airlines singing a different tune

kitemare · Since 23 Mar 2010 265 Posts Seattle, wa Obsessed

Flying out of Boise through Seattle to Honolulu. Checked the slingshot golf bag no problem and proceeded through security like normal but when I got to the gate, things went down hill.
I was carrying my small wheelie suitcase full of camera gear, and carrying my 12 and 7m in my 12m bag. The wife had the 10m bag plus her purse. This combo we have done before many times but the gate lady said my 12m bag was too big and would have to check it. I showed that it would fit in the suitcase size holder they had but it didn't matter. Since I had a wheelie bag, I could not have anything larger than a brief case as my second item. I explained that my combination would fit under my seat and in the over head compartment. She didn't care. I explained that these kites were very expensive and fragile and would be ok with checking them a la cart/gate check, they said no. The manager on duty came over and she was nasty. Basically she went on a power trip and said " either this bag goes under the plane as a checked bag or you're not getting on this plane.
We ended up checking the 10m. It's a Cabrinha switchblade and for those who aren't familiar with their bag, they're tiny. Average school bag size.
Needless to say I was highly disappointed with having to let the kite out of my sight. But hopefully it will help out the rest of you. Having decompressed and deciphered what they said, there apparently is a new FAA crack down with cary on bags.
So fly with caution and double check before you get there what you can and can not take with you on the plane.

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Which Airline?

kitemare · Since 23 Mar 2010 265 Posts Seattle, wa Obsessed

Alaska

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 485 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

its been ingrained in my head now... " 1 carry-on and 1 (small) personal item".

airon^ · Since 07 Aug 2013 290 Posts Durango Obsessed

I hate that shit.

Now, enjoy the TRIP!!!

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

Your incident is unfortunate, and likely not enjoyable for you, but hardly issues a New World Order for kites on planes. You simply ran into a group who at worst, were having a not so good day, or possibly just got their ass chewed for over filling a plane with bags the flight before.

I'm sure you got all your shit once you got to your destination. Could be a lot worse I think.

gorgeperformance · Since 30 Nov 2010 67 Posts

Ages ago when leaving South Carolina after a trade show the Airlines started charging for our bags when they were free to fly to S.C. every one was pissed. One of my friends had an actual Nike golf bag for his kites. For some reason they checked what was inside and were startled to have found parachutes. He was called out to explain the situation. The thought they had found a DB Cooper.

moondog · Mon Nov 25, 13 8:42 am

More than anything, you got some bad agents. Every airline has some, and it is always a power trip issue. Alaska is by far the best. I had a Delta agent charge me $200 for my board bag 3 years ago in Cabo. I had another force me to check a kite bag that didn't zip and my drysuit was either stolen or fell out. It is a crap shoot when you show up, just pray for a congenial agent.

kitemare · Since 23 Mar 2010 265 Posts Seattle, wa Obsessed

Luckily we arrived and so did all our bags. Fingers crossed we'll get some wind