So I was on a United Express CRJ700 out of IAH into YYZ. Everyone with carry-ons was asked to use plane-side gate check for pick up at the door upon arrival, even if our bags fit into the overhead. I cooperated. When we got to YYZ United's ground service couldn't find anyone to open and unload the gate check hold (or any luggage) for about an hour and a half. The gate attendant said we should write to United and complain. So I did. The proposed solution shows that they don't read: "Sometimes airline operations and airport conditions can affect baggage delivery times; but waiting more than 25 minutes is not acceptable to you or to us. ....You can purchase Premier Access as one of the choices in customizing your travel experience for a nominal fee at the following link:
http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/prod...avelStore.aspx
This will allow you to be one of the first people to board the aircraft
so you can find space on the overhead bins
Your feedback is helpful to us as we continue this work and focus on
ensuring that your next experience with us is a better one. We
appreciate your business and look forward to welcoming you on board a
future United Airlines flight.

Regards,

Daniel P. ...
Customer Care ."
Of course, it was not a matter of who got on first. Nor would paying a fee make any difference. Everyone was treated to the same bad service - for free or fee. The gate attendant made the reasonable request for boarding the CRJ. The real answer should have been "ignore the instructions when they ask everyone to gate check." Customer service people should read and then respond.