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Terry Buchen gets to board his Delta flights early because he has elite status. In theory, he’s assured a spot in an overhead bin for his carry-on bag. In practice, even he has to compete for the coveted space. Since airlines began charging passengers in 2008 to check their luggage, carry-on bags have multiplied in size and number. That’s turned the boarding process into a free-for-all even for business travelers who’ve traditionally had high enough status to avoid such hassles. “When a passenger moves my luggage with wheels or handle facing out, if the bin is too small, the bin door will not close,” says the golf course agronomist from Williamsburg, Va. “I am very vocal to a passenger when they try and move my bag so theirs will fit because if I allowed it to occur the flight attendant could take my bag and check it.” Soon, Buchen’s bag may have a better chance of staying in an overhead bin. Airlines and airplane manufacturers are realizing that overhead bins on most planes aren’t big enough to accommodate today’s typical carry-on bag. United, Delta, American and US Airways are either retrofitting older planes with bins that can hold roll-aboard bags or purchasing aircraft with bigger bins.