Originally Posted by troyb

This policy is applied in a completely absurd way. You had a small duffle and a purse. I would venture to guess you could place both under the seat in front of you. There is no reason they should even attempt to make people check bags like that.

I was flying ORD-BMI not too long ago. As the GA scanned by boarding pass, I was told they would have to check one of my carry on bags - a small backpack and laptop briefcase (my suitcase was checked). They were both packed full of electronics and important papers - that is why they were being carried on, duh. Both could fit under the seat in front of me at the same time, if necessary. After a bit of back and forth at the gate where I was told it was "FAA Regulations" that I check a bag, I had enough. Tell me it is AA policy, tell me the plane is overweight, tell me anything reasonable - but don't lie to me straight faced. I told the GA that she could board with me and observe me put them under the seat, but that the only way I wasn't bringing both on board with me is if they were going to deny me boarding. She handed me a tag to gate check the bag, knowing full well I wouldn't. I walked on board with all of my bags intact and tossed the valet tag as soon as I did.

They are crazy to think people will check their small bags with fragile items. On this same trip, they lost my checked suitcase for almost 24 hours.

Sorry, you hit a nerve with this one.