Originally Posted by
SpinOn2
The problem with expecting an airline to skirt around their rules and ignore the stated policy of time to check a bag, is that where does it stop?
I don't expect any favors. When I've done this in the past, the agent has been clear: "this is a late bag, it might not make it onto the flight with you." Okay, fine. I accept that. I accept the fact that if it doesn't make it, it's on me to get it from the destination airport when the next flight arrives, not expect a free delivery to the hotel.
This is what airlines have done for many, many years. There is no slippery slope. If I show up at T-44 at a tiny station where the plane is 50 feet away, the agent can still say "You're late. The bag might not make it." No risk to the airline.
The seems like a reasonable solution for both the airline and the traveler. And one that (apparently) most other airlines still regularly follow in places where positive bag matching is not required.