EuropeanPete

It happens all the time - I find it's easier just to take the yellow tag and pop the bag up top anyways when on board.

Gildas

Leaving aside the terminology point an earlier poster made (and I've never once had a Lounge Agent be anything but polite), I do think there is something to the OPs point. Before I was able to use Fast Track I frequently ran into this in the INT-INT transfers at T5. Once I had a legal cabin bag that BA had carried on one 777 and would have amply fit on the next one taken from me and checked through (didn't seem worth arguing the point). On every other occasion the staff in the connections area were surly and rude.

I get that they have thousands of people funneling through, many of whom don't speak English well or even at all, so it has to be a trying job, but I always thought it left the worst possible impression of the UK on transfer passengers. I'm pretty sure some of the worst were employed by the airport, not the airline, but most passengers would not make the distinction.

rlnnpt

ijkh

We have had this experience too when they targeted us for "oversized carry on bags". Bags that met all the carry on criteria size and weight. This is always when making connections. Explaining we were in business did end the struggle. Other times when only in WT+ they forced me to "use the sizer". Fine I did but it is a struggle to get the bag in and out of that thing. So annoying especially when the flight is not very full. I wonder sometimes these staffers are just targeting tired looking LH connection people for sport.

When you have taken all your valuables and medications and put them in the carry on as suggested, this is a risk. It is not nice to have to check valuables and meds after a long haul. Especially frustrating as the OP stated transferring to a similar sized large plane. I could understand if it were a small regional jet or prop. Somehow a 777 doesn't seem to qualify.

Takiteasy

OldFruity

Similar thing happened to me on check in at Prg last week. En route Melb (again) via Lhr Sin Syd up the front (GUF again).Really did not want to check anything in if possible as its always a PITA waiting for luggage amongst the hoards at Sydney. Normal BA approved size carry on was Ok (although bulging a bit) but my other 'laptop allowable' bag may have been a little bit oversize as it was full of fishing tackle (including a pair of waders - size 9) rather than a laptop or other more commonly found personal items:
'Your bags will need checking Sir as at least one appears to be oversize' (i.e bulging).
'Granted ones a bit (read very) full... yes ...but oversize? ...well not by much for such a long journey ...surely?'
Remarks were met by a blank stare and what sounded like an echo - 'You will need to check them Sir!
Remembering previous Sydney kafuffles, I start to panic and, after briefly considering putting on said waders to board, thereby slimming down bag 2 I tried the old DYKWIA excuse 'Well actually I am Gold and in F etc (out of charachter for me and said embarassingly whilst looking at my feet).
'Your status and class of travel do not make any difference Sir, one will need to be checked later at the gate'
'OK I'll take my chance at the gate'.
BP's issued. Thankyou very much. Concorde room here I come!
Fast forward 30 mins - I am now at the gate and about to board........Doh.....guess who one of the 2 gate agents is ? Ha ha ...yes the same lady from check in ....now on the lookout for yours truly. Luckily for me there was a bit of a boarding scrum and lane 2 opened up just as I was approaching her (2 pax back) in lane 1, and all 3 of us (my 2 carry on bags) and I made it on board without further ado! Fast forward about 30 hrs or so and I was out of Sydney within 25 mins of landing for the connection .Checked both bags with QF as no problems getting them back quickly at Melbourne.Get to play the exact same game / route / ticket in 7 weeks time although theres no fishing tackle or waders planned for next time!

OF
I

Grace B

Wouldn't it be nice if BA did away with HBO fares and made everyone pay for a (proper) carry on (ŕ la FR and U2)? With the exception of status pax, of course.

Would neuter the roaming dragons, and make everyone's travelling life so much more tranquil and predictable.

dagohh

"Welcome on board" - "Hi, can I just put my bag under the captain's seat?"

Globaliser

Is that because it is a bit too big?

Lioneye

Rest assured some of the the names they have for us passengers make the term "Dragons" appear very tame......

mikem004

I have some sympathy with the gate agents.
Day after day, they have to cope with people who are trying to work the system by taking on oversized bags.

Paren

I've not experienced this (yet) but is it generally ok to decline if you are asked to check in your carry on? I.e. can they force you to put it in the hold?

As a sports photographer I usually carry some pretty expensive cameras and lenses on me, so the last thing I'd want is for it to be chucked into the hold!

plunet

If you do have expensive kit in your hand carry before you hand it over ask the airline to warrant that they will withstand any loss you suffer from the damage of the expensive kit. That will usually focus their mind a little.

vintagepilot

We had this in the baggage check-in line, tried to give us a yellow tag for carry-on even though we were in long haul CW - tried to explain that there was no under-seat storage but it was easier just to take the tag.

orbitmic

Even if that is the case, two wrongs would not make a right...