Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
The only time I won one of those was when I informed the agent that my roller bag contained $2500.00 worth of cameras and electronics and it would NOT be checked. Other times, I just let them gate check.
Yes, if you are an assertive type of person, definitely use that line regardless of what your bag actually contains. The magic words are "it will NOT be checked."
Another "excuse" that I have seen work, when delivered in an exhausted tone that elicits sympathy, is that you have a very tight schedule at your destination and you cannot wait for baggage claim.
Personally - AA UA DL all have the same size limit of 22x14x9. I make sure my bag is under that.