Flew AS 538 from SEA to ONT yesterday (14 Jan 2010). We arrived at the gate at 4:10pm. My bag did not come out from behind the vinyl curtain until 4:37pm.

Went to AS baggage office and spoke to Sergio M. (His clip-board showed us at the gate at 4:08pm!). He refused to issue a certificate because he claimed that the belt started moving at 4:28pm.

It did, but it was signed for the Delta/SkyWest flight from SLC that arrived ahead of us, whilst the adjacent belt was signed for AS 538 and there are only 3 baggage belts at ONT terminal 2; still it does not matter as MY bag was not on any belt until my 27 or Sergio's 29 minutes after we "docked".

First, I want to know how it is possible for luggage to take even 5 minutes at a very underutilized empty airport with short distances from the plane to the luggage claim especially at mid-day when really only Alaska/Horizon and SkyWest(DL) have flights operating in and out of Terminal 2 at ONT. Second, I would appreciate any suggestions as to who to contact at 19300 International Blvd to get a) my promised guarantee and b) more competent baggage handling at ONT.

I realize I may be coming off as a grump, but I have never waited this long for a bag at ONT at either terminal. I also could have easily carried aboard my bag, and then, if needed, gotten a free gate-check out of the deal due to my flight being full. But instead I played along with Alaska's wishes and even paid them $15 for the "privilege" of having them take my bag (and having the TSA leave me a note inside it ). Besides, as I thought to myself in SEA, how long could it take to get my bag, and they have that guarantee, right??

My waiting time for my bag ended up being longer than my 10 mile ride, in a taxi, during the rush, home!