So just take your bags on carry on. I flew United yesterday. First they gave the usual speech on one bag plus one personal item. Then a guy two people in front of me in line got on with four items: a medium roll aboard suitcase, a computer case, an ancient, overstuffed leather briefcase and a tennis racket. Nobody looked twice at him.

If they start to force people to check carry on and then hit them with a fee, then you will really hear some screaming.

I had United Premier Executive status for many years -- and I have a massive pile of mileage points to prove it. So I'll be flying United many times to use my points. But while I carry-on 99% of time, once in a while United forces me to check something due to space, especially on commuter segments. Will they charge money for REQUIRING that a bag be checked??

Once United decided to become the nasty airline with high prices and low service, I switched to paying for flights on Delta, not as convenient (Atlanta airport!) and not perfect but generally pleasant.

Recently I flew Continental and was very impressed, but it doesn't go many places I travel.

So, there are alternatives, until they all pile on to nickle-and-dime every customer. Railroads are looking better than ever.