Last year, my husband and I were returning from a ski trip. I was a 1P at that time. We checked in : Ski Bag with 2 skis in it, Boot Bag with 2 ski boots in it - both of these bags padded down with clothes to keep ski tips and boots safe. And we had one large suitcase full of clothes for 2 people for a week - total 3 pieces.

Our suitcase weighed in a few pounds more than the allowed weight - the other 2 pieces weighed in far less. We had only one carry on between the two of us which was packed - so we couldn't take anything out of the suitcase either.

We got docked the $25 fee. We make this ski trip every year - usually on CO. Never ever had this problem. I tried negotiating in a polite manner - didn't work. So I said thank you, paid up and never flew United again. Am going to DEN next month for the annual trip - on CO.

I know the GA was following the rules - but I guess loyalty should count for something - especially when the total number of pieces and total weight of the checked in baggage was well under the allowed limits.

Kamala