Airlines are not just looking at flight delays, but ground delays as well. One major contributing factor is the need to gate-check passenger carry-on bags due to crowded flights and a lack of available overhead bin space.

More and more airlines are overreacting by requiring passengers to surrender their bags as soon as they arrive at the gate.

On some flights I’ve taken, I’ve seen as many as 53 supposed carry-on bags tagged and sitting on the jetway, waiting to be loaded as checked luggage.

The frustration? You board the flight without your bag, only to see empty overhead bins. That’s all the more reason to make sure you’re in the first three boarding groups.