I disagree that a skycap should be considered basic service. The airlines provide you with a perfectly fine place to haul your luggage (the counter). Anything else is supplementary.

I don't normally use skycaps, but in a recent trip from ABQ, I encountered a huge line (they had even removed the 1st class line to accomodate the crowd). This was after the storms that had essentially closed down DFW the day before.

As I watched the crowd for a second, I went outside and used the skycap. I gave him 2 bags and a $10 bill. After a thirty second conversation, driven far more by me than the man, I not only had checked my bags, I had a reconfirmed ticket, plus a verified trip plan.

Yes, with the exception of the bag checking, I'd done all of the above from home before heading for the Sunport, but the skycap provided the information without my asking. I think the $6 tip was well worth avoiding the cattle-line.