This new checked bag pricing has made the (already crowded) overhead compartments even more crowded. If your flight is full, or nearly so, there will not be enough overhead space for the carry-ons and the flight attendants and gate agents will start gate checking bags. Even if there is space, it may be toward the back of the plane, possibly behind one's seat.
This can be a big inconvenience for people who want to carry-on. If your carry-on is several rows behind you, you have to wait for the entire cabin to deplane before you can go back and get your bags. If you're on a tight layover, this can be seriously problematic.
As a result of this madness, the gate agents are always making announcements that they would like to gate check your bags (for free, of course).
http://www.flyfrontier.com/travel-information/baggage/checke...
"Gate Check Fee - any bag brought to the departure gate that exceeds the carry-on dimensions"
I initially cringed as the attendant started talking on the the mic and making a joke, as any world weary traveler probably would. I soon found myself laughing as the rest of the crew joined in with mimes and singing and call backs. It was definitely one of the best flight experiences I've ever had.
It was a good way to get the attention of everyone before we could all go back to ignoring the rest of the safety instructions.
I've taken to exclaiming "Oooh!" when they show us how to buckle our seat belts.
I'll only fly either of those two airlines if I have a choice.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/jetblue-to-add-bag-fees-reduce-l...
The most striking difference is that, in general, the flight attendants are happy. They smile. They joke around. Sometimes they sing songs. I was on a flight a few months ago where the entire plane played a game because it was someone's birthday.
If Southwest flies anywhere close to where I'm going, I make a point to fly with them. Even if they're slightly more expensive, the drastically less toxic experience makes up for it.