There seems to be some confusion in terms here.

AFAIK, gate checking (white tag) is usually used mainline (and now it seems also sometimes on the two larger commuter jets) and is supposed to be through to your destination, requiring pick up at the baggage claim area.

AFAIK, valet checking (green tag), also referred to as plane side checking, is only through to your next stop and is returned to you either plane side or on the ramp.

I'm a little fuzzier on the pink tag, but I believe it's for strollers, etc.

Can someone please clarify the official terms and what they mean to the pax.

BTW, I have a green tag which reads "NWA Airlink Valet Checked Luggage Tag," and on the back it says: "This luggage has been security screened and may be returned to the passenger plane side at the destination."