Quick story, would appreciate others' input and comments. If your response can't be funny or derogatory, please make it both ;)

Handed my boarding pass to the GA while getting onto my LGA-CLT leg on a 321 yesterday (early Memorial Day, light loads from what I saw all day). As I head down the ramp, she beckons me back b/c I have 3 carry-ons. I shoot her a funny look--surely she is not serious. Yes, I will be the first to admit I had three items--my computer bag (goes under my seat), my TravelPro DL-sized (they have smaller overheads) rollaboard, and a spare blazer on a hanger, inside a thin plastic garment bag. I have never, ever, ever had a problem getting this on US or any other airline, no matter the size plane, even if it meant scrunching up the blazer. I do this often when I have to have a spare suit or blazer with me--don't like packing into the rollaboard if I don't have to--

I was actually OK with it--rules are rules, I understand that. I ask the other GA who tells me to leave my rollaboard there that I would gladly just wear my blazer--he then tells me, "No, you won't." and tags my bag. I assumed this was just another example of sterling service to a CP. I am now more than a little POed. :(

Grab my seat in F (throwing my blazer in the hanging area, and my computer bag below the seat in front of me, not taking up overhead space, even though there is PLENTY left in F...and I am one of the last 15 or so to board on a flight that had 163 and 3 laps.)

Here is my major problem (not being allowed to put on the blazer was now secondary). I observe no fewer than four people board after me with more than 3 carryons: two off-duty crew and two ladies. I'm sorry--but if they're going to enforce the darn rule at the gate, be consistent. My "three" carry-ons were no more onerous than the rollaboard, camera case, purse, and huge makeup bag one lady had, or the rollaboard and two shopping bags the other had. The two off-duty crew had rollaboards and two other bags. :mad: :mad: :mad:

I am not writing to the DOT about this :D , and I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm just curious as to what the general populace on this board (for which I have a great deal of respect for...usually ;) ) I am fully expecting to get blasted, and maybe I deserve it.

But,

1. Let me put the darn blazer on in order to consolidate carry-ons, and/or
2. Be consistent

Diatribe over.

I have no advice for you, but man I would have been steamed. I'd just chalk it up to someone having a bad day and move on. But I feel for ya.

Maybe he was a State fan......

Maybe he was a State fan......

Go Pack :D

Sorry, I'm not good at funny AND derogatory!
BUT, as an employee, I think you should document w/a quick email to corporate, if you feel so inclined.
It might help get everyone on the same page. (I don't like the lack of consistency in enforcement of carry-on policy you point out )
Thats just ridiculous and an obvious flex of control on the gate agent's part.
Kudos to you for keeping your cool.
On the West side, our first option (given by both gate agents and FA), is to have you consolidate.
It was a no brainer that you could wear your blazer and put the thin garment bag inside your suitcase.

Thanks for your business!

Maybe he was a State fan......

Or a Duke fan. :p

Sorry, I'm not good at funny AND derogatory!
BUT, as an employee, I think you should document w/a quick email to corporate, if you feel so inclined.
It might help get everyone on the same page. (I don't like the lack of consistency in enforcement of carry-on policy you point out )
Thats just ridiculous and an obvious flex of control on the gate agent's part.
Kudos to you for keeping your cool.
On the West side, our first option (given by both gate agents and FA), is to have you consolidate.
It was a no brainer that you could wear your blazer and put the thin garment bag inside your suitcase.

Thanks for your business!

I have to agree as a customer, they (US-WEST) always asks you to consolidate to 2 items.... They are pretty good about it. Also, if you are in first, I am not sure about US-EAST, but on US-WEST they pink tag it for you so you can get it at the gate instead of baggage claim (another nice feature for F).
I am kinda shocked at how different somethings are. But they are really still 2 airlines with 2 cultures that is in the PROCESS of consolidating to one :)

LOL - Maybe u should say that you really have two bags, since two of your three bags are merging into the one, but the process is not completed yet (ok.. bad stab at humor) :D :) :)

Sorry, I'm not good at funny AND derogatory!
BUT, as an employee, I think you should document w/a quick email to corporate, if you feel so inclined.
It might help get everyone on the same page. (I don't like the lack of consistency in enforcement of carry-on policy you point out )
Thats just ridiculous and an obvious flex of control on the gate agent's part.
Kudos to you for keeping your cool.
On the West side, our first option (given by both gate agents and FA), is to have you consolidate.
It was a no brainer that you could wear your blazer and put the thin garment bag inside your suitcase.

Thanks for your business!

Nicely put, Lifer! But I have to take exception to the East/West divide - are there no problem employees West? Surely its now time to put on a unified front? :)

I assumed this was just another example of sterling service to a CP. .


Sorry to hear that you missed the memo from Dougie P. He (as he IS US's supreme ruler) no longer wants elites. The "higher" you go in the ranks, and the more money you spend with him, the more of a liability you are to US.

Now, if you were Ma and Pa traveler, you wouldve inquired at the gate about 38 times "is this still the gate for .......(insert destination)". Then you wouldve yelled 3 people ahead of you on the jetway to the first person who looks like he/she is in a uniform "hey, where is 23D, E and F?" After being told at the back of the plane, as logically numbers still go from 1-99 on plane (go figure) you would have to ask for help putting your 49pound, $12 american tourister bag in the overhead. After drink service and requesting 14 bags of pretzels to fill your kids gullet as Ma and Pa did not want to spend "8 whole bucks on a subway sub" you would then procede to use the F lavatory and bump every single elbow of the sleeping F pax through the cabin.

Once back home, you would write US demanding compensation because your 30"X40" $25 checked american tourister bag on the $59 fare had slight damage and it magically became a $300 travelpro bag!

Now, if Dougie P wakes up, and drinks some FF koolaid, he would find out that Mr. one too many "offical" carryons just paid $800 for this ticket, will bring $40K+ worth of business to this airline, and gets.....nothing.

Oh well, some of us sheep are headed to greener pastures! I know exactly what you are going through...had a similar situation where I boarded a 321 and heaven forbid, put my computer bag and rollaboard inthe overhead. FIRST time I have ever had a F/A tell me to put it under my seat. Only 7 pax in F cabin, with PLENTY of open space. I said, "no one has ever requested that of me" and she responded "I am not asking, im TELLING you to put it under your seat."

Too bad it was only DCA-CLT, not much time for me to ring the call button more then about 4 times to request something of that waste of a payroll number!

HOLD ON!!!!!!! :eek:

What's this about a pink tag from US West? Let's hear more about this and if it's going to be part of the new US.

Nice feature!

$12 american tourister bag in the overhead.
What so now we can't use an American Tourister bag or we are Ma and Pa Kettle? :) My AT bag cost me 40 bucks, and wheels along just as well as those $150 carryons. well my $150 carryon handle broke the first week so I guess the AT bag has worked better for me :) Now the real funny carryon is the trashbag full of clothes.

Lance

HOLD ON!!!!!!! :eek:

What's this about a pink tag from US West? Let's hear more about this and if it's going to be part of the new US.

Nice feature!
US Express does gate checks, too. (Mainly because the RJ's don't have enough room for carry ons). Drop it off at the end of the jetway, they tag it, and pick it up at the end of the jetway when you deplane.

Interestingly, flying out of IND yesterday, the GA said they would gate check your bag through to your final destination (pick up in baggage claim). I don't quite know how that could work in practice (gate checking won't get you a "real" luggage tag), but that would not be a welcome change.

jon

... you can gate check my tumi bag when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.

Personally, I don't think I would have put up with that kind of behavior. Ever. It's not a "doug thing" - it was a problem on US East for many years. The bad eggs think they can treat folks like crap - and largely can thanks to union contracts that protect them.

I only had a carry on, so it didn't apply to me. And really, since I was running late I was waiting for someone to volunteer so I could get a seat - and wasn't really listening to the announcement very closely.

Every other time I've gate checked something, I've picked it up on the jetway at deplaning. Has anyone ever had luggage gate checked through to the final destination? I'd be interested how this worked and any experiences with it.

(for the record, it was flight 3352, IND-PIT, operated by Republic).

jon

Sorry to hear that you missed the memo from Dougie P. He (as he IS US's supreme ruler) no longer wants elites. The "higher" you go in the ranks, and the more money you spend with him, the more of a liability you are to US.

Now, if you were Ma and Pa traveler, you wouldve inquired at the gate about 38 times "is this still the gate for .......(insert destination)". Then you wouldve yelled 3 people ahead of you on the jetway to the first person who looks like he/she is in a uniform "hey, where is 23D, E and F?" After being told at the back of the plane, as logically numbers still go from 1-99 on plane (go figure) you would have to ask for help putting your 49pound, $12 american tourister bag in the overhead. After drink service and requesting 14 bags of pretzels to fill your kids gullet as Ma and Pa did not want to spend "8 whole bucks on a subway sub" you would then procede to use the F lavatory and bump every single elbow of the sleeping F pax through the cabin.

Once back home, you would write US demanding compensation because your 30"X40" $25 checked american tourister bag on the $59 fare had slight damage and it magically became a $300 travelpro bag!

Now, if Dougie P wakes up, and drinks some FF koolaid, he would find out that Mr. one too many "offical" carryons just paid $800 for this ticket, will bring $40K+ worth of business to this airline, and gets.....nothing.

Oh well, some of us sheep are headed to greener pastures! I know exactly what you are going through...had a similar situation where I boarded a 321 and heaven forbid, put my computer bag and rollaboard inthe overhead. FIRST time I have ever had a F/A tell me to put it under my seat. Only 7 pax in F cabin, with PLENTY of open space. I said, "no one has ever requested that of me" and she responded "I am not asking, im TELLING you to put it under your seat."

Too bad it was only DCA-CLT, not much time for me to ring the call button more then about 4 times to request something of that waste of a payroll number!

Wowww. Sorry you went through that silly game. Based on a whole bunch of posts in the last couple of days and the continuing direction of collected data, it appears that US is firming up its death spiral rather nicely.

I only had a carry on, so it didn't apply to me. And really, since I was running late I was waiting for someone to volunteer so I could get a seat - and wasn't really listening to the announcement very closely.

Every other time I've gate checked something, I've picked it up on the jetway at deplaning. Has anyone ever had luggage gate checked through to the final destination? I'd be interested how this worked and any experiences with it.

(for the record, it was flight 3352, IND-PIT, operated by Republic).

jon

3352 is an EMB-170, right? On the 170s, in my experience, they always gate check luggage through to your final destination, just like the regular mainline jets. (I don't know for sure why this is, except that the 170s have full-size (or nearly full-size) overhead bins, as compared to the smaller RJs). By contrast, if you gate check on a smaller plane (any other RJ or prop, including the CRJs, the other EMBs, and the Dash-8 and B-1900s), you pick up gate-checked baggage plane-side.

I would have been livid about the blazer comment. Not sure how I'd respond. You are very good (and far more professional than the gate agent) to have acted like you did in such a situation, vs. how the gate agent acted.

Sorry, I'm not good at funny AND derogatory!
BUT, as an employee, I think you should document w/a quick email to corporate, if you feel so inclined.
It might help get everyone on the same page. (I don't like the lack of consistency in enforcement of carry-on policy you point out )
Thats just ridiculous and an obvious flex of control on the gate agent's part.
Kudos to you for keeping your cool.
On the West side, our first option (given by both gate agents and FA), is to have you consolidate.
It was a no brainer that you could wear your blazer and put the thin garment bag inside your suitcase.

Thanks for your business!

Thanks to all for their replies. Good to see that 'consolidation' is still an option sometimes!!! I am going to shoot of a quick note to chairmans@us.com and see if I get any personalized response...ha :D

No problems this weekend on four segments on DL with my same "3" carryons. Then again, never had had a problem before on US, either :(

I am going to shoot of a quick note to chairmans@us.com and see if I get any personalized response...ha :D (

I sent an email to that address 10 days ago and haven't even gotten an autoreply . . . .

You know, I have been relentlessly optimistic about this airline for the past couple of years (I even did a mileage run at the end of 05 to maintain at least Silver during the dark days), but I am starting to feel sincerely unloved (maybe PhoenixFlyer is getting to me!)

chairmans@usairways.com is the address and I requested a delivery confirmation and I got this:

----- The following addresses had successful delivery notifications ----- Chairmans@lnsmtp.usairways.com (relayed to non-DSN-aware mailer)
(expanded from: <chairmans@usairways.com>)

----- Transcript of session follows ----- Chairmans@lnsmtp.usairways.com... relayed; expect no further notifications

Interestingly, flying out of IND yesterday, the GA said they would gate check your bag through to your final destination (pick up in baggage claim). I don't quite know how that could work in practice (gate checking won't get you a "real" luggage tag), but that would not be a welcome change.
Every other time I've gate checked something, I've picked it up on the jetway at deplaning. Has anyone ever had luggage gate checked through to the final destination? I'd be interested how this worked and any experiences with it.

(for the record, it was flight 3352, IND-PIT, operated by Republic).

jon
jon,

First - US East only since I have no experience with the way they do things on the other side....

There's Express gate check and Mainline gate check. As someone said, Express gate check's are a "courtesy" type of thing since there's less carryon space in the cabin, and you retrieve your bag at planeside (or jetway, if used, I presume). A yellow "Carry-on Baggage" tag will be affixed to your bag (this may be the same as the pink tags that someone mentioned is used on the West system)

Mainline gate checks are different. The bag will be checked thru to your final destination (or intermediate point, if you want) to be picked up in baggage claim - you cannot reclaim it planeside. On mainline, the only things that can be brought up to the jetway at the destination are strollers, wheelchairs, and the like.

You will (or definitely should) get a claim check, though it will be different from the stub you get at the ticket counter. If you ever gate check on mainline and aren't automatically given a claim check, by all means ask (usually the F/A will need to bring it to you after you're seated just to keep the boarding process going since it's the gate agent that has the gate check tags).

Just a FYI tip for FF's flying on N/S mainline flights - if you can get your bag thru security, gate checking it guarantees that your bag gets on the same plane you do, since it's sent directly from the jetway to the baggage compartment.

Jim

Just a FYI tip for FF's flying on N/S mainline flights - if you can get your bag thru security, gate checking it guarantees that your bag gets on the same plane you do, since it's sent directly from the jetway to the baggage compartment.
Jim

Good advice. Remember that this only applies on non-stop flights -- if you're connecting, US/HP are still very good at losing your bag during the connection!! :D

Another tip:

If you gate check something with PIT as your final destination, expect to wait at least an hour for it to come through the baggage system...

Another tip:

If you gate check something with PIT as your final destination, expect to wait at least an hour for it to come through the baggage system...

Ain't that the truth. A few times I've lingered for a drink too long at the club and gotten burned, knowing if I would have just checked the bag in the first place I would have gotten it sooner.

At PIT you need to get pro-active to find it, because the lack of barcode means they don't know which claim area to dump it down.

There's a special top-secret provision in the carry-on rules for camera bags. Technically you can bring on a carry on, a person item, AND a camera bag-- the rule is hidden in the fine print. That may be why some other folks got to carry on extra stuff. Or that you weren't as good looking as the other folks... ;)

... That may be why some other folks got to carry on extra stuff. Or that you weren't as good looking as the other folks... ;)

Ouch, good point! :D

Here was the reply that came in from the CP email addy from the note I sent them about this incident (and also complimenting the HP FF lady who helped me out with another situation). The response was timely and appreciated!

'Mr. GoHeelsWKS,

Thank you for your email detailing your recent experiences with US Airways.
You are correct in that the integration of our two large companies, our
websites and various departments has been a huge undertaking and we regret
that you have seen a lapse in service as a result. It is our hope that you
will soon see a return to the efficient service that we are known for.

I was disappointed to hear that our gate staff was not accommodating with
the consolidation of your luggage in New York. It would have been a simple
matter to put your blazer in with your other luggage, but it is difficult
to determine at this point why our agent did not assist with this solution. (No argument here!!)
I have shared this situation with our Customer Relations Department so that
they can share your experience with station management for constructive
feedback.

I hope that your next experience will be more pleasant in every regard.
Again, please accept our apologies.

Tracy M******
Dividend Miles"'

Have been meaning to post this in order to be fair to US' customer service, as the Chairman's desk forwarded my note to the Executive Office in Tempe. I got a HP 'Air Check Plus' voucher for up to $100 off a ticket (dependant on value of ticket) and the following letter:


Mr. goheelswks
Firm Name (Name spelled incorrectly)
Office Address
Charlotte, NC

Dear Mr. goheelswks,

Thank you for contacting the Executive Office at US Airways. We appreciated hearing from our customers and having an opportunity to address your concerns.

Please accept my apology for the disappointing service your received. Our customers deserve a pleasurable experience each and every time they fly with us, and I am sorry this trip did not meet your expectations. Your comments regarding our lack of service are important and have been forwarded to our manager at La Guardia for review. The intent here, of course, is to use your feedback as a training tool for our employees and a means of making positive changes in our service.

Mr. goheelswks, we would appreciate another change to earn your business. I have enclosed an Air Check Plus certificate as an invitation for you to travel with us again. Although the document has the America West name, you will be able to apply it toward travel on US Airways. To receive the full benefit of this compensation, please take a moment to read the terms and conditions of use.

We appreciate and value your business. We're working hard to earn your continued patronage. Thank you for giving us the chance to do so.

Sincerely,

Diana M*****
Executive Liaison
Office of the Chairman

Enclosure

LOL, so what does the fine print of the T&C say?

Great follow up here... only took like 6 months. At least they did respond, will give the SandCastle that much.

I'd guess you had forgotten all about it, eh goheels?

<snip>
... We appreciated hearing from our customers and having an opportunity to address your concerns....

...

(emphasis mine)... About sums it up! :D

First, let's stop and take responsibility and own it. The agent was CORRECT to question three items. The agent was WRONG to be such an idiot and not offer solutions.

You, my friend, were WRONG for trying to pull one over in the GA. If you are a FF, you DO know the rules. I am not belittling you as I understand your intent, but had the regulation been followed to START with, this never would had happen. So I'm on your side here, but I just asked to own up to your PART in this as any of us would do.

Here's the regulation: ONE ITEM plus ONE SMALL carry on item that consist of a purse, backpack, briefcase, etc. Yes, a camera is not included and you could probably have a fanny pack around you, but it IS one and one.

The LGA GA's handling was silly.

Why do some get by with three? Hum....understaffed at the door, understaffed on the airplane. The same customer biitching about bag rules will be the same one biitching if they don't get a predeparture bev although on some planes there's only 1 f/a at the door or could as the the other f/a is helping someone in the back. Some bags just get by. Duplicate seat, hanging jackets, predeparture bev, making sure I have what I need, customer questions? Can you see where some bags just might get by?:confused:

Why do crews come on with 3? We can and we are allowed. The company is aware that many crews commute and have provided that benefit. It then becomes allowed bt the FAA, so all the arguing in the world won't change that. It's called a perk, something we have very few of these days.;)

As far as Delta allowing your "three bags"? Perhaps Delta ALLOWS three bags. I doubt that and instead of questioning why we DO follow the regulation (for the most part), perhaps quetioning Delta's LACK of following FAR's should be placed into question.

By the way, GO HEELS!!

And the agent was probably a Duke fan.:p

Just a technical correction....

There is no FAR limiting the number or size of carry-on items. All the FAR's state is that any carry-on baggage must be properly stowed for T/O and landing. How to comply with the "properly stowed" requirement is left to the discretion of the individual airline.

Having said that, once an airline establishes a policy or procedure to comply with the FAR's, gets it approved by the FAA, and incorporates it into the manuals, that policy effectively becomes a regulation for that airline - the FAA monitors and enforces compliance with that airline's approved policy and procedures.

That's why different airlines may have different rules for such things as carry-on baggage.

Jim

Just a technical correction....

There is no FAR limiting the number or size of carry-on items. All the FAR's state is that any carry-on baggage must be properly stowed for T/O and landing. How to comply with the "properly stowed" requirement is left to the discretion of the individual airline.

Having said that, once an airline establishes a policy or procedure to comply with the FAR's, gets it approved by the FAA, and incorporates it into the manuals, that policy effectively becomes a regulation for that airline - the FAA monitors and enforces compliance with that airline's approved policy and procedures.

That's why different airlines may have different rules for such things as carry-on baggage.

Jim

Jim
Thanks for providing a even clearer explaination.