Originally Posted by
paterwdb
Do you have free checked bags through status or credit card? Because if I were a GA, I might have a tendency to avoid gate checking bags from the people who come before we even say we need to do so. I imagine there are some people who try to game the system by not checking downstairs when they would have to pay, but go right to the gate and get it "free". Otherwise, why didn't you just check the bag at check-in?
If the OP packed a carry-on compliant bag that cleared TSA screening, then offered to gate check it, OP is not availing of the same checked baggage service that DL charges $25+ for at the counter, IMO. Most people check their luggage because the size/number/contents are not acceptable as carry-on luggage, not because they're ok with carrying it through security and the airport, but don't want to carry it on & off the plane and would rather wait at the destination to retrieve it at bag claim. I've had situations where I'm on biz-heavy flights on Monday mornings and know that *everyone* has a roller bag and *everyone* is top-tier elite, so in those cases I've sometimes gone ahead and checked my bag, but as OP mentioned, those are the flights with ubiquitous PA announcements asking or forcing people to gate check for free anyway.