Hold bags cause delays, (think pax offload, with bags to find in a full hold). Delays cost money. If you get asked to put your cabin bag in the hold, at least you know it will be on the aircraft with you and not heading off to some random destination at the whim of the baggage handling agency, which again costs the operator money in order to reunite you with your bag.
The hatracks were originally intended for luggage required during flight only, not for a complete holiday wardrobe. Safety standards limit the weight and therefore the available space.
The airline can only offer a compromise between discouraging the take up of hold baggage and allowing as much luggage into the cabin as space permits.
Last edited by Alycidon; 28th Sep 2014 at 20:42.