United has made some changes to their mileage program. You’ve undoubtedly heard about this if you travel frequently or know someone who does. Sigh. But the luggage thing? Yeah, that too. Your trusted carry-on bag may now be too big.

I wasn’t actually aware of the changes, as they kind of snuck them in on us. I’ve been carrying a backpack for the last few trips and I checked the carry-on size for United and Southwest before buying it, and these new numbers (22″x14″x9″) were the ones I saw then, so I’ll be fine unless I REALLY pack that thing. The only times I’ve been bothered by airline employees about baggage size is when I fly Frontier, which is only ever a last resort move these days and one I hate making. As one of my coworkers said recently, Frontier is making a strong attempt at inventing a million ways to go out of business.

I don’t plan on flying United anymore. I’ve used up most of my award miles, and it’s not worth it. I have three more trips booked with them, and then I’m done. I’ll miss priority boarding and being able to have an assigned seat, but I’m moving to Southwest. The seats are more comfortable there anyway… time to earn A-List status.