I generally fly BA Club Class, and I have a BAEC Gold Card (if that is relevant).

So my bags get a nice bright "Priority" tag at check-in, but my perception is that this doesn't really do anything. I often find that I am left waiting at the carousel wondering why so many other bags (mostly without priority tags) have arrived first.

Most recently, we flew LHR-YVR and back and on both ends it felt like our bags were among the last off.

Of course, I am aware that I may have selective memory. I take many flights, and I suppose I don't really notice the times when the bags arrive promptly.

Likewise, I don't expect 100% hit-rate on priority bags actually achieving priority.

Still, it's frustrating to pay the extra money (partly for priority handling) and be first through to the baggage area only to be left waiting.

What is a reasonable expectation ? Is there any actual priority in the process, or is the labelling just for show ? What does it depend on ?

One other possible factor: when we're travelling for leisure, we often check in pretty early. Is there any reason to think this could cause some "First on -last off" outcomes ?