A couple of years ago we, about 170 people, were all summoned to a company event. We were all issued with identical 40x20x25 bags, the company being too tight to pay for hold luggage. We flew two different carriers from three different airports (Luton, Gatwick and Manchester).
Roughly a handful on each flight had their bags rejected. I wasn't present, but multiple witnesses report that when the inconsistency was pointed out the response ranged from indifference to threats to remove passengers from the flight. One report was that a request to use metal cage thing as proof was rejected.
My conclusion is that ground staff are given a target per flight and that this creates widespread fraud.
Last edited by Abrahn; 19th January 2025 at 19:08.