Originally Posted by
CrustyFE
This is from the non-rev information web site for Eagle:
"Travelers should limit checked and carry-on baggage to the number and size allowed for revenue customers. You may have one (1) carry-on item, one (1) personal item and check two (2) bags free of charge per person on all domestic flights. Personal items include purse, briefcase, laptop, small backpack, or other similar items. Strollers and car seats are exempt from excess baggage fees and do not count toward your allowable total. For details regarding overweight and excess baggage, please discuss with your travel sponsor prior to travel. Information can be located in the Travel Rules, Information, and Privileges (TRIP) book online."
As you can read, it's pretty standard. That being said, I usually non rev with three items and have non-reved with up to four items, usually to and from training. Flight Kit (training), Rollaround, Computer bag, & Lunch/Meal container. It's up to the gate agents to make the call about the number of bags but they rarely say anything about non-rev bags when you're in uniform. I don't non rev out of uniform very often so I don't know if they would be more apt to say something if you showed up with twenty bags. Although I've never had them do it, gate agents do have the right to restrict your carry ons.
On one leg flights with four items (to/from training), I'll gate check my roll around and flight kit. Not only does it eliminate any scrutiny by gate agents and/or flight attendants, it makes it much easier to board the aircraft. Also, when gate agents see you volunteer to check bags, they can see you're willing to make life easier on them by helping them out with bag issues. That good will can be reciprocated back to you. Karma and all of that....
On two leg flights it becomes much more difficult to check any bags as you may have to go to baggage claim to get your bag at the connecting city.
If you are in uniform IT IS NOT up to the gate agent. You can carry anything and everything you want on the aircraft, subject to available space to put it. If there is no room you can Valet check it or speak with the captain and see if he will let you carry it down to the cargo hold and toss it in yourself.
Gate agents cannot tell you how much you can bring aboard the aircraft when you are in uniform.
This is as long as you are AA/AE and flying on an AA/AE flight. Other airlines may have other policies, but I have never had a problem, ever with carrying 3 or 4 bags.
I had a gate agent tell me I was going to have to check some items once when I was deadheading. Her supervisor overheard her and said, "he can take whatever he wants on the plane and you can't say anything about it."
Now that doesn't mean you should take advantage...100 bags full is overkill. But whatever you need to take with you, then take it with you. No need to ever check a bag.