Baggage Fees - inappropriately charged to children travelling alone
 

My son, aged 16, flew by himself on flight AA684 from Austin, TX to JFK, on July 7th, 2010. He had 2 carry-ons, a viola and the 22” TravelPro that I have used extensively throughout the world on AA flights as carry-on. I was appalled when he told me the AA agent told him that he had to check in the luggage because it would not fit in the overheard storage compartment. The AA agent would not let him get on the plane unless he paid the $25 baggage fee. His luggage was NOT overstuffed nor was it overweight. He ended up paying the $25 baggage fee so he could board the plane and charged it to a credit card that I had given him for unforeseen emergency situations like this. I do not understand why the AA agent would think that the Travelpro could not fit on the overhead storage compartments, it has never been a problem any flight that I have taken with American Airlines. The only time it would not fit was when I take AA Eagle flights in which case, it would be gate checked for free. I am very dismayed and feel that my son was taken advantage of and due to his inexperience, he paid the $25 as he is not used to confrontation with adults and authority figures. I am very disappointed on how my son was treated on this flight and would like to request that the gate agent on that flight be counseled, as clearly, there is no issue with the TravelPro fitting into the overhead compartment. Children should not be taken advantage of, especially when they are travelling alone. I requested that AA reimburse me for inappropriate luggage charge and their response was that they would defer the decision to the check-in agent. So parents, be forewarned, your child may be shaken down and scammed by the check-in agent. Send extra money with them or have them fly another airline that doesn't do this.

Just curious. Airlines allow one carry-on piece of luggage, and one personal bag that must fit under the seat. If his Viola cannot go under the seat, I image it would go in the overhead bin. Certainly not something one would want to risk in the baggage hold. So if the viola goes in the overhead, then the bag must go in the baggage hold. You are not allowed two pieces of carry-on luggage.

Might want to ask your son again exactly what happened.

If you are carrying a muscial instrument on board, that is your 1 item for the overhead bin. The other must fit under the seat in front of you. By putting two large items in the overhead bin you are taking space away from someone else who then might not be able to store their allowable carry-on up there. It's not a matter of simply "fitting".. it's a matter of sharing the limited space.