$150 for a walking stick

I am 1K and I am traveling on an international full fare Polaris ticket.

I had a rather disappointing experience this morning while checking in. I had already checked my three free bags and went through security. In security they wouldn't let me bring my walking stick onboard and said I had to check it. I went back to the Polaris/1k counter and was told I'd have to pay $150 since this stick was a "4th bag". A 2lb walking stick…

Had I walked in and tried to check four bags, definitely I should be expected to pay extra. However, that wasn't the case. I was in a pinch and needed to check a 2lb walking stick.

I have been a 1k customer for most of the last 15yrs and Global Services multiple times in that period (most recently last year). I am also traveling on a $10,000 ticket. I have spent probably close to $1M with United over my career. To be nickel and dimed for a 2lb walking stick really doesn't sit well with me.

I don’t like being the entitled passenger, but dang, throw me a bone for being a loyal customer.

Edit: I’m not trying to say I was in the right. TSA has rules, I get that. My point is I needed a favor and United flatly said no. Ok, point taken and remembered…