Wish AC ramp guys who post here from time to time could help us with the explanation. I generally don't check bags but when travelling with the wife, it is ESSENTIAL, hence the 30-40 minute typical waits.

Within China, my bags typically arrive before I get to the carousel (based on past and recent experience). I actually don't mind checking bags in China! The last trip I had some alcohol that had to go underneath so it got checked and even though the whole Beijing airport was shut down for 8 hours due to a storm and flights were starting to land one right after the other, my bag came out only 15 minutes after I arrived at the carousel.

Something seriously wrong with the AC system . . .