Originally Posted by
vbjd1111
This. When I first read OP's post, it sounded like he had a plastic grocery bag with his lunch in it -- pretty small. His clarification is that it is a canvas shopping bag -- sounds more akin to a backpack (regular sized), or even a small roller or large computer bag. So he had three items (or two personal items).
Enforcement, of course, is extremely inconsistent as to people with two personal items -- generally nonexistent in my experience. Not surprised you've been enforced 1 time out of 6. It's frustrating when the rules are not enforced consistently, but for all we know the GA's supervisor made the rule a point of emphasis that morning or even on that flight, so the GA's statement may have been literal, not hyperbole.
It's the kind of bag you bring with you to the grocery store because disposeable bags are banned and they don't give them out anymore.
Anyway, yes, conceded, I suppose per the rules it is technically forbidden, as the food was not purchased in the airport. If the GA wants to force me to consolidate, fine. I acquiesced, of course, what else am I going to do? Not fly?
But I really pared down the conversation I had with him. According to him, Delta doesn't make the rules, the FAA does, and if he let me on board with my silly bag in hand, that would be violating FAA rules and he could lose his job for that. I got the whole overblown spiel and it was patently ridiculous. Basically like a small town sheriff on a speed trap. Maybe it was his first day at work or something, who knows. But I would like to see the gate agent who ever lost his job for letting a passenger sneak by with an extra item in hand. I'll trade you that GA for a unicorn.