Originally Posted by
Toula
Not quite clear on something you said, are you thinking they are only charging you because they are checking your bag at the gate? All bags that are checked in are charged for unless you choose the fare that includes 1 bag for free.
Personally I do wish they would be stricter in enforcing the carry on policy as it seems every time I fly from HNL to SJC it is a nightmare as everyone scrambles to find somewhere to stow their carry on. The last couple of times I have flown this flight they have been very strict about who takes what on board, mainly I think because they have had ongoing problems with storing bags on board and that in turn causes flights to be delayed as it slows down the boarding process.
Personally I think the best you can do in this situation is to take the glass half full approach, you have only paid $10 for something that could have cost you $40. Life is too short to be spending energy worrying about something in which the airline will clearly point out to you is their policy.
Just to clarify, I never intended to check any bags...and had lugged that heavy bag through 4 different airports before this "policy" was brought to my attention. I honestly never check bags unless I'm flying internationally. I hate the wait on the opposite end. I live in airports, and want to evacuate them as soon as possible.
The situation was handled so poorly and in a non customer-centric fashion. It just really rubbed me the wrong way, and, being that they GA and manager were so unwavering, the situation totally struck a chord with me. Their excuse for the fee was the "the bag is too heavy for our overhead bins," which is total b.s. To make matters worse, they invoked the "this is an FAA rule, not ours." No, this is a money grab, and a crap customer policy.
To make things worse, I watched legions of other pax on my flight as they struggled to get what were obviously too heavy bags up above. That and watching families packing in 3 or 4 carry-ons per head in the overhead bins.
If this is their policy, the so be it. It just must be strictly and consistently enforced if money is involved.
I plan to contest the charge with Visa. I can't get my time back, but I'll get back my sawbuck.
