Missed Check-In Luggage Deadline
#16
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: YEG
Posts: 3,925
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.
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.
#17
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: YYC
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#18
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YYZ most of the time
Programs: AC SE100K MM, Princess Elite
Posts: 3,921
Did it happen to be on either the 22nd or 25th of March? or the 15th, or possibly on an outside chance the 13th?
Last edited by yyz_atc_qq; Mar 28, 2019 at 3:45 pm Reason: added 2 more possible dates
#19
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Buffalo, but live from suitcase
Programs: Delta, AA, Marriott
Posts: 240
I used the check-in machine 59 minutes before my flight departure, as I indicated. The lady said the deadline is 60 minutes and there are no exceptions. She also said it couldn't be sent on the flight the next day, which would have been fine with me.
The bag is not carry on size. If it was, I would have just carried on. Why am I "lucky" AC let me on the flight? I made it to the gate 10 minutes before pre-boarding.
Not sure exactly, but a typical checked baggage size. Too large to be a carry-on.
The bag is not carry on size. If it was, I would have just carried on. Why am I "lucky" AC let me on the flight? I made it to the gate 10 minutes before pre-boarding.
Not sure exactly, but a typical checked baggage size. Too large to be a carry-on.
#20
Join Date: Dec 2005
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#21
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#22
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YYZ most of the time
Programs: AC SE100K MM, Princess Elite
Posts: 3,921
#23
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: BGI (ex-YYC, YYZ)
Programs: AC*G-E100K (once again)
Posts: 1,701
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.
#24
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I arrived at the check-in terminal 59 minutes before my flight. Check-in luggage deadline is 60 minutes. Machine would not print my baggage tags. I went to the bag drop line and the lady scolds me for missing the time.
I ask if I can gate check my bag and she says no. Hence, I have to store my luggage at the airport and take whatever I could quickly gather into a plastic bag onto the flight.
How do you travel pros handle this predicament if you miss the deadline?
One thought I had was going to the gate with my bag and then having them inevitably tell me it's too big and they would have to gate check it. Would that work, despite the AC employee's statement that I couldn't do it?
I ask if I can gate check my bag and she says no. Hence, I have to store my luggage at the airport and take whatever I could quickly gather into a plastic bag onto the flight.
How do you travel pros handle this predicament if you miss the deadline?
One thought I had was going to the gate with my bag and then having them inevitably tell me it's too big and they would have to gate check it. Would that work, despite the AC employee's statement that I couldn't do it?
#25
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 698
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)
#26
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Canada
Programs: Marriott Plat; Air Canada E75K; Westjet Platinum
Posts: 1,161
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.
#28
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K, AC-3MM, Marriott- LT Titanium, SPG RIP
Posts: 2,958
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.
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.
#29
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 1
Somebody
I arrived at the check-in terminal 59 minutes before my flight. Check-in luggage deadline is 60 minutes. Machine would not print my baggage tags. I went to the bag drop line and the lady scolds me for missing the time.
I ask if I can gate check my bag and she says no. Hence, I have to store my luggage at the airport and take whatever I could quickly gather into a plastic bag onto the flight.
How do you travel pros handle this predicament if you miss the deadline?
One thought I had was going to the gate with my bag and then having them inevitably tell me it's too big and they would have to gate check it. Would that work, despite the AC employee's statement that I couldn't do it?
I ask if I can gate check my bag and she says no. Hence, I have to store my luggage at the airport and take whatever I could quickly gather into a plastic bag onto the flight.
How do you travel pros handle this predicament if you miss the deadline?
One thought I had was going to the gate with my bag and then having them inevitably tell me it's too big and they would have to gate check it. Would that work, despite the AC employee's statement that I couldn't do it?
#30
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