Originally Posted by jcturnbull

technically, laptops in protective sleeves are not enumerated in the exceptions (which includes things like jackets, reading materials, etc) listed as the official policy on the website. should the above photo be classified as a personal item? IMO no, but you can't fault the gate agent for enforcement. I suppose you can fault UA for inconsistency on a flight by flight basis though. Perhaps you could claim it was merchandise purchased at the airport? lol.

https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly.../carry-on.html