I never check baggage. However, since my kids will be traveling by themselves to meet us, we decided that I would check all their stuff as checked baggage. All 5 of us are Exec Plat.

1.5 hours before flight time I checked 2 over sized duffel bags for Miami-Key West. The AAgent put priority orange stickers on both of our bags. Both bags were checked under my name (even though my wife is exp also).

In Key West one of our bags did not show up. It did come later that night. AA systems woke me up stating the bag was coming. The bell boy woke me again to state my bag had arrived.

Upon querying the AAgent it seems that delayed baggage into Key West is a very common occurrence for weight and balance. The AAgent checked the computer and knew right away that the bags were coming on the next flight.

I think that since I had 2 bags under my name (my exp wife had none) that the baggage handlers in Miami decided that 1 bag should be enough for me. However, shouldn't they load all premium bags first regardless of size of bag (these bags are big, but still within normal) / regardless of qty of bags checked by an Exp?

Do you think this worth an 'improvement' letter to AA Miami baggage?

Regardless, it reminded me why we don't check bags even when we go around the world.