But there are two flavors of gate check. One is as you describe - and will typically be the one invoked with the new size scheme. The agent prints out a normal black-on-white self-adhesive bag tag and you drop the bag at the end of the jetway.

The gate check I like to use is exemplified by the neon orange tag. I ask for my bag to be gate-checked and make sure I get the orange tag. I drop the bag at the end of the jetway. The difference between this and the black-on-white tag is that the baggage handlers treat the bag like a baby stroller and deliver it to the end of the jetway upon arrival. Not quite as swift as carrying my bag on board, but saves me the hassle of jockeying for bin space, which I have found can be an issue when I get upgraded. Sometimes my bag is waiting for me when I get off the plane, other times I have to hang out a few minutes. Still beats waiting in baggage claim.

They'll do this for Golds and when I'm in F. Not sure how this will play out in the new mode of doing things. If anyone has tried it since the new sizing activities went into effect - please share your experience.