There are a couple of other threads on this too; it has happened to me several times at DCA - sometimes causing me to wait up to an hour (and car waiting time expense) jsut to find out it arrived an hour before me.

Up to about 8pm, at DCA there is a baggage handler who makes the extra effort to bring all "advanced bags" out to the carousel they were scheduled on. But if he isnt working that day or its after he has left it doesnt happen.

Now, if i have had a layover, and my bags arent in the first 15-20 I go right over to the baggage office to see if they are already there or to get in the line as early as possible to make a claim.

let us know what CO's reply is to your request.