Long wait for bags - just de riguer nowadays?
While waiting almost an hour (again) for bags at SeaTac over the holidays, I got to wondering: is this wait now just like no meals in coach? That is, is a long wait for baggage an obligatory part of flying in an era where consumers only buy based on price, not service? This really hit home as an announcement came over the speakers saying something about a flight from Portland arriving, and their bags being available on carousel #14 in 45 minutes. Wow - the wait time for their bags is as long as their flight!
Does Alaska have any service level guidelines for baggage delivery during busy times, or is any amount of time it takes OK? Are all airlines at SeaTac just as bad? I'd consider taking a different airline to avoid an hour wait for luggage.
(Yes, like all of you, I try not to take bags, but when travelling with my kids, and going skiing, it is hard to do carry-on only).