Last Friday I was flying ALB-ORD-YYC and both legs were CRJ-700s. At least 50% of my flights are on CR7s, so I'm pretty familiar with the overhead space and what fits and what doesn't.

That said, my roll-aboard fits very easily into the overhead bin. I know this, because I always carry it on so I don't have to wait 10 minutes for the ground crew at ORD to bring it plane side after we land. Roll-aboard in the overhead, laptop bag under the seat in front of me. 1 carry-on, 1 personal item - following the policy that is clearly stated all the time.

So on Friday, I'm in ALB walking across the tarmac to the aircraft and I start up the stairs with my gear and one of the ground crew barks at me:

"Sir, I'm going to need a bag!"

"It fits in the overhead and the other one fits under the seat in front of me."

"Sir, give me your bag!"

"No really, it fits, and I'm not violating the stated policy."

"SIR, THIS IS NOT NEGOTIABLE! GIVE ME YOUR BAG!"

To avoid a scene, and only because the flight was on-time and I had enough breathing room for the connection, I gave him the bag. However, I was not happy with the treatment, nor can I understand why it wouldn't be allowed.

Fast forward to the flight to YYC, take both of my bags on no problem. Again from YYC-SFO on the CR7, both bags, no problem.

Is this some unwritten rule? I see a lot of people bringing their rollerbags and personal items and as long as it fits, no problem.

Thanks for the input.