How early can you drop bags for a domestic flight?
Nov 20, 2016, 12:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: MSP
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How early can you drop bags for a domestic flight?
Does anyone know how much before a domestic flight one can drop bags with Delta's skycaps?
We're flying Wednesday and my toddler son is a giant transportation nerd, so I thought we'd take the train to MSP. But, I can't take his bag, my bag and a giant bag of Christmas presents, plus him and a car seat, on the train. So I was thinking I'd drive down early and skycap the bags. My wife will be with us with a car on the way home, so the return is easy.
Thanks for any help.
We're flying Wednesday and my toddler son is a giant transportation nerd, so I thought we'd take the train to MSP. But, I can't take his bag, my bag and a giant bag of Christmas presents, plus him and a car seat, on the train. So I was thinking I'd drive down early and skycap the bags. My wife will be with us with a car on the way home, so the return is easy.
Thanks for any help.
Nov 20, 2016, 12:54 pm
#2
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Does anyone know how much before a domestic flight one can drop bags with Delta's skycaps?
We're flying Wednesday and my toddler son is a giant transportation nerd, so I thought we'd take the train to MSP. But, I can't take his bag, my bag and a giant bag of Christmas presents, plus him and a car seat, on the train. So I was thinking I'd drive down early and skycap the bags. My wife will be with us with a car on the way home, so the return is easy.
Thanks for any help.
We're flying Wednesday and my toddler son is a giant transportation nerd, so I thought we'd take the train to MSP. But, I can't take his bag, my bag and a giant bag of Christmas presents, plus him and a car seat, on the train. So I was thinking I'd drive down early and skycap the bags. My wife will be with us with a car on the way home, so the return is easy.
Thanks for any help.
Nov 20, 2016, 1:07 pm
#3
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Definitely not. Just a long trip to find parking. 😎
Nov 20, 2016, 7:02 pm
#5
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Nov 20, 2016, 7:32 pm
#6
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Nov 20, 2016, 10:44 pm
#7
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Six hours is when the system allows you to short check a bag. 12 is when you must short check. 4 hours is when the checking desk opens for a flight(DL agent, not contract). Hubs though are open and staffed by DL checkin agents all day. Thus why you can get away with it at hubs, but varies elsewhere.
Nov 26, 2016, 1:04 am
#10
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Delta's "Checked Baggage" page:
It's not 100% clear language (*sigh*), but I think that if they'll allow curbside at T-6h they should also be willing to allow it at the ticket/bag drop counter.
When you arrive at the airport, you can drop off your checked baggage at the nearest baggage drop, marked with red "Baggage Drop" signage, or curbside check-in station (available within 6 hours of departure time). You may also check your bags at the airport kiosk, ticket counter, or curbside.
Nov 26, 2016, 3:40 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 383
In Tampa a month ago, I attempted to check in and check my bag with a Sky Cap 6 hours before my scheduled departure. The Sky Cap was not able to process the transaction. I had to check in and check my bag inside using the regular check in line. The transaction completed inside without a problem.
Nov 26, 2016, 6:32 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: MSP
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With the introduction of the radio chip bag tag this may also present an
early check-in problem of an undetermined nature i.e. where to store all
dem chipping bags to be boarded on the flights with the customers.
early check-in problem of an undetermined nature i.e. where to store all
dem chipping bags to be boarded on the flights with the customers.
Nov 27, 2016, 4:55 am
#13
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The most respectful way to put it, is that FT is quite often a faster and more accurate source of information, on a wide variety of topics, than any "call to Delta."
You can generally check-in and drop luggage same-day for any flight. This may be an issue at some non-hubs. YMM and will vary; there is no consistency in on-the-ground operational practices of this nature. But at MSP you should be fine.
Nov 27, 2016, 5:01 am
#14
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Given that connections can be up to <24 hours, seems as if it is possible to check a bag that far in advance. So it is likely to be station dependent. They probably won't check bags if there are any gaps in staffing at non-hubs.
Personally I think it is a higher risk of lost or delayed baggage to early check, but can't provide hard evidence as such.
Personally I think it is a higher risk of lost or delayed baggage to early check, but can't provide hard evidence as such.
Nov 27, 2016, 6:04 am
#15
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Delta agents will cite published rules accurately at least as reliably as FlyerTalkers will attempt to find and read them.
