When verifying docs at the gate this weekend for SEA-SIN, GA said my wife and I both had to check our carryon as we each had a backpack as well. Appeared random as then she said my wife could take hers as a courtesy but one of ours had to be checked. Said it to a few others but the majority of everyone in economy had both.

sure takes time to pickup but that’s life. However, bag was damaged and likely not repairable. Was offered equivalent of $18 (USD) as a goodwill offer. I declined it and they said can try to get repaired, present bill and they’ll pay. Let’s see….