"Complete meltdowns"...I believe that might be a bit of an exaggeration...and let's all keep in mind this is a problem AC created for themselves...the excessive cost to check bags for many PAX on many fares, and the horrible service in returning said bags at the destination, is exactly what's driving this behavior, nothing else. If AC charged a reasonable amount per bag to check and had a 15/20 min return guarantee on arrival then the problem would resolve itself in a New York minute!