I thought it was just me, but this story from the San Jose Mercury News proves that carry-on space in airplane overhead bins is at a premium everywhere these days.

I typically carry a purse large enough to fit my laptop and a backpack with my camera stuff in it onto the plane.

I'm not the kind of passenger who jumps into line at the gate the second they announce boarding. I'd rather relax than stand in line.

Lately though, I've started thinking maybe I had better because by the time I get onto planes, all of the overhead space is spoken for. Flying to Seattle this weekend, I had difficulty even finding a small space for my mini camera backpack.

I have considered how I will respond should a flight attendant ask me to check my camera backpack. And I don't think it would be pleasant.

Have you ever been asked to check a carry-on for lack of space in the overhead bins? How did you deal with it?