The WRONG message to send

I can handle paying more money for a flight, I can handle getting bumped/delayed a bit while airlines screw with an antiquated air traffic control system.

I can handle all those because requiring more money for a flight will diminish the number of people flying and it will make it all that more comfy.

I can handle having my schedule tinkered a bit because with some airlines decreasing capacity, and flights...this should lead to less crowded airspace and smoother leaving on-time departures and less schedule issues.

What I cannot handle, what annoys me possibly more than ANYTHING on a plane, almost as much as a crying baby (but, even then a baby doesn't know better) is the constant flood of asshats who carry suitcases that I could freaking sleep in...ONTO the plane and take up a solid chunk of space, cause getting the gate closed to be delayed, etc, etc.

American Airlines and others are beginning to charge big money for checked bags...see the story here. This practice of making people pay for checking their bags will only cause more people to carry all thier shit onto the plane, taking forever to get through security, and a chronic slowing down of the boarding process. Not to mention screwing over those who pack reasonably and follow the fucking rules.

More bullshit policies from the airline industry. No doubt, I will get an IM from my friend in the industry giving me "the" rationale for why this makes sense. But, geez...this blows.