I've been on vacation in the UK recently, and heard stories of the nutjob who tried to blow up a plane on Christmas day, but didn't follow it too closely. I vaguely remember hearing some early reports saying that they may ban carry-ons or carry-ons with wheels.
Before my flight departed yesterday, I called United Airlines to clarify what the rules were and they said I could take 1 carry-on, and there was no restriction regarding wheels. When I got to the airport, the lady at the check-in counter said my carry-on wouldn't be allowed because of the wheels and it being "too big" (it's an average sized carry-on, and I've taken it on numerous airlines before without issue, including my flight on united to the UK 3 weeks ago.)
Instead she said I'd have to carry any carry-on items in a clear plastic bag.I didn't have anything delicate in my carry-on, and only needed my passport, so I happily checked my carry-on and skipped the clear plastic baggy. I didn't mind because I thought this was a new safety precaution that applied to everyone. But when I got to my gate.... I noticed at least 60% of the passengers had carry-ons with wheels that were as big as mine or bigger and not one other person was carrying a plastic baggy. The same thing happened on my connecting flight.
Did the airline single me as a threat by not letting me have a carry-on bag? I didn't want to ask questions at the airport and get into a whole thing, but it really made me wonder what was going on.
Has anyone else had this experience recently?
Before my flight departed yesterday, I called United Airlines to clarify what the rules were and they said I could take 1 carry-on, and there was no restriction regarding wheels. When I got to the airport, the lady at the check-in counter said my carry-on wouldn't be allowed because of the wheels and it being "too big" (it's an average sized carry-on, and I've taken it on numerous airlines before without issue, including my flight on united to the UK 3 weeks ago.)
Instead she said I'd have to carry any carry-on items in a clear plastic bag.I didn't have anything delicate in my carry-on, and only needed my passport, so I happily checked my carry-on and skipped the clear plastic baggy. I didn't mind because I thought this was a new safety precaution that applied to everyone. But when I got to my gate.... I noticed at least 60% of the passengers had carry-ons with wheels that were as big as mine or bigger and not one other person was carrying a plastic baggy. The same thing happened on my connecting flight.
Did the airline single me as a threat by not letting me have a carry-on bag? I didn't want to ask questions at the airport and get into a whole thing, but it really made me wonder what was going on.
Has anyone else had this experience recently?
