This, and that they REFUSE to enforce their own carry-on restrictions.
People are dragging on duffle-bags of crap that should be checked, and taking overhead space needed by those that follow the rules.
We’ve discovered it’s often cheaper to ship our bags via UPS, since we are a large family. The best part is that when you deplane, you leave the airport. No riding herd in the baggage claim area trying to get the bags and keep them off the carousel.
We did this on a driving vacation to Texas as well. Lots more room in the van for the 4 kids and two dogs that way.
“they REFUSE to enforce their own carry-on restrictions.”
That is one of my pet peeves. My family and I have simply quit flying commercially. It’s not the cost, it’s the aggravation. We used to fly home (1100 miles) a couple times a year. I was wore out and PO’d when I arrived. Delays, lost reservations at the airline and car rental, rude, obnoxious employees and people. No thanks - I’ll drive it. It’s an easy 2 day drive - I can sleep in nice room and have a decent meal. 30 years ago flying was a true joy. Now, I’d almost rather have a root canal.-—JM
The airlines I’ve flown don’t charge for gate-checked bags. So, you schlep the giant stuff to the gate and hope the attendant will tell you it’s too large for carryon. Voila, free checked luggage.
Sometimes, they let you take the giant bag on board and try to stuff it in the overhead.
Do they still sell more seats than there are on a plane?
That is a scam and it always had been.
There have to be applicable wire fraud charges for overbooking a flight.