I was a flight from DFW to ORD, the standby list was like 60people, so a good 20min before they board, while they are printing out for standbys the GA annouces anyone with a 3 or 4 will need to gate check in effort to speed up boarding.
On a flight to IAH I arrived at the 5min call and made the free same day standby (RIP). She thought my bag looked too heavy and had me gate check I didn't argue as I was happy to get out of ORD 5hours early. Since I use a padded solid case which is about indestructable I wasn't worried about my laptop and such being destroyed.
Today at Dayton, I saw the GA charge someone for forcing to gate check a bag that was "too large" since it was a soft bag it was over, but if you smushed it together im sure it would have made it, then she proceeds to screw that up. Took 10min to check that single bag.
Originally Posted by
travelmad478
Get on the plane early, via getting a BP with a low-numbered zone (usually possible if you check in online at T-24) or having elite status.
So checking in early can give you a 2 zone even if it is an asle seat?