Originally Posted by
rove312
I don't know if I'm reading right that, if I need to gate-check on the first segment, I'd need to go landside to ATL baggage claim and be pretty sure to miss the connection.
Nope, they'll check it through to MSY for you and remember for this trip, you'll have to go through the gate lice routine not once, but twice.
One option would be to get one of the Delta Amex cards which let's your bags fly for 'free'.
MCI is a relatively "easy" airport, I'd just bite the bullet and check the bag(s) there.
Bob H