[smaraj]

My sister travelled from Trinidad to Houston with a suitcase which was suitable for coming but apparently not for going back.(It was 5 inches longer than specification, within 50lbs)
The check in attendant Supervisor Mrs Blanco threatened to not allow my sister to travel after I started to enquire why we were being taken for a ride. We ended up paying 100US extra for this.
Continential Airlines are ripping off customers and I intend to let people know this. Please forward this information to others.

[PHXFlyer]

Here we go again! It's the same old story. "I was allowed to travel to my destination without paying for an oversize/overweight bag but when I checked in for the return..."

What if the reverse were true and she was made to pay for the oversize bag when she left Trinidad but it slipped by in Houston? Would you be on here complaining then or just happy that she didn't have to pay for it both ways?

Another thing you may want to consider is that Houston is Continental's main hub and fare rules and baggage fees are more strictly enforced. Trinidad is a huge leisure destination and travelers from the US often return with more than they left with so they may be less strict about enforcing those rules in Port of Spain. I have traveled extensively in the Caribbean and there is a very relaxed attitude everywhere. Tourism brings in big money to Caribbean nations and I'm sure they are probably told not to haggle with passengers over a slightly oversize or overweight bag.

[smaraj]

It is apparent that you are not an intelligent and rational minded person and I highly suspect you are working for an airline company.
Companies must realise that they must have the same rules and regulations across the board and must comply with these. Had it been a problem in Trinidad, she would have purchased another suitcase there and be off without any further problems.
The fact that we left with it at least 8 times in the past for Houston/POS travel and there were no problems speaks for itself.
Currently we are addressing by writing about in the local media and dealing directly with Continential in Trinidad which is a more positive approach than responding to your high handed response.
Thank you.

[Leatherboy2006]

I see no problem with PHX's attempt to explain a possibility. I have traveled to San Juan and a couple of Carribean Island and agree they are a little more laid back then agents in the states.
If anything his reply was a warm fuzzy for the agents in the island being a little more relaxed and willing to work with a customer then some in the states.
smaraj, seems the one not being rational minded with a chip on their shoulder.

[jimworcs]

Smarj, I am no defender of airlines, but you state yourself in your post that the bag was 5 inches outside the guidelines. Why did you travel with a bag which didn't meet the requirements. Surely, the way to look at this situation is that Continental let you get away with not paying for one of the legs? If you had been given a free upgrade to first class on the way out, would you file a complaint if you didn't get a free upgrade coming back. I have a problem with airlines interpreting rules to their own advantage but 5 inches? That is quite a lot... and you are off base with your attitude.

[The_Judge]

Agreed.....a couple inches, who cares? 5 inches now we're talking some major square dimensions. That is a big bag. 62 linear inches was our limit and I'm gonna guess it's a standard so that is a big bag. Talking nearly 70 inches linear is just getting too big. I know alot of luggage manufacturers are making bags that are either at or above the 62 inch point even before stuffing them so really they need to be partially responsible (unless the airlines are giving them a little kickback to do that, which wouldn't surprise me) but really the passenger has the final call when they purchase it. Be aware of the size and don't overstuff it when packing.

[PHXFlyer]

Originally Posted by smaraj

It is apparent that you are not an intelligent and rational minded person and I highly suspect you are working for an airline company.
Companies must realise that they must have the same rules and regulations across the board and must comply with these. Had it been a problem in Trinidad, she would have purchased another suitcase there and be off without any further problems.
The fact that we left with it at least 8 times in the past for Houston/POS travel and there were no problems speaks for itself.
Currently we are addressing by writing about in the local media and dealing directly with Continential in Trinidad which is a more positive approach than responding to your high handed response.
Thank you.

Continental has recently implemented a fee for the first checked bag so I imagine that since one has to pay for any checked bag they are probably scrutinizing every bag to check for oversize and/or overweight items.

I did not insult you so why did you insult me? I was just offering a possible explanation for what may have occurred in your, pardon, your sister's situation. I would like to think that I am at the very least somewhat intelligent and rational but you are entitled to your opinion as am I. Did you or your sister perhaps have a similar attitude towards the agent checking her bag in Houston? It could explain a lot.

By the way, I am not an airline employee.