[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

Doctor, the fatal mistake you made was responding to a flight attendant with something other than "yes," "no," or "at this time I wish to remain silent." As has been mentioned on this board people have gotten the cops called on them simply for requesting orange juice with their first class breakfast.

My approach to domestic air travel is to check as little baggage as possible and strictly observe the dimensional restrictions regarding carry ons. That basically means you can only carry on what can fit under the seat in front of you. Anything beyond that is opening yourself up to being a victim of a power drunk flight attendant. That's what appears to have happened in your case.

During the flight I suggest refusing all meal and other cabin service and avoiding any verbal communication with any crew member.

On your next flight you might find observation of the cabin crew interesting. Many are people troubled by low self-esteem and abuse their authority as a means of compensating.

Finally, if you are returning from a trip, I strongly suggest visiting a "UPS Store" with any fragile item or items too large to fit under the seat in front of you. UPS can provide you with a tracking number and you can check the progress of your shipment online. The shipping charges are well worth the alternative to tangling with someone (ie: a flight attendant or a gate agent) who probably resembles one of your more "difficult" patients.