YEG USER

I had an issue last year. I was at check-in desk 65 minutes before departure but for some reason the airport had the wrong departure time on their board so the contractors had already left the check-in desk. Fortunately the United people at the desk next door were able to radio them to come back, but by that time the "cart" they used was gone and they said they couldn't do anything. They asked if I had anything that couldn't go through as carry-on, and I said no. There was no issue with me taking my "way too big" bag through security (this was a full sized suit case), and I was able to gate check the bag through to my destination.

This was in the US, so I'm not sure if Canadian regulations are different, but my experience was that they'll allow anything through security as long as it isn't prohibited, provided it can go through scanner.

Also, in this situation I was at the desk before the proper check-in time so they couldn't simply blame me for being late.

yyckerr

yyz_atc_qq

You got a bag accepted with no issues 45minutes before a transborder flight? Even though the AC website is very clear that domestic is 45min, US/International is clearly 60min?

Did it happen to be on either the 22nd or 25th of March? or the 15th, or possibly on an outside chance the 13th?

Gadot

Depends on whether TSA has luggage xray or hand checks every bag. If they hand check it, the rule is inviolate

yyz_atc_qq

You are lucky because AC's checkin cutoff time for transborder or international flights is 60 minutes. Not 59.

canadiancow

Could have been checked in already.

yyz_atc_qq

Possibly, but that was never mentioned. Even if they were, the baggage issue remains the same. 59 is not 60.

cooleddie

I once dropped off luggage at the priority desk maybe with 43 min left on a domestic flight. I was in the priority line queue and it was slow. The lady was kind enough to do something to the flight like reopen it, get my tags printed, and close it again. But she seemed to have a lot of experience. I probably would not have got the same treatment in the self check in line.

lsquare

Wow. I was in a similar situation as you earlier this year with WS, but no issue. They just print the tag and quickly put it on suitcase and off I go.

mysterym

never check bags. if you are a smart packer you should be able to pack 10-14 days worth of stuff into a normal size carry-on.

i have flown hundreds of times and only checked twice and that was due to moving or carrying equipment

some international carriers are more restrictive than US carriers (i.e. smaller dimensions, lower weight limits)

Sunny Day

Once you are past the cut off, try asking check in agent to call the departure GA and see if they are willing to open up the flight - it is up to the GA to make that call in many cases. If you have status, it also helps.

priscillakoroma

Hello, I want to congratulate you on the good question! And I had the same problem. Thanks for the question helped me a lot!

Plumber

I rarely check bags....but sometimes when travelling with family or others, I do check bags.

On one ocasion, due to some unforeseen issues, we were arriving at the airport at T-40 min. I contacted the Concierge (before T-60 min) who met us at the curb with luggage tags, a luggage cart and boarding passes. They took our bags and made sure they got on the plane.

I understand that not everybody has access to a Concierge, but this is one more instance where it makes sense to push for attaining SE status if you are close and on the fence whether it is worth it or not.

cade2005

I would just not get there 59 mins before the flight. Get there in plenty of time. Was this your first time flying?

MSPeconomist