<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AS Flyer:
Thanks for the link. It's helpful.
I would be skeptical of the third piece, especially because it's not written or spoken policy. Especially these days, given the emphasis management places on charging for excess baggage and overweight bags. You might find a lenient agent here and again but I believe that you might find most to be a little more strict these days.</font>
The third piece thing was from WAAAAAAAAY back, when customers were permitted a third piece if it meant they wouldn't have a carry-on bag.
Unless I'm mistaken, that exception is occasionally permitted still, but only on EXTREMELY full flights where overhead space is at a premium. Odds are it doesn't occur that often now that the TSA has regulations permitting only one carry-on.