Is this airline hand baggage discrimination?

[FidelCashflow]

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?

 

[DNW]

You got a moran. **** happens.

 

[Britalian]

Thing to do when this happens is to leave her desk and queue for another. Most of the time they are inconsistent; depends on the person you get. At least with a decent airline you didn't have to pay extra to then check-in your bag. Try that with Easyjet or Ryanair and you can end up paying more to check-in your bag at the airport than what you paid for your ticket.

 

[AThingForCashmere]

Single.
Male.
Darkish skin.
Facial hair.
International flight.

Score one point for each. If it adds up to 3 or more, you're far more likely to be hassled.

 

[why]

Wheels on luggage

 

[JayJay]

I'm curious about the recent experiences of others for both U.S. domestic and international flights. I don't fly this month but I have trips coming up soon.

 

[FidelCashflow]

Originally Posted by AThingForCashmere

Single. Male. Darkish skin. Facial hair. International flight. Score one point for each. If it adds up to 3 or more, you're far more likely to be hassled.
5 for 5

 

[FidelCashflow]

I just finished unpacking my checked in hand luggage, and surprise surprise, there's a note from the TSA in there saying they decided to search my bags after they I checked it in.

 

[globetrotter]

the airlines can do what ever the **** they want. you don't like it. take an alternative mode of transportation. such is life.

 

[FidelCashflow]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

the airlines can do what ever the **** they want.
They should post that on signs at the airport