AA came through for me in a big way yesterday. AAngel in AC got me on an earlier flight, no charge or fee. This enabled me to come home early. My originally booked flight was 2 hours late due to weather. I got put in 31E, which is fine because I wanted to get home early. Anyway, the gate agent requested people start checking bags at the gate. I did because I wanted to put my briefcase in the bin and have some free room for my legs. Guess what? No problems what so ever. In fact, my bag was one of the first to come off the plane and be on the carousel. But then again, it's not a Louis Vuitton bag.