Early boarding for gate checks
Jul 9, 2011, 1:39 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: AC*E35
Posts: 484
But that begs the question, is it fair for those who paid to check bags?
Jul 9, 2011, 2:10 am
#17
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
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This will probably mess up w&b with the ETOPS Hawaii flights as probably many will take advantage of this, and when the bag is sent below it adds weight to the calculation, opposed to being carried onboard where it counts as that individuals weight. Saw this request for AS137 PDX-ANC tonight but did not stick around to see how it worked. I stopped into the boardroom for a brew and some soup while the preboarding occured.
Jul 9, 2011, 7:50 am
#18
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
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Folks that already checked their bags chose to do so because they:
- Had a bag that was too big to take on board
- Had a bag that was too heavy for them to lift
- Had too many bags to take on board
- Or chose not to take the bag on board for convenience purposes
The fact that someone else is offered a "deal" to gate check a bag doesn't impact those folks at all. It's a completely independent decision.
And, if it helps get the plane out on time, then they've received an ancillary benefit from the gate-check process.
And don't minimize the hassle factor of getting the bag back upon arrival. The gate-checkers went to the airport with the full expectation of a carryon bag. Now they need to head to baggage claim to retrieve their gate-checked bag.
Jul 9, 2011, 9:36 am
#19
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Jul 9, 2011, 10:35 am
#20
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
Sure, it's fair.
Folks that already checked their bags chose to do so because they:
Folks that already checked their bags chose to do so because they:
- Had a bag that was too big to take on board
- Had a bag that was too heavy for them to lift
- Had too many bags to take on board
- Or chose not to take the bag on board for convenience purposes
Jul 9, 2011, 11:33 am
#21
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: AC*E35
Posts: 484
Or had liquids greater than 3 oz, a knife, or any other non-security-friendly item. (A bottle of wine or two is the most common reason I check, and I'll bring my chef's knife if I'm on a moderately long trip and don't trust the kitchen I'll be using, even in an otherwise-carryon bag.)
Oh and another thing. This brings up the point that the airlines cause their own problem by charging separately for baggage, which I think is silly and just creates the daily mess in the overheads
Last edited by jackal; Jul 9, 2011 at 7:57 pm Reason: Merging consecutive posts
Jul 15, 2011, 12:06 pm
#23
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,410
As a group, we have demonstrated our ability, time after time, to choose the lowest fare without regard to baggage benefits or fees.
The only reason AS began charging a baggage fee was because the general public didn't differentiate between an airline with no baggage fees and an airline with a baggage fee.
If AS (without baggage fees) was $10 more than Delta with a baggage fee, AS didn't get the ticket revenue even though their package price/value was better than Delta's.
So I guess the current predicament is "shame on us".
Jul 15, 2011, 12:16 pm
#24
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As stated above, its only free if it fits within the normal carryon limitations
Aug 17, 2011, 4:16 pm
#25
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 20
I flew BUR-SEA last week. I'm AA Gold, so I board right after first class does. But I went to check about gate-checking my bag anyway because it was heavy. The gate agent mistakenly thought I was AS gold. It turns out there is a difference in what happens to gate checked bags depending on elite status.
If you are NOT at elite status your bag will be checked and you will retrieve it at baggage claim. If you are (and i think it may only be Gold and above), your bag will be given back to you as you get off the plane.
If you are NOT at elite status your bag will be checked and you will retrieve it at baggage claim. If you are (and i think it may only be Gold and above), your bag will be given back to you as you get off the plane.
Aug 18, 2011, 6:00 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle WA, USA
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Posts: 3,478
Sorry for asking this a month after your post but did they just skip over the MVP/Partner Elites category completely? That should come after MVP Gold/75K.
Aug 22, 2011, 9:52 am
#27
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PAC NW
Programs: SPG Platinum
Posts: 376
It wouldn't surprise me. Last year before MVP gold, I noticed that a lot of the time, they don't call for MVPs, especially at airports without an AS operated counter. My worst luck being at Orlando. If they go straight to general boarding, you can just walk down the first class side of the boarding line, and the agent will let you through before anymore from general boarding. You can also get in the First Class/ MVP Gold line near the end and often they will call for MVP's before they scan your ticket, or just let you go through.
Aug 22, 2011, 2:47 pm
#28
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle WA, USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, AS Lounge
Posts: 3,478
It wouldn't surprise me. Last year before MVP gold, I noticed that a lot of the time, they don't call for MVPs, especially at airports without an AS operated counter. My worst luck being at Orlando. If they go straight to general boarding, you can just walk down the first class side of the boarding line, and the agent will let you through before anymore from general boarding. You can also get in the First Class/ MVP Gold line near the end and often they will call for MVP's before they scan your ticket, or just let you go through.
Maybe they'll be consistent with offering preboarding for gate checks because it helps them get what they want -- everyone on the plane.