Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate - 3 carry on - Stopped at SFO Intl Airport

Hello guys. I need some helpful advice.
I have always traveled with 3 carry on bags in Buisness Class- Pully/trolly bag (small), laptop bag (can be attached on the trolly bag), and a backpack- without being stopped by the security at TSA (LAX Intl in the past). I never really flew from SFO Intl airport. LAX is where I usually depart to ICN and never had an issue at all or stopped.

A few weeks ago for my trip at SFO intl airport, when I was about to enter the security-check area, the lady who checks the boarding pass/passport told me that I must consolidate my bags and only allowed 2 "So pleease step back". I was shocked and so confused. I got so worried because I cannot possibly fit my laptop bag inside my trolly or backpack and I cannot check in more bags. I was so stressed out and I knew 2 bags was really the rule but I always got away with three all the time since I flew in business.

So, I told the lady that I have always travelled with 3 carry ons and that I am flying in Buisness Class. United even told me when I called to ticket my flight that 3 bags were ok and that my laptop is counted with the dolly as 1. Security lady then told me to have a United rep escort me to tell her that it is allowed. SO I went back to the check in counter and asked for help. All of the people at the check-in counter could not help because they were assisting many people, but luckily there was this young woman who ushers UA passengers on the line and I told her to just please escort me and tell them that it is ok to bring all 3 with me. She did and I instantly got in after she told the security lady it was ok.


My problem is , how can I avoid this nextime? Will I have to have someone escort me always? It just happened for the first time in SFO and my inbound back to USA never had issues with my Carry-ons being 3. I do not know if it has anything to do since SFO is a known established airport. I am not sure though. I hope someone could advice me. Should I just have someone escort me again?

Thank you all for your time and I hope next time I can easily travel with my regular three carry on bags. I cannot just bring two though, so I hope someone has an idea for my three.

Thanks!!!

I'm afraid you're probably going to run into this problem again and again unless you get a new trolley/wheelie bag or backpack that can internally accommodate your laptop bag.

put my latop bag inside the trolly?

I do not travel a lot. Prob twice a year. Im currently in ICN and i dont think I will encounter being stopped on my way back. But next time, if i fly again in SFO, thats my issue. So I guess request a UA Usher to escort me or atleast pay someone a tip to carry ny laptop bag inside the security who is carrying only one item?

Quick questions:


Why does UA allow 3 70lbs in Buisness where as Asian Carriers only allow 2max 70lbs each?

Anytime UA 837 or 852 will add wifi onboard?

Will they ever upgrade UA 837 or 852 to have the business class seats have dividers like Quadra Smartium?

Next time, follow the rules, and you won't have a problem.

Business class allows 3 checked bags, and you said that you cannot check in more bags, implying that you already checked 3.

If you have 3 checked bags and 3 carry-ons, that's too much. Seems selfish to ask an agent to leave other passengers so you could get an extra bag.

If you really need all that luggage, you should pay the excess baggage fee.

I am doing missionary work and need to to bring as much. I do not have the means to pay 150 just to check in a small bag if it contains some stuff to help others. I am just using miles as well. I do not mean to be selfish. I just want to bring as many things for the people I am helping.

I did not do it on purpose to be selfish but I called UA and they confirmed it was ok. I would not have done in if I knew I will literally be stopped, since i have been travelling in the past with 3 carryons.

Why would the UA at the counter tell me that it my bags are fine for Business if they weren't? I am not trying to be selfish and i appologize if it seems i am. One trolly bag can carry many supplies for the street childrens I am helping out. The usher who assisted me was not even assiting anyone and she was just literally standing on the side answering questions from people or assisting them where to enter. If they were busy, I could have easily waited for them to finish.


I cannot afford to pay an extra 150-200 just to check it in...

... I have always traveled with 3 carry on bags in Buisness Class- Pully/trolly bag (small), laptop bag (can be attached on the trolly bag), and a backpack- without being stopped by the security at TSA (LAX Intl in the past). I never really flew from SFO Intl airport. LAX is where I usually depart to ICN and never had an issue at all or stopped. ...the rule is 2 carryon items with a few exceptions (coats, medical items, ...) one bag and one personal item .. sounds like you have been lucky.

UA Carry-on Baggage policy (https://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/Pages/BaggageCarry-On.aspx) --- anyone saying 3 is incorrect

....Why does UA allow 3 70lbs in Buisness where as Asian Carriers only allow 2max 70lbs each? ... beacuse it can. It a choice carriers make basic on their competitive positioning. Note in Europe it is commonly a total weight approach 20/30/40kg for econ/business/first

....Anytime UA 837 or 852 will add wifi onboard? .. UA has announce international wifi -- but no specific timeline -- probabaly 2013 before first and another year or so for the rest of the fleet who be my guess (based on no data)

....Will they ever upgrade UA 837 or 852 to have the business class seats have dividers like Quadra Smartium?nothing like has been announced

I am doing missionary work and need to to bring as much. I do not have the means to pay 150 just to check in a small bag if it contains some stuff to help others. I am just using miles as well. I do not mean to be selfish. I just want to bring as many things for the people I am helping.

I did not do it on purpose to be selfish but I called UA and they confirmed it was ok. I would not have done in if I knew I will literally be stopped, since i have been travelling in the past with 3 carryons.

Why would the UA at the counter tell me that it my bags are fine for Business if they weren't? I am not trying to be selfish and i appologize if it seems i am. One trolly bag can carry many supplies for the street childrens I am helping out. The usher who assisted me was not even assiting anyone and she was just literally standing on the side answering questions from people or assisting them where to enter. If they were busy, I could have easily waited for them to finish.


I cannot afford to pay an extra 150-200 just to check it in...

Missionary work in business class? First I've heard of that . . . must be quite a mission. I would be amazed if you don't run into trouble with three bags overseas. IME the various airports have staff who are much stricter overseas than in the U.S.

Have not experienced any trouble flying from Asian Countries to USA with my 3 carryons. I just flew on Business with miles that my father gave me as a gift. It is my second time doing missionary work and flying in Business. Heck no I can afford to pay full fare in Business.

I appreciate the baggage allowance which allows me to bring more stuff for the people I am supporting.

Missionary work in business class? First I've heard of that . . . must be quite a mission. I would be amazed if you don't run into trouble with three bags overseas. IME the various airports have staff who are much stricter overseas than in the U.S.

Depends on airport. Europe can be strict but I've never had a problem w 3 carry on bags in Asia / Mid East. (could be because I fly SQ out of SIN who has separate security/immigration for F, same w TG from BKK, MH / Zkul And EK / DXB. They will let an F passenger get away w a lot.

Will this http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/tortuga-travel-backpack and one laptop bag be allowed? instead of 3?

Will this http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/tortuga-travel-backpack and one laptop bag be allowed? instead of 3?

Yes.

Will this http://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/tortuga-travel-backpack and one laptop bag be allowed? instead of 3?

Yes.

Maybe I missed something. Does the TSA have it in their duties to enforce carry on rules for the airlines, or is this more overreach?

I regularly travel with hundreds of pounds in checked luggage, but still only have two carry-ons, although I am allowed 3 (ala DME). I just got tired of arguing with airline folk about it. My last time I did bring something extra to carry-on, I had to ask for a TSA supervisor at LAX to get it straightened out.

Are you hitting the maximum weight on your checked luggage? If not, then a larger (but not oversized) set of bags might help out.

There are some airports in Asia where you may have to weigh all your bags, and be sent back to the counter if your carry-on is over 7 or 10kg.

I had an annoying experience with a TSA clerk at MLB regarding my carry-on luggage.

I only carry on 2 items - a roll-aboard that meets the size restrictions and a personal item. I keep my laptop in a sleeve inside my roll-aboard. Prior to arriving at the security checkpoint, I always stop and get my things in order - watch off and secure in my roll-aboard, laptop in sleeve removed from the roll-aboard, liquids in their ziplock bag out and ready to be placed in the bin separately. I do all this because I know what is expected of me and to keep the security lines moving quickly.

I was prepared as above to enter the checkpoint at MLB. The ID checker says that I had what she considered 3 bags - my laptop, my roll-aboard, and my handbag (personal item). She told me that I could only have 2 bags. I said that I knew that and that I had taken the laptop out of the roll-aboard in preparation for the baggage x-ray. She once again insisted on telling me I could only have 2 items and made me consolidate. I complied and then as soon as she let me pass, I had to stop to remove my laptop from my roll-aboard so that it could be screened separately in accordance with the rules. The people behind me in line knew that this annoying TSA ID checker was the cause of the line slowdown.

And really, what did she accomplish by this little power play? Nothing except pissing off a bunch of people, including me. And of course, showing me how stupid she was.

Hello guys. I need some helpful advice.
I have always traveled with 3 carry on bags in Buisness Class- Pully/trolly bag (small), laptop bag (can be attached on the trolly bag), and a backpack

You're only allowed two carry-ons by FAA regulation, I believe. United's internal policy does not override this.

So I guess request a UA Usher to escort me or atleast pay someone a tip to carry ny laptop bag inside the security who is carrying only one item?
Asking a ticketing agent/usher to step away from a long line simply so you can get a third bag past the TSA seems incredibly selfish to me, regardless of your motive for having that third bag.

Also, asking another passenger at the checkpoint to carry your baggage through for you is a great way to have a full body massage from the inside.

I cannot afford to pay an extra 150-200 just to check it in...
You, my friend, need a bigger carry-on. If you're trying to get three past security, you will occasionally run into issues. If you're flying coach next time and trying to get three aboard, you will flat-out be told that one has to be checked. Sink some money into a bigger backpack that can hold your laptop as well, or begin condensing some items into one of your checked bags. Or, of course, you could ship items to yourself.

Maybe I missed something. Does the TSA have it in their duties to enforce carry on rules for the airlines, or is this more overreach?
Not sure, but I've definitely seen them enforce it at several airports.

A few weeks ago for my trip at SFO intl airport, when I was about to enter the security-check area, the lady who checks the boarding pass/passport told me that I must consolidate my bags and only allowed 2 "So pleease step back".

IIRC that may be an airport employee carrying out airport policy. One of these checkers made Mrs. Fredd place her roll-aboard in a sizer as we were making a quick international-to-domestic transfer some years ago. Fortunately it fit.

We were in a restaurant seating area right next to a TSA check point at SFO a few weeks ago and could clearly hear some "trainer" haranguing his "class" that the TSA would love to have any excuse to get rid of "Team San Francisco" so they they had to try twice as hard.

It's certainly an airport where we don't see privatization of the TSA to be a panacea. :rolleyes:

Oh, and I'd never try to carry three items aboard anywhere.

Consolidate everything important to 2 (conforming) carry-ons. Everything else should be checked.

As has been previously pointed-out, there are European and Asian airlines where they're positively ruthless on their rules whether enforced at the checkpoint or (more commonly) at the gate.

Consolidate everything important to 2 (conforming) carry-ons. Everything else should be checked.

As has been previously pointed-out, there are European and Asian airlines where they're positively ruthless on their rules whether enforced at the checkpoint or (more commonly) at the gate.

I would agree the have every right to develop and enforce whatever rules they wish as a contract of carriage (within legal restrictions, of course). I do not agree that it is the TSA's responsibility to enforce it.

.... pay someone a tip to carry ny laptop bag inside the security who is carrying only one item?



I would not recommend that at all. You may trigger a body cavity search.

I've been allowed to travel with three carry-ons, but only because that third item contains my CPAP - and per FAA policy, any medical device that must travel in the cabin doesn't count against the '1 bag, 1 personal item' rule.

I'll second the earlier advice to the OP - find a bag that can consolidate your laptop & rollaboard bags into a single item, or you're going to end up fighting this battle often.

I just remembered that some years ago at SFO the employee at the entry to the line wouldn't let Mrs. Fredd in until she'd stuffed her purse into one of her two carry-ons. I thought it was a bit discriminatory against females but that was the rule.

I'm not sure that the line guardians even work for the TSA - maybe the airport? - but the end result is the same for the passenger. Either they may catch you or a gate agent might stop you as you try to board with three items.

Does the TSA have it in their duties to enforce carry on rules for the airlines, or is this more overreach?
Of course there aren't any TSA screeners at SFO as that's one of the handful of airports that have been operated by private screening companies since 9/11. My (limited) experience at SFO has been that those screeners tend to be a bit better (customer service skills) than your average TSA screener but YMMV.

The one carry-on and one personal item rule came from the increased screening procedures following 9/11 when long lines at the checkpoint became an issue. By limiting the number of carry-on items, and restricted access to ticketed passengers, it help keep the wait shorter than it otherwise could have been. You'll most often see it enforced by the airline agents but the screeners can also do so.

I've been allowed to travel with three carry-ons, but only because that third item contains my CPAP - and per FAA policy, any medical device that must travel in the cabin doesn't count against the '1 bag, 1 personal item' rule.
That's actually a Department of Transportation rule (http://airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/flyrights.htm) under the Air Carrier Access Act (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Carrier_Access_Act).

How often have you been questioned by airline or security personnel about your "extra" bag? My impression is that it is not normally questioned.

As you probably know, when questioned, include the phrases "assistance device" and "Air Carrier Access Act" in your response. Those keywords are included in the agent's training and will help avoid any misunderstandings.

Maybe I missed something. Does the TSA have it in their duties to enforce carry on rules for the airlines, or is this more overreach?

1. TSA doesn't staff the checkpoints at SFO, so let's hold off the "bash TSA stuff."

2. I think that OP is confusing an airline employee who staffs the checkpoint line w. the actual security company employee. It is most assuredly the airline employee's function to check two things: 1) # of carry-on's; and 2) BP to make sure pax belongs in premium line.

3. OP is mixing and matching. UA allows 3 checked bags in C and 1+1 carry-ons. That's been the rule for many years. Checked & carry-on are apples and oranges. The hold is big and can acommodate the # of bags which UA allows. The OH space on aircraft is limited and if OP gets to take 3 carry-ons, something has to give. Usually it's some poor slob who is boarding last in Y. Why should that guy suffer so OP can take more?

You're only allowed two carry-ons by FAA regulation, I believe. United's internal policy does not override this.


Wrong. There is no FAA regulation with regards to the number of carry-ons. The FAA requires airlines to develop their own rules and then signs off on them. Once in the operating manual, then they are oblidged to follow these rules, with regards to safety and maintanence issues that fall under the FAA's jurisdiction. By extension, the operatng manual, as approved by the FAA could, at a stretch, be considered as an FAA regulation for that airline.

I don't think I have ever seen a US based international flight crew with less than 3 bags each.

Easiest way around this is to carry a heft bag. If you get hassled by non-airline staff about such a rule, just stuff it all ito your hefty bag.

My problem is , how can I avoid this nextime?

"I plan to gate check one of them."

Wrong. There is no FAA regulation with regards to the number of carry-ons. The FAA requires airlines to develop their own rules and then signs off on them. Once in the operating manual, then they are oblidged to follow these rules, with regards to safety and maintanence issues that fall under the FAA's jurisdiction. By extension, the operatng manual, as approved by the FAA could, at a stretch, be considered as an FAA regulation for that airline.

I don't think I have ever seen a US based international flight crew with less than 3 bags each.

Easiest way around this is to carry a heft bag. If you get hassled by non-airline staff about such a rule, just stuff it all ito your hefty bag.

1. It's hair-splitting to say that there is no FAA rule or regulation regarding carryon volume. While it is technically true that the carrier promulgates a policy and it is then the carrier's duty to enforce its own rule, the FAA has enforcement authority over the carrier's enforcement of its own rule. Thus, if UA rule is 2-carry-ons, FAA can fine UA and the responsible GA personally for failure to enforce the rule. The practical effect is that the rule is law.

2. At SFO, the cary-on "checkers" at the checkpoint are contractors who are paid for the purpose.

I am all for tough and unrelenting enforcement and wish FAA would step it up, causing the carriers to do the same. But for those who simply can't follow the rules, the desireable time to board would be last. In the old days, that's when F boarded.

Maybe I missed something. Does the TSA have it in their duties to enforce carry on rules for the airlines, or is this more overreach?

Well, I had an altercation at the start of an FLL security line with a non-airline employee who wouldn't let me enter the line because my carry-on was "too big." I don't know if she was TSA--I was too PO'd to notice that--but she definitely was not an airline employee.

That's actually a Department of Transportation rule (http://airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/flyrights.htm) under the Air Carrier Access Act (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Carrier_Access_Act).

How often have you been questioned by airline or security personnel about your "extra" bag? My impression is that it is not normally questioned.

As you probably know, when questioned, include the phrases "assistance device" and "Air Carrier Access Act" in your response. Those keywords are included in the agent's training and will help avoid any misunderstandings.

Fair enough. I couldn't recall which agency issued the ruling.

To your point, I've only been questioned once, by a UA FA; never by TSA. Of course, the fact that I have a luggage tag with the words "MEDICAL EQUIPMENT" in red 48 point type hanging from the bag.

Get a biiiig biiiiiiiig plastic bag from a grocery store and consolidate inside just before passing the people that enforce the policy.

At the Delta Concourse in MKE, they had someone recently checking carryon size and numbe of carryon's. She was stationed right before the security line. Also was checking to make sure you belonged in the Sky Priority line. I'm all for this.

Just because you're bringing something through security doesn't mean you're taking it on the airplane and just because you're bringing something through security in a particular configuration doesn't mean that's how you planned to board with it.

What's next, checking boarding passes to make sure overweight passengers have purchase two tickets??

At the Delta Concourse in MKE, they had someone recently checking carryon size and numbe of carryon's. She was stationed right before the security line. Also was checking to make sure you belonged in the Sky Priority line. I'm all for this.

The problem I had at FLL was that I put my bag in the sizing bin, which was 6 feet from the start of the security line, and the "carry-on inspector" refused to even glance at it to see that my bag was indeed small enough. I had to bring over an airline employee to set her straight. If people are monitoring carry-on restrictions in the security line, they'd darn well better know what they are doing.

We had a mildly annoying experience flying out of YQB a couple of years ago. The employee guarding the front of the line at the actual entrance to the screening area was a CATSA employee who made us try our bags in a sizer that I think Quebec had imported from France. ;) They didn't fit.

I pointed out we were flying UA Express and the bags would be gate-checked in any case but the answer was "Non" so we had to trudge back to the front counter and check them in.

Just because you're bringing something through security doesn't mean you're taking it on the airplane and just because you're bringing something through security in a particular configuration doesn't mean that's how you planned to board with it.

What's next, checking boarding passes to make sure overweight passengers have purchase two tickets??

Exactly...what on earth does the security line have to do with the number of carry-ons?

:confused:

Exactly...what on earth does the security line have to do with the number of carry-ons?

:confused:

There is a tangential relationship. In principle, the fewer carry-ons, the fewer things that the security folks have to inspect. Which would mean that screening could be conducted faster, or more thoroughly, or both.

But that reasoning is a real stretch, even for me.

Several years ago I was stopped at SFO while connecting from an international flight for similar reasons, because I had purchased a box of chocolate in the duty-free shop. It was in a small plastic shopping bag, and I was told that, with my carry-on and laptop case, it constituted a third carry-on. I was forced to go through the farce of requesting a large plastic bag from the United counter and putting the laptop and chocolates together in the plastic bag, after which I was allowed to proceed through security.