Originally Posted by
ORDflyer92
I agree that it would be the only controversy, except that UA does charge for checked bags. I do not believe that morally (or legally), an airline can charge for a disability accommodation. If the FA was unwilling to help (within her right), she should have offered the passenger the option to check the bag free of charge as an alternative to stowing it.
Even for first-class passengers? Even if that's not the case, we're only talking about ~$30. Furthermore, "I broke my collar bone and can't lift this bag myself. Can you please waive the checked bag fee for me?" might have worked.