Just returned from a Dayton to Oakland and back flight with Coast Starlight south to San Luis Obispo and return. I've concluded that both train and plane travel routines are in a state of flux with the individual agents making individual decisions. It depends on how conscientious one is and what they think they know.

Amtrak charged $10 for an overweight case, that is, over 50 pounds, not my BF. Since it weighed in at 51 1/2, they really tried to get me to open the heavier one and put something in the lighter (BF) one or add it to my carry on. I resisted. I was already wearing a wrist splint. This charge was on my return and I would be surprised if the case weighed less on the trip south, but I was not charged extra for that leg, although one case had a heavy tag on it when we arrived in SLO.

Because Travelocity neglected to notify me of a change in flights on the way west, United transferred me to an American flight to Chicago in time for my scheduled flight to Oakland. Neither United nor American charged for heavy but both my cases were labeled with a heavy tag. I was told by the American ticket agent that because this was a change in original schedule, both my cases needed to be inspected. I had remarked to the United agent that I had a bike in one of my cases. Other than mild interest, she had no problems with it. When I mentioned it to the American agent, she declared I should be charged for a bicycle. When I pointed out that it was in a suitcase, she stated that it was because of weight. My second case was ten pounds heavier than the BF case. I told her I had no problem if I were charged for additional weight, but I did if the charge was a blanket charge for a bike. I certainly don't expect the airline with their inadequate replacement policies to be responsible for an injured or lost BF. I had already checked with my insurance agent for coverage. Liability for transporting a bike is no reason for an additional charge.

I believe that at this point I would object to an additional charge as United is limiting passengers to one carry on plus a personal item instead of the two previously allowed.

Do I sound a bit cranky? The truth is that I hate flying and only fly when I have to. Every single seat on my flight back was occupied which means that other than the twelve people in first class, all the rest of us had our personal space violated. When the passenger in front of me put the seat back, it felt like I was in a troop ship or submarine. As my seat was a window seat and it was over the wing, I discarded the idea of stretching my legs. It was only a 3 1/2 hour flight. Would I get back in time? Oh, the movies were fine and the attendants gracious, but don't thank me for flying with you. If I had any choice at all, I'd picked Southwest (all one class) or drive.

Glad to be home and ready to for a drive.