Originally Posted by
Dr. HFH
Interesting point. But one can rarely checkin more than 24 hours in advance of a flight, right?
If it's a connecting flight then the flight coupon for the second flight may be available at the time of the first flight.
In any respect the baggage system is separate from the check in system. You can have your bag tagged through to somewhere without being checked in. Although it is wise to then bring the bag receipt to the attention of the next airline.