United Makes the Problem Worse

Kudos to United Airlines for finding yet another way to tick off the flyer. Today they announced a "new" baggage policy. First suitcase free, second suitcase $25. Now POD does have "elite" status on United and isn't directly impacted (POD still gets TWO free suitcases) but it will still cause a problem. Firstly, it will provide an even greater incentive for the non-elite flyer to carry on a "steamer trunk". They check one and carry on the second. This adds to the crowding of the flight bins, slows clearance through security and otherwise creates delays.

POD is afraid that the behavior on a recent flight to New York will become commonplace. POD had, as he always does, checked his small suitcase (its carryon size) and was carrying only his small computer bag and a coat. The flight was quite full (POD has elite status and thus boarded early). The Flight Attendant grabbed POD's computer bag and coat out of the bin and informed him that since it was a "small bag" it would need to go under the seat in front of him and he would have to hold the coat. This was required because the bins were filled up by the large carry-on and second item folk. Needless to say, holding a coat for an entire flight isn't all that pleasant and seeing what little leg room you have taken because someone else decided to take their closet on the plane is pretty aggravating.