Originally Posted by
drewp43
Is someone able to explain the process of the actual baggage check in when you arrive at the airport? I have a meeting tomorrow and am going to be cutting it close on making my flight so I was hoping to send a friend to check my bag in for me so I can get through the airport faster. Is this possible? Can you explain why or why not?
It's not possible. And, I can explain why it's not possible: because they won't let you do it.
As for the procedure, it depends on which airport. Assuming no status, economy passenger, at most airports you would be required to check in at a kiosk. The bag tag will either print at the kiosk or at an agent. Then you bring your bags to a "bag drop" agent, who weighs the bag, checks your ID, and puts on the bag. At some stations there are no kiosks and you would have to wait in line to check in with an agent. If you have status or are in F/J, you can check in at the first class line that exists at some airports. This may save you a little bit of time but not always (often, only one agent is working this line). Bottom line, one way or another you need to be standing in front of the agent with your bag tag printed out (by you or the agent) *before* the cut off.
If you think you might miss your flight by less than 2 hours, search this forum for "Flat tire rule" and read that thread.