I’m a 73-year-old passenger, and have trouble lifting my bag into the overhead. Years ago, the stewardesses always were willing to help. But on recent flights, they refused. What’s the official policy? BBL, St. Louis MO

A: Because of flight attendant union actions several years ago, they’re no longer required to do the heavy lifting. The best way to avoid doing it yourself is to travel lighter. Try smaller, softer bags, preferably those you can stow under your seat instead of needing to hoist them up into the overhead space. If you still insist on carrying bigger ones, politely ask a strong fellow passenger to do the heavy lifting for you.