Originally Posted by
nova08
Sorry, but is what an FAA regulation? The size of the bag?
Honestly I think they just fall back on saying "FAA regulation/Federal Law/etc."
The gate-checking of baggage itself is not an FAA regulation, however carriers can be fined for not following any policy set forth by the company itself. Now, I don't know the specifics of Colgans policy because I don't work for them, but there is a maximum size bag that is permitted in the cabin, everything else has to be gate-checked. Even if the bag fits, if it exceeds the pre-determined size it must be checked.
As far as I'm aware, all regional jets aside from the E170/E190 cannot accommodate anything larger than a backpack/laptop bag/purse/etc. The announcements are made concerning this and it is very frustrating when passengers attempt to get other bags into the cabin, ignoring the gate-check policies. Unfortunately it doesn't matter if the bag will fit, if exceeds the allowed dimensions it must be gate-checked.