

Many passengers try to sneak in extra airport purchases, hoping to get away with ignoring weight limits.

The overhead compartments fill up, staff must work harder to rearrange luggage, and latecomers often have nowhere to put their bags.

I once saw a flight delayed 20 minutes because a passenger insisted on arguing with a flight attendant instead of checking an overweight bag. Everyone on board was frustrated, but the delay was not the airline's fault. It was caused by a passenger who refused to follow the rules.

Tightening carry-on rules is not just about "making money from passengers" as some claim, it's about safety and operations.

International carriers have enforced such rules for years. I’ve flown Singapore Airlines and Japan Airlines; they weigh carry-ons at the gate and a few extra grams mean the bag must be checked. Their passengers accept it because they understand the rules are about safety and fairness, not inconvenience.

Vietnamese carriers have long been lenient about a few extra kilos, creating a habit where passengers assume "a little extra is fine."

Now that carriers are tightening enforcement, some passengers react negatively, even though the policy is simply a return to standard practice.

A plane ticket isn't just permission to sit on a flight; it's an agreement to follow rules that keep everyone safe. If your carry-on exceeds the limit, paying an extra fee is reasonable, no different from buying an extra seat or an extra cup of coffee.

Packing light to follow the rules both saves time and shows respect for the crew and fellow passengers. If everyone does the same, flights would be smoother, safer, and far more civilized.