Slow ATL baggage claim for Southwest
#17
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Diamond, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,356
LOL.
Don't think for a minute the grass is greener on the other side. In this case, the south side baggage claim.
Last time I checked a bag with DL, I looked all over for my bag. All the monitors said it was one carrousel--I scanned others for my flight number on the bag tags. Finally stood in line at the baggage desk to see what was going on. While standing there, I saw my bag at one of the (now stopped) carrousels I'd checked earlier). Went back by our announced carrousel and let the other pax know what was going on. (At some point I checked the app and was able to find the correct carrousel number there).
Don't think for a minute the grass is greener on the other side. In this case, the south side baggage claim.
Last time I checked a bag with DL, I looked all over for my bag. All the monitors said it was one carrousel--I scanned others for my flight number on the bag tags. Finally stood in line at the baggage desk to see what was going on. While standing there, I saw my bag at one of the (now stopped) carrousels I'd checked earlier). Went back by our announced carrousel and let the other pax know what was going on. (At some point I checked the app and was able to find the correct carrousel number there).
#18
formerly jackvogt
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: Delta SkyMiles,
Posts: 822
I have often been surprised by how long Southwest takes for luggage in ATL. I also have found it weird that they can't get the bags on the correct carousel and have to use staff to announce it. I quite like Delta's 20 minute guarantee but since bags are free on Southwest, I understand why they wouldn't be doing something like that. Usually, my bags are waiting for me after a DL flight. I guess it's just one of those minor annoyances that come with flying. Everything is "hurry up and wait"
#19
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: ORD, MDW or MKE
Programs: American and Southwest. Hilton and Marriott hotels primarily.
Posts: 6,461
I set a new record yesterday at Midway. Seat belt sign turned off at the gate at 7:47pm. 17 minutes later I reached the baggage claim and both my bags were already on the conveyor.
However, my luck ended there. Long wait for a bus to the parking garage. Had to fight my way onto the bus as several people waiting did not get on. When I got to the pay lanes it was chaos. I have never seen so many cars there. The back up was onto the road way and no clear lines existed. It was almost 8:45 before I was able to pay and get out of there. Midway is not a fun airport to travel from.
However, my luck ended there. Long wait for a bus to the parking garage. Had to fight my way onto the bus as several people waiting did not get on. When I got to the pay lanes it was chaos. I have never seen so many cars there. The back up was onto the road way and no clear lines existed. It was almost 8:45 before I was able to pay and get out of there. Midway is not a fun airport to travel from.
#22
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
I set a new record yesterday at Midway. Seat belt sign turned off at the gate at 7:47pm. 17 minutes later I reached the baggage claim and both my bags were already on the conveyor.
However, my luck ended there. Long wait for a bus to the parking garage. Had to fight my way onto the bus as several people waiting did not get on. When I got to the pay lanes it was chaos. I have never seen so many cars there. The back up was onto the road way and no clear lines existed. It was almost 8:45 before I was able to pay and get out of there. Midway is not a fun airport to travel from.
However, my luck ended there. Long wait for a bus to the parking garage. Had to fight my way onto the bus as several people waiting did not get on. When I got to the pay lanes it was chaos. I have never seen so many cars there. The back up was onto the road way and no clear lines existed. It was almost 8:45 before I was able to pay and get out of there. Midway is not a fun airport to travel from.
17 minutes seems... astounding. Any chance your bags came in on an earlier flight?
#24
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Dallas, TX, AA 3MM EXP, WN
Posts: 1,808
I have often been surprised by how long Southwest takes for luggage in ATL. I also have found it weird that they can't get the bags on the correct carousel and have to use staff to announce it. I quite like Delta's 20 minute guarantee but since bags are free on Southwest, I understand why they wouldn't be doing something like that. Usually, my bags are waiting for me after a DL flight. I guess it's just one of those minor annoyances that come with flying. Everything is "hurry up and wait"