Originally Posted by
bse118
But what happens to that 2nd bag when overheads are full? Answer - it gets checked for free.
So...I still don't follow. If you're travelling with multiple bags that won't fit under the seat, once you've checked one and if checked bags are free at the gate, then there's little reason not to check the rest of those bags.
So in your scenario person checks in one bag at the gate, then boards in Group 9, finds the overheads full, and the second bag gets checked along with the first. Or boards in Group 9 and finds that there is overhead space.
This system just tells me if I show up with one or more large bags, I'm going to get them checked free. It creates more incentive for me to bypass the paid checked luggage system and creates more baggage at the gate.
Your point about bags being checked at the gate does put a wrinkle in my plan. There are of course more complicated ways to handle baggage allowances, other airlines manage to do it, but I didn't think any of those were worth proposing even to FT.
In the mean time, let's just remember AA still boards faster than DL, who like to start with Pre-boards
40 minutes before a domestic departure.