From now on I'm carrying my laptop (and nothing else) in the largest duffel bag that fits in the sizer, then.

Apparently they appreciate you as a customer. Are you GS or something?

Me too!

Actually (and I'll admit that I fly UA a lot less than people here, so less data points) my experiences with UA FAs have been good. No problems at all.

When I flew UA a few times 1-2 years ago, they generally seemed like they were doing their job but not happy about it. No smiles, no friendliness. If I asked for something it would be slid onto my tray with no acknowledgement. I wouldn't go so far as to call the service "rude", but... indifferent.

The FAs I've had this year have been friendly, cheerful, happy, and very good at their jobs. It's only a small number of flights -- not enough data to draw a conclusion -- but the difference is noticeable.

Someone probably saw this thread! Congratulations to you for calling them out on this - hopefully there really will be a discussion/training for the FA in question.

Coats
 

Just a question. "Overhead bins for large items ONLY??"
What exactly do I do when wearing a heavy/large coat for winter travel?

I often just take it off and leave it sandwiched between my back and the seat.

Or, as they will tell you during boarding, wait until the large bags are up and then fit the coats into the overhead around them.

Stuff it into your carryon if there is room. Or under the seat in front of you. Or on your lap or behind your back like someone else does. I've also seen lots of people try and hang them from the tray table latch, with varying degrees of success based on how heavy and bulky the coat is.

Seats are not that big.

For me, if I have a pillow or jacket behind me, I am sliding off the front of the seat.

I can't remember the name for the measurement from the back of the seat to the front (ie, the part where your butt goes). But that is short enough on many seats that I can't have anything behind me and sit close to comfortably.

The seat pan

Wait, what? You think someone should have to check their laptop bag so the later arriving passenger can put his large duffel in the overhead?

It all depends on where you sit. Quite literally.

This entire debate is a zero sum game because there is not enough room on a standard single-aisle mainline aircraft to accommodate the "legal" carryons brought onboard.

If you are the passenger with the personal item, you believe that it is your moral right to occupy OH. But, if you are the next person with the larger bag who now has to gate check because that bag can't go under any seat, you may feel differently. There are plenty of threads here from people expressing that view in quite strident tones.

Much of this is curable. It is rare that a laptop can't be stashed OH once the larger bags are up there. So, this may well be a timing issue.

Then it should come down to whoever is first gets the space. Isn't that the entire point of having status that let's you board early? (assuming it does NOT fit under their seat)