US Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines are now charging to check bags on their flights, and company officials now say they are going to keep a closer watch on how much carry-on baggage people take on board in an effort to avoid the fees. The airlines point out that carry-on policy comes from the Federal Aviation Administration, not the industry, and they have an obligation to keep people from sneaking bulky bags onto planes. Not only is it unfair to the honest, fee-paying traveler, they say, but it would also overload the overhead bins and force gate crews to delay takeoffs while they checked excess bags, they say. But the added scrutiny means something else as well. Every passenger _ even those not used to checking bags _ is going to have to start following the rules. People who are accustomed to boarding with a large roller case might find themselves handing $15 to an airline employee before they get through security. «It's up to us to get to them before they get too far in line and say 'Ma'am or sir, you need to check that bag,»' said Mark Dupont, American's senior vice president of airport services planning.
