Carrying On

I’m quite concerned about the erosion of passenger rights concerning carry-on baggage. While something definitely needs to be done about the burgeoning size and number of carry-ons, the pendulum is swinging too far in the other direction.

The Assn. of Flight Attendants is proposing a one-bag limit (including purses, briefcases, laptops, cameras, etc.) weighing no more than 13 pounds (News, Tips & Bargains, Dec. 20). This is totally unreasonable, considering the new X-ray machines that may damage film in checked baggage and the fact that airlines urge you not to check valuables.

A reasonable limit, strictly enforced, would be two bags, each with a dimension of 45 linear inches or less, with the total of both bags no more than, say, 35 to 40 pounds.

MICHELE BURGESS

Huntington Beach

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Recent articles about carry-on luggage problems miss the point: The fault belongs with the local city airport departments, not the airlines.

Many years ago, you had to pass through a security person to match luggage tags before you left the baggage area. Somewhere along the years, this practice has been forgotten. If you happen to be late getting to the luggage carousel, you run the risk of having your luggage lifted away.

I believe most passengers would not object to a dollar surcharge per piece of luggage, to pay for a more secure and safe way of retrieving their luggage.

IRVING KLEIN

Mission Viejo