No VIP checked baggage handling on Alaska
Aug 13, 2019, 11:40 am
#16
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Snohomish, WA
Programs: AS MVP Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,793
Of course, this requires IT work. It's clearly not something Alaska thinks is a priority, so it'll never happen.
Aug 13, 2019, 12:10 pm
#17
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
There's a barcode on the bag, and the barcode is attached to my reservation, which has my status on it. Each bag gets scanned multiple times on the way to the plane. There's no need for an actual "VIP" tag to get added if an airline is willing to invest the dev time to build it properly.
Of course, this requires IT work. It's clearly not something Alaska thinks is a priority, so it'll never happen.
Of course, this requires IT work. It's clearly not something Alaska thinks is a priority, so it'll never happen.
James
Aug 13, 2019, 2:18 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Portland
Programs: MVPGold 75K
Posts: 494
Well at least for the connecting international flights. Many times I fly with as to ba to Europe via LHR and it is really unfortunate at LHR to be without urgent sitckers or priority. Even worse on landing i have to wait a long time even though I flew business or first class all the way through. If there is only Alaska flight, involved it is good as is
Aug 13, 2019, 2:28 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Well at least for the connecting international flights. Many times I fly with as to ba to Europe via LHR and it is really unfortunate at LHR to be without urgent sitckers or priority. Even worse on landing i have to wait a long time even though I flew business or first class all the way through. If there is only Alaska flight, involved it is good as is
James
Aug 13, 2019, 5:29 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2001
Programs: Alaska Tanzanite 100K
Posts: 3,858
In terms of sorting, "Priority" bags are normally last to be loaded, so they come off first and sometimes have their own bag runner. Not sure I can see Menzies doing that when they seem to love throwing our bags from the pit the way it is.
This morning I flew YEG-YVR on WestJet. 100% full flight. Only like 4 of us in bag claim. I think that was by far the fastest drop I've ever had at YVR (<10 mins after arrival).
This morning I flew YEG-YVR on WestJet. 100% full flight. Only like 4 of us in bag claim. I think that was by far the fastest drop I've ever had at YVR (<10 mins after arrival).
Aug 13, 2019, 6:54 pm
#21
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
In terms of sorting, "Priority" bags are normally last to be loaded, so they come off first and sometimes have their own bag runner. Not sure I can see Menzies doing that when they seem to love throwing our bags from the pit the way it is.
This morning I flew YEG-YVR on WestJet. 100% full flight. Only like 4 of us in bag claim. I think that was by far the fastest drop I've ever had at YVR (<10 mins after arrival).
This morning I flew YEG-YVR on WestJet. 100% full flight. Only like 4 of us in bag claim. I think that was by far the fastest drop I've ever had at YVR (<10 mins after arrival).
James
Aug 13, 2019, 11:14 pm
#22
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Derailing further... but WS' former CEO did spend a decade first at AS:
Gregg Saretsky appointed new President and CEO of WestJet
But agree, its a logistical mess to set this up and I'd like AS to concentrate on getting all bags under 20 minutes ^
Gregg Saretsky appointed new President and CEO of WestJet
But agree, its a logistical mess to set this up and I'd like AS to concentrate on getting all bags under 20 minutes ^
Aug 13, 2019, 11:45 pm
#23
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Derailing further... but WS' former CEO did spend a decade first at AS:
Gregg Saretsky appointed new President and CEO of WestJet
But agree, its a logistical mess to set this up and I'd like AS to concentrate on getting all bags under 20 minutes ^
Gregg Saretsky appointed new President and CEO of WestJet
But agree, its a logistical mess to set this up and I'd like AS to concentrate on getting all bags under 20 minutes ^
Only 20 certificates required. One poster has already collected 30K this year. As per the "derailment," I could fill a thread with how I despise WS and boycott them. They are the epitome of hypocrisy. Enough said.
Back to VIP checked bags.
James
Aug 14, 2019, 12:20 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: BART Platinum, AA Plat Pro
Posts: 1,158
Anyone else thing it's a little lame Alaska doesn't have VIP baggage handling for gold/75k/ first class? United has the orange "VIP" flag they attach to the checked bag sticker/tag. I think in general this helps them prioritize getting those bags off first, although any experienced UAL traveler knows that's not always the case. Maybe Alaska thinks their 20 minute bag guarantee is sufficient across the board? Thoughts?
Aug 14, 2019, 1:16 am
#25
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
When I used to fly UA, I would generally expect to wait 30-45 minutes for my priority-tagged bags. AS typically delivers them in under 20, without discrimination. Knowing that I got my bags earlier than some poor kettle (on UA) didn’t make the long wait any better — it just made me more angry at UA.
Aug 14, 2019, 2:04 pm
#26
Join Date: May 2003
Location: SFO, mostly
Posts: 2,204
It doesn’t bother me because I seldom have to wait very long to begin with. My bag came off about 21 minutes after parking at C concourse in Seattle Thurs. Decided it wasn’t worth bothering with BSG but that was honestly the closest I’ve come on any AS flight. At ORD, my bag often beats me to baggage claim when I check one.
Aug 15, 2019, 8:10 am
#27
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 734
I used to think having no elite level baggage handling was a fault. However, Alaska really does have the fastest baggage handling in the industry. I rarely wait more than 15 minutes. So I now don't think it's necessary, especially if it would slow down the overall process.
Aug 18, 2019, 8:02 am
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,068
On AS I don’t mind checking a bag because it’s out lightning fast! All bags get VIP treatment! Great job Alaska!
Aug 18, 2019, 11:33 am
#29
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: CMH, sometimes AVP, formerly down the Shore
Programs: UA 1K/3MM, AA EXP/3MM, DL MM, former fan of TWA
Posts: 1,854
Just one more anecdote... last night, I flew AA into PHL and my checked luggage had an orange priority tag attached. According to the AA app, it was 27 minutes from the scan taken when the luggage was off-loaded from the plane to the scan when the item arrived at the luggage belt. My bag was one of the last off the plane. I am quite happy with the AS system as it is today.
Aug 18, 2019, 11:56 am
#30
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Seattle
Programs: Alaska airlines 100k
Posts: 923
I've complained to Alaska before about lack of VIP bag treatment and it's exactly this. They will tell you that with the 20 minute bag guarantee everyone's bags come out fast so there's no need for VIP service.
Of course that means as an elite member you might still be standing around at the carousel at minute 20 as the last bag comes down the chute and it's yours.
I hate it too, but Alaska doesn't seem to understand that when you are a frequent traveler you want every minute you can back in your travels. VIP tags would help, even with the 20 minute guarantee.
Neil
Of course that means as an elite member you might still be standing around at the carousel at minute 20 as the last bag comes down the chute and it's yours.
I hate it too, but Alaska doesn't seem to understand that when you are a frequent traveler you want every minute you can back in your travels. VIP tags would help, even with the 20 minute guarantee.
Neil
Good will often comes at no additional cost for your most frequent fliers.