Last edit by: JDiver
AA has gate checked carryon baggage that is excess or when bins are full for free. A new American Airlines “Airport Excellence Advisory” instructs agents to check the bag(s) and collect the checked baggage fee, “unless you’re entitled to free checked bags with a premium cabin ticket, AAdvantage elite status, or co-brand credit card.“
See full View From the Wing article by Gary Leff here.
See full View From the Wing article by Gary Leff here.
AA to Charge For Checking Oversized Carry-Ons (April 2021)
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
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AA to Charge For Checking Oversized Carry-Ons (April 2021)
While I feel for the gate agents on this one, I do see it reducing serious offenders who have to put their bag in sideways and block what could be used by three other rollaboards. Although AAdvantage elite members, co-branded credit card members, etc are exempt. I see this still helping with folks in elite category benefiting, especially if the flight boards early. Thoughts from others?
More here: https://onemileatatime.com/american-..._policy_change
More here: https://onemileatatime.com/american-..._policy_change
#4
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 307
The problem will be consistency! Before this "mandate" we took a trip to TPA (early March) and boarded in zone 4 on a very full flight. Both our bags failed the sizer check and were forced to be gate checked. We've been flying with these bags for years and know they fit perfectly fine in most mainline flights. Gate checking was not a issue in reality, but as we watched the plan fill up, dozens of bags similar size and larger were allowed to be carried on. Mrs. Infrequent Flyer was NOT happy, but it really was a 1st world problem and we were heading on vacation so no need to stress. Just this might be a issue with the new mandate.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Chicago
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The problem will be consistency! Before this "mandate" we took a trip to TPA (early March) and boarded in zone 4 on a very full flight. Both our bags failed the sizer check and were forced to be gate checked. We've been flying with these bags for years and know they fit perfectly fine in most mainline flights. Gate checking was not a issue in reality, but as we watched the plan fill up, dozens of bags similar size and larger were allowed to be carried on. Mrs. Infrequent Flyer was NOT happy, but it really was a 1st world problem and we were heading on vacation so no need to stress. Just this might be a issue with the new mandate.
#6
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Do you have to post a link to a private blogger? It looks to me as you want to funnel traffic to this site in order to generate ad revenue.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle
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Why does it matter? It's a thorough journalistic article. Most news agencies are "private." I implore you to find a "public" website that is reporting this information and doing a better job at it?
#8
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It showed up in my google news feed, and I thought to start a discussion. I would hope if I were into generating ad rev I would find a better method than to post in a niche internet forum that would garner maybe 50 clicks. I have zero affiliation with the publisher.
#9
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#10
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#11
Join Date: Dec 2011
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I'm curious ... Have any of the US carriers ever offered free checked bag at the ticket counter if the bag is small enough to fit in the carry-on sizer? Basically, doing what they've been doing at the gate, but upfront, at the TIcket counter?
#12
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle
Programs: Costco Club
Posts: 1,153
Yes, several have tried this to varying success. Some also allowed it a the kiosk. The 2 airlines I've been a manager at when they tried it, they determined that people were just using that for checked bags for free.
#13
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DSM
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In this scenario, isn't that kinda the point? If it is going to happen for free at the gate, why not save everyone the time at the gate and just do it upfront?
#14
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NYC
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Posts: 880
While this idea should, in theory, reduce said “repeat offenders” my worry is this will make the gate lice situation even worse. Unless steps are taken.
If you’re on a full flight and are Group 5 and higher, they should warn you of this at check-in, or even better, warn you at the time of booking. Maybe even offer a reduced pre-paid checked bag fee?
If you decide to take your carry-on still and don’t have overhead bin space, tough luck. You pay the whole fee. However, who’s to say this won’t cause delays if suddenly an angry pax (of any boarding group) is forced to pay to check? Brainstorming here, so I’m curious of other FTer’s takes/thoughts.
If you’re on a full flight and are Group 5 and higher, they should warn you of this at check-in, or even better, warn you at the time of booking. Maybe even offer a reduced pre-paid checked bag fee?
If you decide to take your carry-on still and don’t have overhead bin space, tough luck. You pay the whole fee. However, who’s to say this won’t cause delays if suddenly an angry pax (of any boarding group) is forced to pay to check? Brainstorming here, so I’m curious of other FTer’s takes/thoughts.
#15
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Join Date: Jul 2003
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My guess is that this will only be aimed at obvious offenders with full size bags. I've seen people haul full-size luggage through TSA before and assumed they probably knew it would just be gate-checked and thus they could avoid luggage check fees.