Originally Posted by
Gig103
All the options (aside from an under-seat personal item with your important belongings) are really the same answer: Give them more money. Buying Comfort+ comes with priority boarding (after First but before Sky Priority now). The Delta
website allows you to purchase Zone 1 boarding and that would allow you to board with Silver Medallion elites and credit card holders. You can get one of the Delta credit cards for zone1 boarding too, but if you aren't a frequent Delta traveler that isn't particularly cost effective.
This is probably the best advice. Pretty much anyone boarding in the last zone should be ready to potentially have to gate check their bag. Spending a few bucks for the C+ will get you more leg room, better boarding and free drinks domestically.
You also asked about valet (plane-side) bags. DL does this on regional jets. These are bags that get a "pink" tag. These will always be delivered back to you when you arrive. Some regional jets such as as the 170/175's do fit carry-on bags and don't require the pink tag. You'll never see plane side pink tags on a mainline aircraft.