Ok, so this not only involves Delta but the other airlines as well, United in particular. But it just so happened I took the red-eye from PDX - ATL - DCA last night on Delta and "experienced" it. I wrote Delta, got their reply, and wondered if you think I'm out of line...

What happens (what "always" seem to happen anymore):

With the reduced capacity and full planes, at the gate there's an announcement (it happens to me more often than not, anymore): "Because of limited space on our flight today, we're offering complimentary checked baggage. Please bring your bags to the podium and we'll check them for free." I always pay the extra baggage fee at ticketing or when I check-in upon arrival (and yes, take out of the mix that the baggage fee can be waived by certain loyalty credit cards or status, yah de ya de ya). So it makes sense NEVER to pay the extra baggage fee, just drag the extra bags to the gate, play the odds you'll get "the announcement", right?

So I wrote Delta this afternoon, here's the relevant part of their reply (gawd, they're good about saying nothing)...

"...Please be informed that we know when we are
getting close to the amount of carry-on bags our flight will hold. At
that point, our guidelines suggest we invite those who have not already
boarded the plane to check their carry-on bag. In this way, we can
continue to efficiently board our passengers and ensure an on-time
departure. I understand that my explanation may not take away the
frustration you experienced and I apologize..." Jimmy P. Paul, Coordinator, Corporate Customer Care, Delta Air Lines

Of course the announcement is always made BEFORE ANY ONE boards, so we're not talking about just a couple of folks who would put their limit over the line. So am I correct... it NEVER makes sense to check and pay for extra baggage, just drag em to the gate. Given the frequency of this announcement, would seem that it would be foolish to do it any other way (AGAIN, forget benefits of loyalty cards/status).

Am I wrong?