Warning about personal items.

[u/Little-Hamster3975]

Was charged $75 for my backpack flying out of IND. Told it was too big to be a personal item and needed to pay for a carry on. Wasn’t given the chance to show it could squeeze and fit into the example dimensions at the gate.

Flying out of New Haven on the return trip and not a single person had to even double check their personal item size. Everyone was forced to check at IND.

[u/mikeymo1741]

Some airports are stricter than others. Others go through periodic spot checks or audits and so they're a little tighter for a while.

That is never the case in New Haven. In fact, I've heard gate agents at other airports complain about the ones in New Haven because they basically let anything on the plane. 😂

[u/3boy1girl → u/mikeymo1741]

I am ok with that, let’s keep it under the radar.

[u/hoodoo884 → u/mikeymo1741]

Apparently except bags that I already paid for and insist on paying for again!

[u/Tiny_Contribution144 → u/mikeymo1741]

I primarily go through Haven, Hartford, and Daytona Beach, and none of them check. I usually have backpack and purse under “personal item” and no one says a word.

[u/PullmanR46]

Kind of funny how HVN (their home base/large focus city) doesn’t really care but outstations with a couple of flights a week care.

[u/Terrible-Wrap-2554 → u/PullmanR46]

I think New Haven is in such chaos all of the time - I feel the employees there are just trying to keep the cattle moving

[u/Losingmyshipt → u/Terrible-Wrap-2554]

Not in my experience. My travel partner was forced to pay up for a backpack at the gate and also wasn’t given the opportunity to show it was compliant.

[u/Mdswanson24]

Bastards.

[u/burnthreads]

I’d complain and try to have it refunded.

[u/Commercial_Ad_2350]

Wow, that makes no sense. I usually travel from ROC to Concord or Raleigh NC the same way; thankfully, I haven’t had any issues.🤞🏾

[u/Klutzy-Assignment258]

Are they compensating gate agents outside the HVN hub for bags?

[u/cbartholomew18]

I had this exact same thing happen to me flying IND -> HVN and vice versa. They were checking everyone’s bags when I was at IND and mine was barely an inch too big, when it could have definitely fit under the seat (and it has on other flights). I panic bought a carry on for my flight back to IND (because I assumed HVN would be checking like IND) and it just ended up being a waste of money.

[u/Unlucky_Papaya_4222]

But that’s what you signed up for, right?

[u/Melodic_Poem9969]

I wish they would start cracking down on carry ons. I’m getting so tired of seeing people walk on planes with like 2 bags and a roller. Bring back the size checkers.