Hate paying airline add-on fees? This NYT article might change your mind.

[dmoore19]

Mine rolls on, it meets the restrictions and is a carry-on. If it didn't meet the restrictions, I wouldn't take it.

The ones that cause problem is the one with the guitar, or the guy who puts his in side ways instead of end to end or the one that puts his bag in the overhead, then removes his jacket and then uses more space by laying it in the overhead.

How many people travel with no baggage? Darn few is my guess.

Just increase the fare $25 and allow a checked bag. The time saved would be worth it. Check your 1 bag and allow a small carry-on (under the seat). The flow through security would be increased and loading and unloading the plane would be quicker too.

Those aren't "carry-ons". They're checked bags they use to cheat.

As I said; people with them should be forced to check them, and charged double.

 

[KeithG]

Mine rolls on, it meets the restrictions and is a carry-on. If it didn't meet the restrictions, I wouldn't take it.

The ones that cause problem is the one with the guitar, or the guy who puts his in side ways instead of end to end or the one that puts his bag in the overhead, then removes his jacket and then uses more space by laying it in the overhead.

How many people travel with no baggage? Darn few is my guess.

Just increase the fare $25 and allow a checked bag. The time saved would be worth it. Check your 1 bag and allow a small carry-on (under the seat). The flow through security would be increased and loading and unloading the plane would be quicker too.

Roll ons are not the problem. It's the idiots that stuff them AND fill the expandable outer pocket so the bag is now too big to fit in the over head. I see this multiple times every flight. 5 minutes of my life wasted while the moron unpacks part of the bag so it will fit.

 

[drrich2]

When I fly United and Jeff Smisek comes on with his video spiel for flying the Friendly skies, I have a hard time feeling sorry for the airline with my knees in my throat, knowing his salary package last year was 8.1 million $$$$$.

I used to think like that, too; of corrupt CEOs enriching themselves through corporate mismanagement.

Later, I learned that for huge companies, high quality leadership can be so important, with so much 'trickle down' impact on so many people, that grossly over-paying a high-end leadership talent can be profitable for the company, instead of a loss.

It's kind of like the criticisms of high-end sports stars making so much money. Look at the revenue they generate through mass-marketting their performances. The celebrity endorsements that pay big money aren't done because companies want to be charitable to pro athletes; they're done because the company views it as a good investment.

So while I'm rather stunned by $8 million/year, it may be that the airline needs to pay that to get the top leadership talent.

Speculation on my part; my main point is, there's more to highly paid CEO's than it initially seems.

Richard.

 

[dmoore19]

Then we can agree it is the morons that break the rules that cause the problem.

Roll ons are not the problem. It's the idiots that stuff them AND fill the expandable outer pocket so the bag is now too big to fit in the over head. I see this multiple times every flight. 5 minutes of my life wasted while the moron unpacks part of the bag so it will fit.

 

[T.C.]

a Carry-On is designed to be carried and stowed on the plane. Most airlines have a size limit of 45 linear inches (including wheels and handle; and I doubt many bags will fit that.

The problem is allowing people to gate-check their bags. They know they can do it for free. Charge them double when they want to gate-check, and enforce the restriction, and watch boarding become simple.

 

[mrokern]

Speaking as someone who used to top 25,000 miles every three months (so glad that's over)...

I travel with two pieces of luggage at most unless diving: an Eagle Creek Adventure 22" two-wheel (yes, TC, it fits the 45" limit including wheels) that fits in the overhead even on most commuter planes, and an Eddie Bauer laptop backpack that's old as the hills and fits under any airplane seat.

I've done 7 nights / 8 days in Mexico with just those bags.

People travel with too much damn unnecessary stuff.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Easy for a guy to say.

 

[Hawkwood]

...I travel with two pieces of luggage at most unless diving: an Eagle Creek Adventure 22" two-wheel (yes, TC, it fits the 45" limit including wheels) that fits in the overhead even on most commuter planes, and an Eddie Bauer laptop backpack that's old as the hills and fits under any airplane seat...

Not quite the same, but pretty close. This for a three week trip and my wife has the same setup (although she has a backpack instead of the shoulder bag). The bag does fit the "cage" and is at the allowable weight...not that anybody ever checks though.

 

[chillyinCanada]

You've got your dive gear in there?

 

[Hawkwood]

You've got your dive gear in there?

It is to laugh.

Thought about taking my mask and computer, but nope.