Well it happened to us last night. My wife was made to pay $25 for her carry on to be put in the hold. It was NOT a large bag and much larger bags were allowed on. It was kind of a running joke between us for the whole flight. My bag, witch measures 9X7X16 ,did not fit into the guide from the top either but is so obviously within guidelines was let on. Her bag was taken at check -in even though it was just a little bigger. after we sat back down we watched as people with bags 2 - 3 times the size of her's were allowed. In this time of hyper-vigilance we didn't want to complain to loud. So the best we can do if we want to go one bag is keep it small and hope for the best
Forest

I've thought about this, and I can think of one solution: 1) Find a description of your bag on line (ebags etc.) and print out the specs for your bag and 2) print out the specs for your airlines carry on policy. If your bag fits within the guidelines, it shouldn't be a problem. If they try to force you to check your bag you could file a complaint for fraud.

What is the name of the Airline?

Unfortunately, we're all going to have to get used to this happening. It isn't fraud, although it sure feels like it when it happens!

The airlines publish "maximum" sizes, but all the airlines make it clear that none of us are guaranteed being able to carry something on. That is up the the gate attendants and the flight crews. If there's no more room, they can make anyone check anything. Just read their "rules and regulations" on their websites sometime. And with more and more folks trying to beat the checked luggage charges these days, it's happening more and more.

Commercial aircraft don't actually have room for every passenger to carry on. I have several friends who work for the companies which design planes. They design for around 60% of the passengers to have a carryon, that's it.

Hey Skip, You're right that we're not guarunteed a carry on. Bins fill up. At that point your luggage gets gate checked. That's fine, as long as it is for FREE. But if an airline charges me for something that is clearly within their published contract of carriage (and carry on bag sizes are a part of that) then they are violating their agreements.

It is fraud if they say a certain size/weight is OK on their website, and then force you to pay for it at the gate.

First, they got you at check-in. How do they know the overheads are full at check-in? They don't. They do know they can make money by telling you they are. And most sheepishly follow along.

I check in electronically and go directly to the gate. (Why check in at the counter if you only have carry-on?)

Then, let the gate agent or FA tell me there is no room. Sorry, I say, my wheel-less bag will fit under the seat. (RJ's excluded.) I can still usually find some spot in the overhead.

But then there are other strange parts to the OP.....his wife's bags weren't large? Does that mean they were smaller than the carry-on limits of the airline or not large in his estimation? And his bag was 9 x 7 x 16 and didn't fit into the guide? Does he mean sizer? That size bag would fit in any sizer for any airline. Is it possible that the wife's carry-on bag was over the weight limit imposed for carry-ons by that airline? (I'd like to know which airline he flew.)

We need more detailed info.

Cindy,

I think you are VERY much right! I messed up and didn't catch the "charged" part of the original post.

I've had to check my conforming carry-on a number of times in the last 2 months, sadly. I was only charged once, and despite my protests and complaints the FA at the gate was adament. I had the choice of either paying for a checked bag, or get off the flight. I filed a complaint with American Airlines, but have not heard a word back.

Skip

The airlines are like those who ply the world's oldest profession--they pretend to care about you but their real goal is to get as much money out of you as possible.

The airline was Allegiant. the reason we had to check in was that there was something screwed up on their computer so we couldn't get our boarding passes online. When I said guide I meant sizer--and it was small. On the way up the guy put my wife's in but it tore apart the pvc that it was of. Her bag was less that 12" high and wide and about 9" deep. It was the deep part that they got her on. The reason they charged her is there is a $25 dollar charge for the first bag. The tickets from Florida to DC were $29. I think Cindy's idea of printing out the guidlines is a good one
Forest

One more thing---the flight was a end -return. there were no passengers staying on the plane--all had to get off before we got on. It was also a super small airport--this was the only flight that day!
Forest

Allegient is notorious for this. They are the only game in town. You have no other choice. They act more like a charter airline than a regularly scheduled one. I've heard others complain of the same problem with them.

Hmmm. Here is a link to Allegiant's contract of carriage:
http://www.allegiantair.com/aaContractOfCarriage.php
"Baggage Fees - When purchased at time of booking, a fee of $15 for first checked bag and $25 for second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, $25 for first checked bag and $35 for second checked bag will apply per person, per segment. In all cases additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Bags that are "Gate Checked" will incur a $35.00 fee."

But if you click on their baggage policy, you get this:
"Each ticketed passenger is also allowed one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. The carry-on bag can measure up to 9" high, 14" wide and 22" long. "

I'd say you could do 3 things:
1) Report this to the DOT (and have it become a Permanant part of Allegiant's record)
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm
2) Report this to the Nevada Attorney General
3) Write a letter to Allegiant stating that they violated their contract of carriage
4) Report this to Chris Elliot and let it become a PR nightmare >;)
http://www.elliott.org/

When you read all of the rules/regulations/stipulations at Allegiant's pages Cindy was kind enough to link to in her post above, you will also (unfortunately) find the following exclusions:

"Allegiant Air will charge a fee for items intended to carry on board the aircraft, but which exceed the specified dimensions, and require the services of gate checking at the aircraft door."

"Carrier reserves the right to, at any time and for various reasons, further restrict the size and number of carry on items. These decisions are exclusively at the discretion of Allegiant personnel"

As is standard in the industry, there are exclusions and "discretionary rules" sufficient to allow Allegiant to not be deemed culpable for just about any decision they make regarding luggage.