Originally Posted by
Ldnn1
Why would anyone take it up though without the (albeit also pointless) incentive? A free checked bag is only beneficial if you want to (a) pack liquids and/or (b) not drag your bag through the airport. By the time you’re at the gate, neither of those apply, so there’s no advantage to gate checking vs keeping the bag with you.
mostly for B, and there is still the hassle of finding space, risking it will eventually be checked anyhow if you are in the last boarding group and a few other possible scenarios. while i think the same as you on this, i am always surprised how many people still take it up when AA do this. then they go back to wait their turn for boarding in group 130 and not have to stress about anything other than finding their seat.