[Michelle Mello]

Monday, May 21, 2012 I had problems with preboarding United Airlines flight 1154 (from LAX), because I had a carry-on. Apparently, after checking in my suitcase, I was misfortunate enough to be part of Boarding Group 7. They announced that anyone in Group 7 would have to check their carryon. When I said I wasn't willing to do that, I was told I would have to take my chances of being kicked off the flight. I understand people are now taking as much carryon luggage as possible to avoid check in fees, but after paying for my ticket and suitcase to be checked in, I should not be penalized for have 1 carryon.
Then my flight (1154 from LAX) left 40 minutes late and arrived in Denver with 19 minutes for me to make my connecting (United) flight (6017 to Springfield MO) - on the other side of the terminal. I literally ran through the terminal with another lady, only to arrive with the plane still at the gate and 2 minutes til departure to be told "No entrance 10 minutes prior to departure". They have a computer with all the flight and passenger information and were well aware of the situation. They made me take a flight 5 hours later, arriving in Springfield at 12:32 a.m. instead of 7:39 p.m., but felt by giving me a $10 dinner voucher I would be appeased - I was not. The flight I was forced to take was on such a small aircraft, it was mandatory for most carryons to be taken and stored with checked luggage.
I departed LAX at 12:50 p.m. on the 21st and didn't arrive in Springfield until 12:32 a.m. on the 22nd. That's the longest 1,800 mile flight I can imagine.
I return on May 31st to LAX and am concered with the conditions I will encounter on my way back.
Michelle Mello