it's a shame that with the online and self check in that there is not a better way to monitor how many bags are being carried on. and when it comes down to boarding time, agents don't have time to be the baggage police we have other duties to worry about with getting the flight boarded and out on time. so it's honestly easier to just "overlook" the 3rd bag that the gentleman is trying to take on than stop him, debate with him about the rules and hear him say "but i did it last time" get told that you're rude because you're not telling them what they want to hear, have the supervisor come over to the gate, delay the flight, and then get in trouble because the passenger accused you of being rude.
last i heard they were trying to get a bill passed so that the TSA would take over the function of making sure the size of carry on items is not being exceeded this won't help with the number of carry ons, but will make a little bit of room.
http://travelsentry.blogspot.com/200...n-baggage.html
I honestly think they should just get rid of the baggage charges but it's easy revenue for the airlines so they won't