Years ago I had a young associate kicked off a plane over this by a flight attendant.

We were returning from his first trip with me AND my boss. I think he was a bit full of ego because he did well in the meetings.

The flight attendant stopped him as he was entering the aircraft and told him he couldn’t board with the garment cover bag in addition to his briefcase and carry-on roller bag. He says all he did was point out that every other flight on this trip his garment bag had been fine and when the FA didn’t budge he offered to stuff it in his carry-on but the FA just lost it, called the pilot and got him kicked off the plane.

Knowing that associate I’m sure his response included eye rolls and some huffing and puffing; he picked a fight he couldn’t win. My boss and I both agreed that FA was having a day and was looking to flex muscle. The associate wasn’t able to pick up on that or just thought he would get his way.

I’m not suggesting your reaction was immature like his. Your post reminded me of this anecdote.