A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
I suspect that the big umbrellas are bigger than necessary as a way to discourage theft. They won't fit in many suitcases, and carrying one loose through the lobby when you're leaving would be very obvious, especially on a sunny day.