Brian :

In my case the oversize policy was not vigorously enforced on the first leg of the trip. I was checked through without any
comment from Continental. They waited until I was in a strange city on the return flight when I was helpless to correct the
situation to enforce this and there's the rub. I truly had no idea that the duffel was in violation until I couldn't remedy the
situation. It's a question of ethics. I think Continental's proper course of action here would have been to check the duffel
through, provide a copy of their written policy, and recommend that this not be attempted again. Instead they ticket agent
threatened to charge my credit card with $80 for the first flight. A bit of civility rather than strong arm tactics would have gone
a long way here.
There's also the question of enforcing written policy. If Continental is to be so dogmatic as to strictly enforce policy as it
is written then they need to show me where it is written that golf and ski bags are exempt. The answer is that it is not written,
that is an informal policy. So there is no real policy and passengers are charged only at the discretion of each agent. A very
inconsistent approach !
Lastly I was told that the bag could be exempt if it could be considered "sports" gear, but since canoeing isn't a "sport",
blah, blah, blah. Apparently Continental has decided that paddling is not a sport. That's another issue.

John

"Brian Wasson" wrote in message om...
If the concensus is that airlines are starting to more
seriously enforce the 62" limit then I'll shop around for a large golf bag
to replace the duffle bag I currently use to carry my kayak.

Yes, without a doubt, the airlines are vigorously enforcing the 62"
size and the weight limits. Some airlines have now lowered the weight
limit from the previous 70 pounds to 50 pounds (United, for example,
has a 50# limit). It's all because of their new "maximize profits at
the expense of customer service" effort.

I've never flown with a collapsible boat, but do fly with a tandem
bicycle, which is designed to fit into two 62" cases. But, it's a
challenge to keep it and all the necessary extras under 50 pounds per
case (when you figure that the case itself weighs 15-20#). Many
airlines' rule of carriage specifically single out boats (and bikes)
as requiring an extra charge. Theoretically, they could charge me for
my bike, even though it's in a regular-sized suitcase and under
weight.

Golfers and skiers get an exemption, for some reason. Most likely
because they are a large customer base for the airlines, and would not
put up with extra charges. Bikers and paddlers are not, as much as we
might like to think we are.