Originally Posted by
Often1
This sounds most likely to be a mechanical issue affecting access to the baggage hold. Aircraft still operable, but for one reason or another, the hold cannot be accessed or checked bags cannot be properly secured.
I've been on at least one flight in the past where that was the case. I vaguely remember something about that on a DL flight either last year or the year before, Not only could they not take bags the plane was limited to a very low altitude.