Flying for Fun

I flew AS400 SEA-LAX last night. All bags were on the belt in 18 minutes. AS a 75K. I think that is great service and for non-status flyers even better. Fly AA with a priority tagged bag and hopefully the first of the priority bags start hitting the belt before 30.
James

NoLaGent

35k now after yesterday's collection as noted in the BSG thread and yes, with UA it's more like 40 minutes (with priority orange tags). AS has the best baggage handling service of any carrier flying, hands down.

beckoa

For those who frequent elite heavy flights... what happens when half (or more) of the planeload has a priority tag?

crjtraveler

Depends, on United the priority bags just come off whenever but at least they usually make the flight. With Delta, the priority tagged bags come out first and then the non tagged bags generally all within 20 mins.

The absolute best thing though is on RJs where you have to gatecheck a bag, United gives 1K & GS a special baggage wrap and those bags come out first everytime. It has made a huge difference in making flights I likely would have otherwise missed. Not much of an issue for Alaska though.
​

Xrayman

Good does not preclude better. These are not mutually exclusive options. Alaska could do both.

missamo80

Exactly. Alaska already has the "get them out in 20 mins or less" down. Now sequence the VIP bags first so we wait even less time. They could do both, but Alaska clearly doesn't see the value and won't.

Steve in Olympia

Flying for Fun

Sequencing takes time, it is not an automated process. Are you prepared to drop off your bags earlier for sorting and placement in the hold?

Alaska sees better in a guarantee and compensation when not met. Would priority delivery of Elite bags be better than a 20 minute guarantee? Should 75K get delivered before Gold & Gold before MVP? Should revenue prioritize over awards. All paid F before Elite Status or Elite Status F, non Elite F & then Elite on the remaining. Should MMs get hand delivered to an arrival lounge. Should Partner Elites get theirs first or last? How would they be tagged for priority when connecting from another airline? Where do golf bags, skis, bicycles & surfboards fit into the mix? If a hold is full, what gets left off, a 75K bicycle or an MVPG suitcase? Would you whine if you didn't get your free flying wine? Does misconnected or delayed luggage go on first potentially causing an overload or does it continue to be delayed.

Not quite as simple as "I am an Elite, I want my bags first" It sounds a lot like "I want my cake and eat it too."

James

missamo80

This is FlyerTalk. Of course we would!

s0ssos

Actually good is often the enemy of best

s0ssos

I've seen this, on JL. I was in business, and it seemed like half the bags came out before mine came out ("first-class tags", mostly due to status because there aren't that many seats in first).
But it was very orderly, something JL would do. As in none of the bags coming out before mine didn't have a special tag on.

VegasGambler

I think you are all missing the point. Yes, I get my bags fast, but without the priority tags, how will my fellow travelers know that I'm important?

I like the brightly colored ones so they can be seen at a distance.

s0ssos

In that case you should just buy Gucci fabric and wrap your bag in that. That is the only way to get everybody else to know you are important.

Eastbay1K

I have had enough priority tags over the years, in various pretty colors, to know that they are frequently nothing more than decorative future landfill, or have been damaged or destroyed en-route. As I post this, I currently have a priority tag from another airline adorning my checked baggage which should now (or soon) be in the custody of AS. We shall see, upon arrival, if my luggage is more speshul than others. I certainly hope so, because it will be my first AS flight in years when I am a lowly MVPG.

chrisl137

I put reflective ankle straps (intended for running or cycling in the dark) on the handles so they stand out.