Had to check a bag on my last HKG-IAD (through SFO), flying C class and a 1K. Took over 45 minutes to get the "priority" bag after getting through passport check in SFO. Looked like most "priority" bags came off last based on the number of orange tags I saw near mine.

This happened to me when I went to LHR in March. I was in C both ways, however, the bags came out last at LHR and IAD:td:. However, the Arrivals Suite made up for the wait!^

NRT - LAX fast bags
 

On 17 May, our two priority tagged bags made it to baggage claim before I did.
Walked off the plane (mid of E+), about 2 minutes to get thru passport control (Global Entry works!) to find bags on the belt.

The case of the disappearing Priority Tags
 

This is just bizarre.

Checked bags at ORD for ORD-FRA-IST (UA/LH) and watched them put the priority tags on the bags.

When we got to IST the bags came out dead last, and without any sigh of the priority tags - both bags. Not even a little shred stuck in the glue, just gone.

All we can figure is that LH removed them, but WHY??

Yep, on my most recent trip LHR-ORD in F, all the priority bags came out pretty much dead last. (It was little solace that my bags were the first of the priority bags.) I was standing there with some other premium cabin pax and one of them commented that his bags often came out last on his recent international travels, adding "I'm just going to tell them not to put the priority tags on anymore". I'm not sure he was joking.

I have long known that priority tags mean nothing on domestics, but I have had pretty good success with them on international flights. I hope this is just an aberration, as being able to get the bags and get through customs quickly is a nice perk.

I just became an Elite in the last year. Since tagging my bags with the bright orange they have been lost three times. I flew just as much before just varied carriers and never had a bag lost. I actually prefer the lost bags. It gives me an opportunity for a cert.

Just to continue my reports.

Flew SYD-SFO-LHR-DUB

Bags were among first out in SFO and DUB (didn't need to get them at LHR).

Likewise, flew DUB-LHR-SFO-DEN and bags first out at SFO and DEN.

On an ORD-MCI roundtrip last month, priority-tagged bags appeared first at both places. My non-status companion was duly impressed, especially at ORD.

My bag is usually one of the first ones out...except at my home airport (OMA).

the true ff does.....
 

NOT check bags. Checking bags with UA is an invitation to losing your bags. I can take a carry on for a ten day trip. I'd rather have a root canal than check bags. That said, only once in many trips has my bag tag meant anything. Lesson I've learned many times. Carry on at all possible costs

It's 50-50 domestic, except at IAD where baggage claim for UA is always a terrible experience.

Returning to SFO from international flights, priority bags have always come first, Had the same experience arriving in LAX earlier this month.

The one time I had to check a bag in the last 2 years (during CATSA's madness when Igor at the Door was making arbitrary rules about zippers) it was the first off, and that was with a connection.

We're they soft cases? I always find that LAX baggage handlers usually hold off sending the hard cases through first even if they have priority tags on arriving international flights. And heaven help you if you travel with hard cases on domestic to LAX. I've had them come off the conveyor next to last, even with priority tags.

On the other hand I find any international destination I travel to will totally respect the priority tag.

Flew SFO - IAD last night, checked two soft cases plus a cardboard box. All of the luggage out the shoot in the first wave had priority tags, and yes even the box popped right out. (nice ending to an easy flight that was 30 minutes early!)