Thanks for the responses. I'm familiar with gate checking, but using the "Hands Free" option I was able to check my bag in at the check in counter, and I didn't thus need to bring my bag through security and haul it to the gate. It was essentially the same as traveling with checked baggage, except that I paid a lot less for the service than Easyjet charges for it online. I'm wondering if anyone who travels regularly on Easyjet knows whether this is always offered.