MVP upgraded to Prem then bag seized at check in
Mar 13, 2024, 3:55 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,561
MVP upgraded to Prem then bag seized at check in
SEA-PDX 3309
I boarded at the end of group B as C was called. Gate agent insisted on checking my standard size rollerboard even though I pointed out I was 1. MVP 2. B group 3. Premium.
Flight checked in full. When I boarded the plane there was, of course, tons of empty overhead space.
Is this kosher? SOP? Arbitrary? multiple other passengers boarded after me, sitting in non premium seats, with their rollerboards.
I boarded at the end of group B as C was called. Gate agent insisted on checking my standard size rollerboard even though I pointed out I was 1. MVP 2. B group 3. Premium.
Flight checked in full. When I boarded the plane there was, of course, tons of empty overhead space.
Is this kosher? SOP? Arbitrary? multiple other passengers boarded after me, sitting in non premium seats, with their rollerboards.
Mar 13, 2024, 4:10 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,455
first, sorry that happened to you. it's dumb and immensely frustrating.
kosher? kind of like gambling: looked down upon but at the end of the day I think gate agents have discretion to do what they need to do to get flights out promptly (not defending it, I promise).
agents with cash incentive to get flights out on time means boarding anything but A could leave you high and dry, but ymmv.
kosher? kind of like gambling: looked down upon but at the end of the day I think gate agents have discretion to do what they need to do to get flights out promptly (not defending it, I promise).
agents with cash incentive to get flights out on time means boarding anything but A could leave you high and dry, but ymmv.
Mar 13, 2024, 4:15 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,156
first, sorry that happened to you. it's dumb and immensely frustrating.
kosher? kind of like gambling: looked down upon but at the end of the day I think gate agents have discretion to do what they need to do to get flights out promptly (not defending it, I promise).
agents with cash incentive to get flights out on time means boarding anything but A could leave you high and dry, but ymmv.
kosher? kind of like gambling: looked down upon but at the end of the day I think gate agents have discretion to do what they need to do to get flights out promptly (not defending it, I promise).
agents with cash incentive to get flights out on time means boarding anything but A could leave you high and dry, but ymmv.
Mar 13, 2024, 4:22 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: AS; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Gold; NEXUS
Posts: 979
In my experience, gate agents have gotten significantly more pushy lately with checking carry-ons. I think my flight out of AUS last month had five announcements with completely made up numbers about how many more bags they "needed" to check.
As has been mentioned before, saying "My bag has a lithium ion battery in it" is usually enough to get them to leave you alone at the gate, especially if you are not in the last boarding group.
As has been mentioned before, saying "My bag has a lithium ion battery in it" is usually enough to get them to leave you alone at the gate, especially if you are not in the last boarding group.
Mar 13, 2024, 5:00 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
SEA-PDX 3309
I boarded at the end of group B as C was called. Gate agent insisted on checking my standard size rollerboard even though I pointed out I was 1. MVP 2. B group 3. Premium.
Flight checked in full. When I boarded the plane there was, of course, tons of empty overhead space.
Is this kosher? SOP? Arbitrary? multiple other passengers boarded after me, sitting in non premium seats, with their rollerboards.
I boarded at the end of group B as C was called. Gate agent insisted on checking my standard size rollerboard even though I pointed out I was 1. MVP 2. B group 3. Premium.
Flight checked in full. When I boarded the plane there was, of course, tons of empty overhead space.
Is this kosher? SOP? Arbitrary? multiple other passengers boarded after me, sitting in non premium seats, with their rollerboards.
Mar 13, 2024, 5:20 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 1,358
But, don't gate-checked bags usually get carried by the *passenger* to the end of the jetway, and left there by the passenger? If so, then just keep on walking onto the plane without letting go of the "gate-checked" bag?!
Mar 13, 2024, 5:39 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,561
thought of that but with my luck i'd be the next thing to be seized by Luis
Last edited by psychtobe; Mar 13, 2024 at 9:10 pm
Mar 14, 2024, 9:48 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SEA, NW/DL 1.6Million Miler
Programs: DL 1MM Annual Silver,AS 100K 22-24, AS 75K 15-21
Posts: 4,278
E175
As flight was operated by E175, gate agent likely felt your baggage was too big for the cabin. Even standard rollerboard can be flagged if it wasn't the "right" dimension.
Jiburi
Jiburi
Mar 16, 2024, 12:33 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: ANC
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 119
Sounds like all airlines are getting strict about carry-ons, as noted in a recent WSJ article. The article talked about most other large domestic airlines, but no mention of Alaska. This is disheartening if it is to become a “thing” with Alaska.
On a flight a few months ago I did encounter a surly flight attendant who made an issue of me putting a rollaboard and a backpack in the overheard bin – he said one had to go under the seat in front of me. I tried to put the backpack under the seat, but I was in the aisle and it wouldn’t fit (it would fit under a window seat). So back up in the overhead bin it goes. He then tells me that I would have to unload the backpack and make it fit if the overhead bin space is needed. I was completely at a loss for words, so didn’t respond. Two nearby passengers even commented to me that they thought the FA was out of line.
Later, while other FAs were bringing the drink cart down the aisle, another passenger asked to get by to return to his seat further forward. The FA with the cart asked him to wait, but he said that the other flight attendant in the rear (same one who didn’t like my backpack) told him he couldn’t stay in the back of the plane. Clearly this FA should not be in a customer service position.
On a flight a few months ago I did encounter a surly flight attendant who made an issue of me putting a rollaboard and a backpack in the overheard bin – he said one had to go under the seat in front of me. I tried to put the backpack under the seat, but I was in the aisle and it wouldn’t fit (it would fit under a window seat). So back up in the overhead bin it goes. He then tells me that I would have to unload the backpack and make it fit if the overhead bin space is needed. I was completely at a loss for words, so didn’t respond. Two nearby passengers even commented to me that they thought the FA was out of line.
Later, while other FAs were bringing the drink cart down the aisle, another passenger asked to get by to return to his seat further forward. The FA with the cart asked him to wait, but he said that the other flight attendant in the rear (same one who didn’t like my backpack) told him he couldn’t stay in the back of the plane. Clearly this FA should not be in a customer service position.
Mar 16, 2024, 1:35 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,561
Sounds like all airlines are getting strict about carry-ons, as noted in a recent WSJ article. The article talked about most other large domestic airlines, but no mention of Alaska. This is disheartening if it is to become a “thing” with Alaska.
On a flight a few months ago I did encounter a surly flight attendant who made an issue of me putting a rollaboard and a backpack in the overheard bin – he said one had to go under the seat in front of me. I tried to put the backpack under the seat, but I was in the aisle and it wouldn’t fit (it would fit under a window seat). So back up in the overhead bin it goes. He then tells me that I would have to unload the backpack and make it fit if the overhead bin space is needed. I was completely at a loss for words, so didn’t respond. Two nearby passengers even commented to me that they thought the FA was out of line.
Later, while other FAs were bringing the drink cart down the aisle, another passenger asked to get by to return to his seat further forward. The FA with the cart asked him to wait, but he said that the other flight attendant in the rear (same one who didn’t like my backpack) told him he couldn’t stay in the back of the plane. Clearly this FA should not be in a customer service position.
On a flight a few months ago I did encounter a surly flight attendant who made an issue of me putting a rollaboard and a backpack in the overheard bin – he said one had to go under the seat in front of me. I tried to put the backpack under the seat, but I was in the aisle and it wouldn’t fit (it would fit under a window seat). So back up in the overhead bin it goes. He then tells me that I would have to unload the backpack and make it fit if the overhead bin space is needed. I was completely at a loss for words, so didn’t respond. Two nearby passengers even commented to me that they thought the FA was out of line.
Later, while other FAs were bringing the drink cart down the aisle, another passenger asked to get by to return to his seat further forward. The FA with the cart asked him to wait, but he said that the other flight attendant in the rear (same one who didn’t like my backpack) told him he couldn’t stay in the back of the plane. Clearly this FA should not be in a customer service position.
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adjective
- demanding that rules concerning behavior are obeyed and observed
I am curious what rule was I not obeying?
Mar 16, 2024, 2:41 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA CONCIERGE KEY & 1MM, HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 11,970
SEA-PDX 3309
I boarded at the end of group B as C was called. Gate agent insisted on checking my standard size rollerboard even though I pointed out I was 1. MVP 2. B group 3. Premium.
Flight checked in full. When I boarded the plane there was, of course, tons of empty overhead space.
Is this kosher? SOP? Arbitrary? multiple other passengers boarded after me, sitting in non premium seats, with their rollerboards.
I boarded at the end of group B as C was called. Gate agent insisted on checking my standard size rollerboard even though I pointed out I was 1. MVP 2. B group 3. Premium.
Flight checked in full. When I boarded the plane there was, of course, tons of empty overhead space.
Is this kosher? SOP? Arbitrary? multiple other passengers boarded after me, sitting in non premium seats, with their rollerboards.
Mar 16, 2024, 3:34 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,868
Opposite issue from OP - I was traveling with two of my kids and wanted to gate check some carry-ons since I had maxxed out my allotment of free check-in bags. The agent looked up the flight and refused me saying there was plenty of space on the flight. It wasn't a huge deal but I didn't want to haul bags with only my kids' clothes in them through our connection city if I didn't have to. Also, I trust AS more than my teenagers to not lose the bags 
Mar 16, 2024, 6:38 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA CONCIERGE KEY & 1MM, HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 11,970
Opposite issue from OP - I was traveling with two of my kids and wanted to gate check some carry-ons since I had maxxed out my allotment of free check-in bags. The agent looked up the flight and refused me saying there was plenty of space on the flight. It wasn't a huge deal but I didn't want to haul bags with only my kids' clothes in them through our connection city if I didn't have to. Also, I trust AS more than my teenagers to not lose the bags