United Widens War on Carry-On ‘Hogs’

Escalating the war against “luggage-bin hogs,” United Airlines plans next weekend to start installing bag screening devices at 39 airports nationwide. The airline’s first installation was at LAX in May. The devices, which are metal plates with 9-by-14-inch cutouts, block larger-than-regulation carry-ons from entering X-ray machines in security areas, before passengers get to the gates. If the bag doesn’t fit, the customer can either check it on the spot, or may have to return to the ticket counter, depending on the airport.

United spokesman Matthew Triaca said he believes this will be the widest use of the device by any major airline, adding: “We’re really taking the lead on this.” Delta and Southwest, which have been “testing” the devices for several months at a handful of airports, have not announced any plans to expand their use.