15+ years ago, as a 1K, my family and I arrived at the head of the SFO bag check line for the last BOS flight of the day at T-29 (the policy was 30 minutes at the time). The flight was delayed at the gate, a fact agreed on by us, the 1K counter agent, and their supervisor. It ended up leaving more than half an hour late. They all couldn't have been nicer, but they said the computer prevented them from checking our bags and I believed them.

Now folks are mentioning exceptions for premium cabins, elite flyers, and nice agents. Have the systems changed, or was I wrong to believe them?

I don't check bags much except when traveling with my wife, and after that experience (and an extra day of travel) she has no problem getting to the airport 2 hours ahead on a regular basis.