Hats On A Plane

[Sam Finkelstein]

Why didn't you find another security line?

Highly doubt you'll see a dime from AA.

I'd dispute it as in the past. Sometimes Amex just gives it.

[username]

I dont remember where, but I was once forced by TSA (this was the guy at the beginning of the security line) to stuff a garment bag inside a duffel bag to get through security.

[Sam Finkelstein]

Here's the response I got. An insult to one's intellect.

Thank you for contacting Customer Relations, I welcome the opportunity to reply.

I'm sorry your experience with the passenger and baggage screening process at Chicago O'Hare was less than satisfactory. The United States Transportation Secretary has vowed to make airport checkpoints swift and secure. To ensure the continued improvement of the airport screening process, the U.S. Department of Transportation has asked us to advise customers to contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) directly with feedback or issues concerning security checkpoints. The TSA Consumer Response Center may be accessed toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 or you can use their convenient online customer contact form available at www.tsa.gov/contact.

Nevertheless, we appreciate hearing your perspective about our checked baggage policy. Specifically, we charge $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second checked bag. The charges apply for travel within the United States and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

When a customer has a stopover lasting 12 hours or more, the baggage fee will be charged at the originating point of the trip, as well as at the stopover point.

Assessing charges for checked baggage was a difficult decision but reflects the reality of our business. The cost to the airline to transport baggage is substantial and the checked bag charge helps to offset that expense. We have "unbundled" (created separate pricing for) many of our services in order to keep our fares competitive. This also allows our customers to only pay for those services which they are utilizing. At this time, we have no plans to eliminate the baggage charges. We hope to have our customers' understanding as we work to remain competitive.

There are some exceptions to the checked bag charge policy. To view the specifics, please go to AA.com. For your convenience, you may also click on the following link:www.aa.com/i18n/utility/baggageExceptions.jsp.

Mr. Finkelstein, while we must decline your refund request for the service provided, we're glad you took the time to let us know what happened. We rely on feedback from our customers to be sure that we are concentrating our efforts on quality. Your comments will help us keep that focus and thank you for your business.

[Dan]

Told ya.

[Sam Finkelstein]

Told ya.

Hopefully ripe for a dispute.

[Torkay]

In ord I folded my hatbox into my carry on and put the hat on my head right in front of the guy who wouldn't let me through and then he let me go.

[yitzy93]

In ord I folded my hatbox into my carry on and put the hat on my head right in front of the guy who wouldn't let me through and then he let me go.

How do you fold a hatbox??

[Torkay]

How do you fold a hatbox??

[Sam Finkelstein]

How do you fold a hatbox??

He's probably referring to the cardboard ones. They still exist, you know.

[Emkay]

Hopefully ripe for a dispute.

Under what terms?

[Sam Finkelstein]

Under what terms?

I was unnecessarily forced to check a bag I had no problem with on other flights with the same carrier, including other agents in the same airport.

[Emkay]

I was unnecessarily forced to check a bag I had no problem with on other flights with the same carrier, including other agents in the same airport.

The fact that they may have led it slide on 99% of other flights does not make them wrong or you right in this case.

[Sam Finkelstein]

The fact that they may have led it slide on 99% of other flights does not make them wrong or you right in this case.

True, but the guy denied it based on appearance and didn't bother measuring. So he didn't take the appropriate steps to verify in the first place. Won't be the first time I won.

[Emkay]

True, but the guy denied it based on appearance and didn't bother measuring. So he didn't take the appropriate steps to verify in the first place. Won't be the first time I won.

Simple question. According to the T&C are entitled to bring that all with you into the cabin for free?

[myi]

When flying with my hat box I'm usually flying with my suit bag as well, now if I don't have my suit bag chances are I'm flying in for a very short period of time and therefore won't bother schlepping my hatbox, rather have my hat on my head for the flight or even place it on top, now when going with my hatbox and like mentioned I have my suit bag, I zip open my suit bag and in goes my hat box, which I've yet to have problems bli ayen hara, that makes a wheely and one peice of luggage a suit bag(inside a hatbox).   

[Sam Finkelstein]

Simple question. According to the T&C are entitled to bring that all with you into the cabin for free?

Why not? A personal item (briefcase) and a carry on.

[MeirS]

I'm taking a domestic flight on AA this month, and ideally would like to bring a small suitcase, rolling briefcase, and plastic hatbox. Would this be a problem?

It seems from this that you had 3 pieces which is why people don't feel you're entitled.
I reread your experience where you don't actually write that you had a hat box but then I'm not sure what it has to do with this thread.

[SrulyS]

I think you are all missing the point. He is saying he did not bring the hat box so he only had 2 pieces

Went with the suitcase and rolling briefcase.

but he had to check it because the agent claimed it was too big even though he did not size it.

Other agents told me that the size is fine, though he insisted.

[SrulyS]

It seems from this that you had 3 pieces which is why people don't feel you're entitled.
I reread your experience where you don't actually write that you had a hat box but then I'm not sure what it has to do with this thread.

All threads go off topic. What's surprising is that people assumed it would stay on topic

[Sam Finkelstein]

They offered me a $25 voucher so I took it. It'll be for sale shortly.