Originally Posted by
chollie
There would have to be changes (perhaps significant) for domestic flights (or domestic flights connecting to international flights) to accomplish this.
Many folks check-in online, print their BPs at home or 'on' their smartphones and head straight to security when they arrive at the airport. Some airports have unmanned check-in kiosks at the exit from the parking garage/entry to the terminal where pax can check in, print BP and head for security.
True, but couldn't the airlines require everyone to check in with the gate agent to have their carryons counted, measured, weighed, and tagged before boarding commenced? Not checking in prior could result in the luggage being checked (and a fee assessed).
It would be a change, but I think a doable one.
There are many elite status frequent flyers like myself who do not pay checked bag fees. Many of us would willingly check a bag (I don't always like trundling my rollaboard all over large airports when I have a connection) if the airlines would step up and address security and timely delivery of luggage.
This! I often check a bag if I'm traveling to one destination and remaining there for several days and if I'm not taking anything very valuable, because lugging a large carryon around an airport is a pain (especially if it lacks wheels). But if I'm going to be moving about a lot during the trip, or if I need to carry a lot of valuables, or I have multiple connections (especially if they are tight), then I go carryon only. Under those conditions, checking a bag is just too problematic, even if I can do it for free.
Improving bag handling and security is going to have to happen if we want more people to check bags. If there's anything more frustrating than having to pay a checked bag fee, it's paying the fee in order to have your bag show up two days late and pilfered. Why should passengers pay to be inconvenienced and robbed?