Carry-on Baggage Charges ...
In a letter to the NYTs yesterday the writer suggests that the airlines reverse their charges for baggage. i.e. To charge passengers for carry-on but allow checked baggage (a reasonable amount) to travel without an extra charge. Anything bigger than a (small) handbag would get charged.
Intriguing thought. Those that insist on carry-on only (who are likely less price-sensitive) pay for their needs while those looking for the cheapest price have an option that would facilitate security processes. Depending on the mix this could be revenue neutral.
Of course governments are no longer in the business of regulating pricing issues at airlines so it would be difficult to impose this on the airlines. I wonder if any of the network airlines would be willing to test this ...