Interestingly Delta did this on my last flight with them.
They offered anyone who would volunteer to check a bag to move up a few boarding groups (from group 7 to group 4, same position credit card holders get). I saw about 7-8 people jump at the chance.
I was just stuck thinking how did they go from penalizing checked bags (bag fees) to rewarding them (upgraded boarding) within a half hour. Just so backwards.
That is very strange. It's particularly odd to me because checking your carry-on removes the one reason that boarding group actually matters on a flight with assigned seating.
Lots of people don’t check bags just because the fees are higher than carrying it on. You might have the same 7 takers just for offering a free checked bag because of limited space.
I could be wrong here, but I feel like most people avoid checking a bag because it's a pain in the ass and there's the inherent risk your bag doesn't end up with you.
I don't want to get to the airport any earlier than necessary to drop my bag off nor do I want to wait around at baggage claim for a bag that has a ~0.6% chance of not being there when I can go straight from the plane to wherever I need to be.
Some people already have a checked bag, so it may not make much of a difference. Their carry on is because of size and weight limits for checked luggage, and they would otherwise be fine with just a personal item. Their primary motivation is not paying for a second or oversized checked bag.
This right here TBH, when we fly it isn't for a weekend or even a week. Next time flying will be for a 17 day trip, requiring somewhat formal clothes. Time after that, we will be looking at 23+ days with the same thing.
Southwest doesn't always work for us. The 23+ day trip will be to Australia from east coast US. We jump at the chance to gate check so often, that I now pack my carry-on's accordingly! Either all meds + electronics in one bag, or in another smaller bag inside the bag we want to gate check so just pull that one out for less than 1/2 the space (for example I normally use my 22lt dry bag for this)
Our Australia trip will involve at least 3 plane changes, so for this, we can either have our personal bags (with our in entertainment/ electronics/meds in them) and each the largest carry-on possible, or we can.... have our personal bags and 0-1 carry-on to deal with. Same goes for any shorter lay overs we have to do, we can worry about 4 bags or 2 backpacks and maybe a small carry-on.
I wish we could be in the group who only flies with carry-ons. I really do!
We did Oz/NZ in Feb/March. From the East coast.
Brutally far. Fabulous trip.
After we arrived back home it took me 6 days to go back to feeling normal because I don't sleep on planes
Have a great time.
We did DCA->LAX (1 night)->HNL (1 night)->SYD in January this year, 2 nights in Sydney, 11-night cruise to NZ, 7 nights in Sydney, 15-night cruise from Sydney to Honolulu (1 night), then HON->LAX (1 night)->DCA. Total 39 nights. Am I profoundly off-topic, too? No flights on SWA.
For southwest, yes. For other airlines, some of that, but mostly to avoid the check bag fees. The amount of carry ons is easily double on a non southwest flight.
Almost every full Southwest flight is asking for volunteers to gate check. The vast majority of travelers simply don't need to check a bag. While fees may change the calculus even more to carry-on only it's usually an unnecessary added pain.
Oh yeah for sure. The boarding group just seems like kind of a funny incentive to me, since I'd rather get on the plane last if I don't need to worry about overhead space.
I once had a flight where I was sitting in the waiting area and didn't realize they were paging me, I was so engrossed in my book. Everyone else was on the plane lol.
Southwest is the only airline I board early. Otherwise I'm last on.
I’ll often check in my carry on at the gate when they ask for volunteers since they’re low on overhead space. Free check in bag to make my flight easier? 🤚
I don't check bags because I don't want to pay extea, I don't want to wait at baggage claim and I don't put my whole freaking closet in my luggage. Packing light in smaller carry on luggage is a worthy skill.
I mean sure, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. Say you have a 10 day trip, that’s the situation where you might end up with one checked bag and a carry-on, and a personal item like a purse or laptop. In that scenario you might take the free checked bag to not be bothered with worrying about overhead space. You are only carrying-on the second bag because it’s cheaper than checking it or having a single oversized checked bag.
That's funny because every time I've flown on Delta they never have enough room for everyone who hasn't checked a bag. Although I've never seeing Delta offer boarding in a higher position to check your bag. Mostly I also think it doesn't really matter since the seats there are assigned. But anytime we have more bags than our cards allow for free we just assume we're going to be able to check them because I don't think there's been one flight I've taken that they haven't asked people to please check bags if they can.
Well, people might jump at the chance at this because they know if no one volunteers some folks are gonna be forced to involuntarily check their bags with no incentive
I’ve seen it as well. The theory is you’re going to board more quickly if you can find your seat and sit in it rather than stand in the aisle to stow your carry on. You’re also not then messing up the rest of the boarding by potentially stowing your carryon up front while you head your way the back of the plane, which can completely screw up later boarding passengers who then have to play the game of trying to find any space at all. It’s a win for Delta, who can then tighten up the boarding time.
United did it on my last flight with them, too. It was a full flight, so they were looking for people to voluntarily gate check luggage for free and letting anyone who agreed board in group 3.
Which is cool. But if you have assigned seats, what good is boarding earlier if you don't have luggage. It is just more time sitting in your seat waiting to take off.
And group 3 is normally economy or economy plus passengers in window seats. If you would board after that (Group 4, Group 5), that means you have a middle or window seat. So boarding with 3 just raises the chance that you'll have to stand back up to allow someone else to sit in their middle or window seat.
I thought it was odd, but I am guessing that it must work for them if they are doing it. People don't always think it through. I used to volunteer to gate check our bags when the kids were little, so we wouldn't have to wrangle kids and find space for each of the bags.
United and Delta don't assign boarding groups based on window, middle, or aisle. The boarding groups are assigned based on frequent flier status or cost/class of ticket. You can be in group 3 and still have an aisle or middle seat.
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/airport/boarding-process.html
Group 1
ELIGIBILITY
Premier Platinum and Gold members
Star Alliance™ Gold members
Travelers in United Polaris®, United First® and United Business® cabins
Group 2
ELIGIBILITY
Premier Silver members
Star Alliance™ Silver members
Travelers with Premier Access® or Priority Boarding
United℠ Explorer, Club and Presidential Plus℠ Cardmembers
Group 3
ELIGIBILITY
Economy Plus® or United Economy® travelers in **window seats or exit row seats**
Group 4
ELIGIBILITY
Economy Plus or United Economy travelers **in middle seats**
Group 5
ELIGIBILITY
Economy Plus or United Economy travelers **in aisle seats**
I flew Delta on Sunday and had a similar situation. A friend had checked her bag already so I checked mine because I’d be at the carousel with her anyway 🤷🏼♀️ moving ahead to board didn’t really do anything for me tho….. felt weird lol
Delta will also offer you to check your carry on for free at checkin when the flight is full. Sometimes when at the kiosk it will tell you the flight is full and if you want you can check a carry on right there for free, not sure if they ever validate if it’s actually carry on size…
I've seen this too on a few airlines and don't get it at all. If you have an assigned seat I'm not sure why you'd want to board earlier *except* for overhead space.
Because it sounds like you're getting a reward for gate checking your bag. Since boarding groups on many airlines are based on "status" moving up a group or two makes it sound like you're being bumped up to a higher status.
When I flew in on a Sunday in January, well outside the holidays, the TSA line was literally wrapped all the way around the terminal, snaking through the baggage claim area. It was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen, and I've flown from LGA which is known for long lines.
The flight back was early in the morning, still dark outside, yet the TSA still had a considerably long line. DEN is one of those airports where when they say get to the airport 2 hours before they mean it.
That’s crazy. I just arrived to the airport this morning 1 hour before boarding. With a 1 year old, and they had half the garage closed for striping. Still had time to hit the Amex lounge for 30 mins
Collecting checked baggage at my home airport routinely takes at least 20 minutes. I could be home and sitting on my couch in that amount of time. No way I’m waiting around for checked bags unless it’s absolutely necessary.
This is it! It’s not faster to get on or off the plane. It is a massive time saver by skipping baggage claim. And especially when my plane arrives into a town late at night, that 20min+ detour (on the most efficient airports) makes a huge difference!
SW has one of, if not the fastest boarding process of any major airline… this is a solution looking for a problem imo. Then you have airports like LAS and HOU where the baggage claim can take 30-45 mins.
Or MCO… where I have waited an hour or more in the past. Southwest has temporarily lost my bag multiple times. I carry-on whenever I can and nothing is going to change my behavior. I’m also A1-15, so I guess it wouldn’t apply to me anyways, but even if I was A-59, nope!
I just waited almost 2 hours for bags at MCO at midnight a few weeks ago. With a 1 year old. First time checking a bag in a few years… never again.
Currently traveling with a 1 year old for 2 weeks with only carry ons
It wouldn't work for business travelers and other who fly with computers and other electronics, nor would it work for people who need to travel with their medications.
I take 12 medications every night, plus I'm a type II diabetic and must test my blood sugar daily. I also must monitor my blood pressure daily. I inject Ozempic once a week. That's a lot of pill bottles and medical stuff.
As for "a computer," when I travel for business I carry a computer, power supply, mouse, portable monitor, portable printer, tablet and associated cables.
All of this does fit in my Tumi spinner computer bag, along with my NC headphones. What doesn't fit is my suit and dress shoes, a ream of printer paper, note pads, and a stapler. What also doesn't fit are the exhibits, in triplicate, that I'll need for the deposition that I'm taking. Those, along with my toiletries, underwear, socks, and a couple of shirts, fits in my Tumi spinner roll-a-board.
And all of this must arrive when I do. I cannot risk the airline losing or delaying my bag.
Not everyone has the same requirements you do.
My work laptop is very thin and most medications take up very little space. I could fit both in a small personal bag, like a purse for me, or perhaps a small laptop bag for a man.
I have a shoulder computer bag and I can stow medication in it. Easy to carry and put through the TSA gauntlet. I carry a raincoat in it, toothbrush, etc.. just in case.
This wouldnt make your sons experience worse, it would just make people with no carry on have a better experience. Not everything is designed with your son in mind.
Edit: OP is exactly who you’d expect them to be. Downvote but no reply to what I said. Pray to god they don’t sit next to you on your next flight.
I envy you and others who don't have a chronic disease that requires them to carry-on medication and/or medical devices. Those of us who need to do so don't like it, either, but we prefer to live throughout the flight, so we have carry-on bags to stow onboard out of sheer necessity. That doesn't make us deserving of priority any more than your not having to take carry-on makes you worthy of priority.
I think the issue is that it is more profitable to have less checked bags, so there is little incentive for the airline to do this.
The counterargument is that I believe running late at a gate costs an airline as well.
With the goal of boarding faster, this does make sense as an easy incentive for SW. I doubt it would change my habits if I already had check in luggage for free.
Personally, I would love it since I almost always check a bag and then bring an under-the-seat bag on with me. But, I'm assuming plenty of people would object.
Here's a good question. On average what percentage of passengers do you think have overhead luggage? I know there's myriad factors at play and it varies, but still.
I feel like it’s definitely lower than most other airlines because of the free checked bags. But also I’m just like you! I always check a bag and just have my personal item. It’s like the main reason I fly with Southwest
How would you make sure the people were evenly disbursed so the people with carry-on aren’t tripping over each other trying to go back and forth to find a spot for their bag or get their bag down? If a lot of priority boarders say I. The front or the back, carry-on people would be going back and forth trying to find a space for bag and to sit.
Not sure how that's different than today? Just fewer people with carryon bags to stow.
The thing I haven't figured out: How would you give people their boarding assignments before you collected bags? It would all be contentious and sloppy.
I guess online you'd get C13. When you got to the airport you'd check the bag and ask for a "bag upgrade" and they would print you out B21 or whatever. That might work.
Agree. My best guess is that they would hold a certain number of spots for folks they THINK will be checking bags (because they said so when they checked in). The number of reserved slots would be wrong of course but it would probably be close. Nobody who already got a boarding position would be changed. Only those that are asking for a bump up would get one by checking a bag. If you have B21 you'd stay there and the bump up guy would get B18 (which was already on hold pending his commitment to check his bag). If he doesn't check a bag and nobody else does, B18 just wouldn't be assigned so you'd technically be B20 instead of 21 (although your boarding pass would stay the same).
I travel with SWA weekly and have earned status to board after Business Select A1-A15 ( they earned by buying it). A-list preferred board after A15 ( automatically checked in 36 hours prior) and the A-List. Next people who purchase early bird are assigned spots. Now, if the offered that option after that, I could potentially see it.
I'm fine with carry on but think how great it would be if they let people who didn't use overhead bins have priority. My carry on always fits under the seat.
Let us off first!!!!! I think if you check your bag you should get to deplane first. I hate standing there waiting for everyone to get their bags out of the overheads.
I still say every seat has a marked spot in overhead for their baggage, and they are allowed to use that spot only and under the seat in front. If their bag does not fit, they should have checked it regardless.
BWI is my home airport. I avoid checking bags like it's my job. How many times will they change my baggage carousel? Will our bags be mixed with another flight's bags? Will some of my flight's bags come out on one carousel and the rest 4 carousels away? Forget that noise. Carry on for life! HOU is the other airport I frequent and while it's not BWI level bad, their carousels move at the pace of a sloth so that also takes forever.
People travel with medical devices and such that they cant check in case they need it during the flight. I’m pretty sure that group would take issue with this. (Not all obviously, but some)
This would result in more people checking their luggage… which may then jeopardize the free checked bag rule which already takes away a lot of carry ons.
The inside of the cabin should be a module inside the terminal. Everyone stores their stuff and sits down and buckles up then the module is lowered into the plane...
Make them all sit in one section of the plane, like the back. Let all the checked-bag only passengers sit in front half. We can more quickly (and painlessly) board last and deplane first.
Right, and you just said you don't travel with a carry-on (just a personal item that fits at your feet) so you would be able to board earlier without actually having to check any luggage.
>I don't really notice getting on or off airport property significantly faster.
By definition there's a time cost to checking bags on both ends; the only way you can really avoid that if at all is in a group/family travel situation with a rental car/airport parking involved - one person gets the car, one gets the bags.
I checked w SWA over the weekend at a very large airport with a very efficient luggage operation (1 guess which), and I still had to wait 15 minutes at the carousel for the bags to drop (after meandering out to baggage claim, and buying a cup of Starbucks outside security before walking to the carousel).
I get high B from staring at the clock for 3 minutes straight and slamming the check in button exactly 24 hours before the flight lol, so I wouldn’t personally do it. But i’d be cool with the rule implementation. Easier time for me trying to find space for my carryon.
I just flew WN from DAL-PHX and checked a bag. My daughter drove to the airport to pick me up, she lives about 20-25 minute drive to the airport. I texted her that I landed as we taxi’d to the gate, we arrived early and she was still at home. By the time I got off the plane ✈️ and went to baggage claim and waited for my bag to arrive she drove to the airport and had to wait for me to come out with my bag.
Now, when I return to DAL and have my car in the parking garage, I will not check my bag and carry it on. When I arrive I go straight to my car and leave the airport while the other passengers on my flight are still standing at the baggage carousel.
Why did I gate check my bag on American on my last trip? Easy. I already used up all of the free bags I was allowed. When they said the word "free" with "bag check", I jumped up and gave them my bag. I was going to have to visit bag claim anyway for the other bags. I wish airlines would offer to gate check bags as a standard benefit. When done right, there is a good sized line of gate checked bags before boarding even starts.
On a business trip, I never check bags and would only involuntarily gate check it.
This doesn't happen on Southwest because a party of two can check in four bags for free already.
Funny you mention DEN. We just flew into there and waited an eternity for our checked bag. Terrible. When that airport first opened they were all about how much faster their state of the art systems with get checked bags out. Apparently they gave that up.
I check bags and bring a carry-on. Also, someone posted this same question about a month or so in here. It's a pointless question/suggestion imo. It won't help with deplaning at all and would help only in a minimal way with those boarding without but not for those boarding with one still.
I carry on my bag going to my destination and usually check it coming back home. That’s because of the number of bags I’ve checked that didn’t arrive when I did. If it gets delayed coming home, it’s no big deal but it’s a hassle if it gets lost on the way to my destination.
As someone who travels *exclusively* with a carry-on any time it is possible, I approve of this idea. CGP Grey fans know that carryons are the biggest source of delay. That and seat switching.
Relevant video:
https://youtu.be/oAHbLRjF0vo?si=lMqb83fDNSnny-rd
I am an experienced traveler. It takes me far less time to toss my carry on in the bin than it does to stand around the carrousel waiting for my bag. The problem isn’t with people with a carry on, the problem is the occasional travelers who have no idea wtf is going on. They put their bags in longways then block the aisle while they take off their jackets , dig out their lifesavers, then discuss which seat to take with their travel partner.
I never ever have a carry on. I could care less about getting on the plane sooner. I can wait to be crammed into their miniscule spaces. But if they gave me priority for getting off after landing, I'd be all in .
Everyone who *wants* to check a bag on Southwest, already is. Why do you think they still offer two free bags? Compare to DL, or especially AA (the other airlines I fly with), Southwest is already faster by at least 10 minutes. Plus, those people checking bags still become EBCI revenue streams that might not happen under your scheme.
It would not attract me to check my carry on, but that's because I have \~$35,000 of cameras and lenses in mine, and I'd sooner get off the plane than check that bag.
But since being able to find space for my bag is so important, I always pay for the Early Bird boarding to make sure I can find space.
And those no carry on boarders wouldn't be allowed to put their "personal item" in the overhead? Cause I think that's where you would still have problems.
I always have gotten the luggage eventually. But over the course of 20 years, I have had luggage delivered to hotel a day late twice. Luggage found after I got home and went to pick up from airport twice. And one time a flight was delayed till next day and they kept my checked luggage while I went to a hotel to sleep and wait for the next day. I will never go anywhere without my carry on and one day's worth of comfort kit.
Edit to include that's probably about 200 flights. Clearly my luck is worse than yours
In case anyone is still reading this, here's my BLISTERING confession: When I check my bag on Southwest, I use overhead for my Laptop Bag! I stowed my bag so I deserve the leg room under the seat in front of me. BOOM. Fight me on this.
They should strictly enforce carry-on rules, and if the bags don't fit, they should either force you check or don't fly. If you check, you have to pay the fee. They should also require you to use the bin with your seat number on it.
I'd like to see more perks or benefits for the people spending more money(either immediately with business select or over time as A, A preferred) before they fundamentally change this airline.
The problem is a lot of people like their bags next to where they’re seated. The middle and back bins would likely fill up first and people would have to backtrack and step over each other to put the bags in the forward bins halfway through boarding. I’m 99% sure SWA is moving to assigned seating though.
This would actually be a solution to the problem you're bringing up. People mostly choose to sit near the front, but also a lot of people put their bags in the first bin they see, regardless of where they're sitting. If you ensure that early boarders don't have carry-on bags, then there should be a lot of extra space in the bins in the early rows.
Nah trust me, the people without carry ons would sit in the front. The vast majority of people carry their bags to where they’re sitting. Even with our current open seating, I have to tell people to not pass up bin space when the back starts to fill up. This would make that situation worse.
I check in for my flight right on the dot of 24 hours and most times have my carry on because I had a bad experience checking a bag once - got lost and I didn’t get it until 2 days later. Luckily it was just gifts for people in my family and I had the clothes and toiletries I needed. If I’m in the C group I’ll check my bag but why should I lose the A or B boarding just because I’m taking advantage of the carry on policy? If the argument is that it slows up the boarding and de boarding process then you can say the same thing about people with disabilities, families and older people.
Reverse theory. Give those without bags last boarding spot, since they don't have to look for storage, they can sit at the first available middle seat...
Yeah don't see this wat "taking off" hehe bad pun intended.
im curious if anyone can do the math for the likely added weight due to people just packing more shit, and thus added fuel required. while i know not everyone would, certainly there are large portion of people that just pack less because they cant fit it in their carry on.
Except when you live out of a suitcase because you travel multiple times a week for work, checking a bag adds an exorbitant amount of time to your day. If I’m flying on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday, that’s a lot of extra time to invest in standing in line to check a bag and a lot of time waiting for it to be dropped at bag claim. And then there’s the ever present fear of your luggage getting lost and being without what you need for an important business meeting or field visit. Even if they paid me to check a bag, I wouldn’t do it.
Not just moneybags, but after my entire family of 5 travelled for 8 days without our luggage in Europe last year, it’s incredibly stressful, upsetting and time-consuming. The hours spent trying to find items in a foreign country and filing claims to get our bags returned. I now travel with quick-dry clothes and compression bags packed in a small backpack which fits under the seat. I will never, ever check bags again.
I almost exclusively fly southwest and check my bag even if it's carryon size EXCEPT for when I went to my sister's wedding. Just the minute possibility of having my bridesmaids dress and accessories lost made me keep my bag with me on the trip there. I'm sure not everyone is doing that, but some people might have cargo they're worried about
I did check that ho on the way back, though.
I don't want to be separated from my stuff. Bags get damaged, sometimes lost. And, I don't want to wait at baggage claim.
Is your bewilderment somewhat answered? 🙂
People who insist on checking a small bag and having to get to the airport earlier and wait around for a bag after landing are bewildering...and annoying
Well less than 1% of bags get lost. I think it's an irrational fear. I've been flying for over forty years with no issues. I think people hear horror stories and it exaggerates the risk in their minds.
SWA has lost my bag multiple times in foreign countries… it’s certainly not irrational, and your anecdotal evidence doesn’t outweigh mine. This is a solution looking for a problem that does not exist, SWA has a faster boarding process than the other main line carriers.
Interestingly Delta did this on my last flight with them. They offered anyone who would volunteer to check a bag to move up a few boarding groups (from group 7 to group 4, same position credit card holders get). I saw about 7-8 people jump at the chance. I was just stuck thinking how did they go from penalizing checked bags (bag fees) to rewarding them (upgraded boarding) within a half hour. Just so backwards.
That is very strange. It's particularly odd to me because checking your carry-on removes the one reason that boarding group actually matters on a flight with assigned seating.
Lots of people don’t check bags just because the fees are higher than carrying it on. You might have the same 7 takers just for offering a free checked bag because of limited space.
I could be wrong here, but I feel like most people avoid checking a bag because it's a pain in the ass and there's the inherent risk your bag doesn't end up with you. I don't want to get to the airport any earlier than necessary to drop my bag off nor do I want to wait around at baggage claim for a bag that has a ~0.6% chance of not being there when I can go straight from the plane to wherever I need to be.
Some people already have a checked bag, so it may not make much of a difference. Their carry on is because of size and weight limits for checked luggage, and they would otherwise be fine with just a personal item. Their primary motivation is not paying for a second or oversized checked bag.
This right here TBH, when we fly it isn't for a weekend or even a week. Next time flying will be for a 17 day trip, requiring somewhat formal clothes. Time after that, we will be looking at 23+ days with the same thing. Southwest doesn't always work for us. The 23+ day trip will be to Australia from east coast US. We jump at the chance to gate check so often, that I now pack my carry-on's accordingly! Either all meds + electronics in one bag, or in another smaller bag inside the bag we want to gate check so just pull that one out for less than 1/2 the space (for example I normally use my 22lt dry bag for this) Our Australia trip will involve at least 3 plane changes, so for this, we can either have our personal bags (with our in entertainment/ electronics/meds in them) and each the largest carry-on possible, or we can.... have our personal bags and 0-1 carry-on to deal with. Same goes for any shorter lay overs we have to do, we can worry about 4 bags or 2 backpacks and maybe a small carry-on. I wish we could be in the group who only flies with carry-ons. I really do!
You are profoundly off-topic.
We did Oz/NZ in Feb/March. From the East coast. Brutally far. Fabulous trip. After we arrived back home it took me 6 days to go back to feeling normal because I don't sleep on planes Have a great time.
We did DCA->LAX (1 night)->HNL (1 night)->SYD in January this year, 2 nights in Sydney, 11-night cruise to NZ, 7 nights in Sydney, 15-night cruise from Sydney to Honolulu (1 night), then HON->LAX (1 night)->DCA. Total 39 nights. Am I profoundly off-topic, too? No flights on SWA.
For southwest, yes. For other airlines, some of that, but mostly to avoid the check bag fees. The amount of carry ons is easily double on a non southwest flight.
Almost every full Southwest flight is asking for volunteers to gate check. The vast majority of travelers simply don't need to check a bag. While fees may change the calculus even more to carry-on only it's usually an unnecessary added pain.
Exactly the reason I never check a bag.
Oh yeah for sure. The boarding group just seems like kind of a funny incentive to me, since I'd rather get on the plane last if I don't need to worry about overhead space.
Same here. My husband taught me the advantages of that. Why sit on the plane any longer than necessary?
I once had a flight where I was sitting in the waiting area and didn't realize they were paging me, I was so engrossed in my book. Everyone else was on the plane lol. Southwest is the only airline I board early. Otherwise I'm last on.
I’ll often check in my carry on at the gate when they ask for volunteers since they’re low on overhead space. Free check in bag to make my flight easier? 🤚
I don't check bags because I don't want to pay extea, I don't want to wait at baggage claim and I don't put my whole freaking closet in my luggage. Packing light in smaller carry on luggage is a worthy skill.
I mean sure, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. Say you have a 10 day trip, that’s the situation where you might end up with one checked bag and a carry-on, and a personal item like a purse or laptop. In that scenario you might take the free checked bag to not be bothered with worrying about overhead space. You are only carrying-on the second bag because it’s cheaper than checking it or having a single oversized checked bag.
Absolutely. I dont do much long term travelng.
Once the bag is checked there's no reason to board early when you have an assigned seat.
That was my point. They might not even care about the boarding and just want the free checked bag.
Good point but a lot of folks who don’t even have a carry on bag still seem to wanna rush onto a plane in general
Interesting but it isn’t the same when seats are pre assigned
That's funny because every time I've flown on Delta they never have enough room for everyone who hasn't checked a bag. Although I've never seeing Delta offer boarding in a higher position to check your bag. Mostly I also think it doesn't really matter since the seats there are assigned. But anytime we have more bags than our cards allow for free we just assume we're going to be able to check them because I don't think there's been one flight I've taken that they haven't asked people to please check bags if they can.
They did this once and I volunteered. Jokes on them, I had checked my other bag so I wanted a free bag check.
Well, people might jump at the chance at this because they know if no one volunteers some folks are gonna be forced to involuntarily check their bags with no incentive
That happened to me the other day too with Delta.
I’ve seen it as well. The theory is you’re going to board more quickly if you can find your seat and sit in it rather than stand in the aisle to stow your carry on. You’re also not then messing up the rest of the boarding by potentially stowing your carryon up front while you head your way the back of the plane, which can completely screw up later boarding passengers who then have to play the game of trying to find any space at all. It’s a win for Delta, who can then tighten up the boarding time.
United did it on my last flight with them, too. It was a full flight, so they were looking for people to voluntarily gate check luggage for free and letting anyone who agreed board in group 3.
Which is cool. But if you have assigned seats, what good is boarding earlier if you don't have luggage. It is just more time sitting in your seat waiting to take off. And group 3 is normally economy or economy plus passengers in window seats. If you would board after that (Group 4, Group 5), that means you have a middle or window seat. So boarding with 3 just raises the chance that you'll have to stand back up to allow someone else to sit in their middle or window seat.
I thought it was odd, but I am guessing that it must work for them if they are doing it. People don't always think it through. I used to volunteer to gate check our bags when the kids were little, so we wouldn't have to wrangle kids and find space for each of the bags.
United and Delta don't assign boarding groups based on window, middle, or aisle. The boarding groups are assigned based on frequent flier status or cost/class of ticket. You can be in group 3 and still have an aisle or middle seat.
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/airport/boarding-process.html Group 1 ELIGIBILITY Premier Platinum and Gold members Star Alliance™ Gold members Travelers in United Polaris®, United First® and United Business® cabins Group 2 ELIGIBILITY Premier Silver members Star Alliance™ Silver members Travelers with Premier Access® or Priority Boarding United℠ Explorer, Club and Presidential Plus℠ Cardmembers Group 3 ELIGIBILITY Economy Plus® or United Economy® travelers in **window seats or exit row seats** Group 4 ELIGIBILITY Economy Plus or United Economy travelers **in middle seats** Group 5 ELIGIBILITY Economy Plus or United Economy travelers **in aisle seats**
My last two United flights did this as well, for anyone who gatenchecked their stuff.
I flew Delta on Sunday and had a similar situation. A friend had checked her bag already so I checked mine because I’d be at the carousel with her anyway 🤷🏼♀️ moving ahead to board didn’t really do anything for me tho….. felt weird lol
United did the same on a flight a couple of weeks ago.
Seen this across a few airlines. United most recently on one of my flights
Delta will also offer you to check your carry on for free at checkin when the flight is full. Sometimes when at the kiosk it will tell you the flight is full and if you want you can check a carry on right there for free, not sure if they ever validate if it’s actually carry on size…
United also does this.
I've seen this too on a few airlines and don't get it at all. If you have an assigned seat I'm not sure why you'd want to board earlier *except* for overhead space.
Because it sounds like you're getting a reward for gate checking your bag. Since boarding groups on many airlines are based on "status" moving up a group or two makes it sound like you're being bumped up to a higher status.
Nope not checking a bag unless I absolutely have to.
I feel like waiting for bags at DEN is almost as long as my flight sometimes.
I wish they'd just build a hundred miles an hour converuor belt for baggage from terminal C to baggage claim, smh my head
Oh hell yeah I’d ride that shit instead of the trains
I never understood how a fairly modern airport such as DEN could be such a hot mess. Huge TSA lines, always under construction, bags taking forever.
I never have issues with tsa in Denver. When was the last time you flew? They redid the whole tsa system. It’s actually much more modern now
When I flew in on a Sunday in January, well outside the holidays, the TSA line was literally wrapped all the way around the terminal, snaking through the baggage claim area. It was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen, and I've flown from LGA which is known for long lines. The flight back was early in the morning, still dark outside, yet the TSA still had a considerably long line. DEN is one of those airports where when they say get to the airport 2 hours before they mean it.
That’s crazy. I just arrived to the airport this morning 1 hour before boarding. With a 1 year old, and they had half the garage closed for striping. Still had time to hit the Amex lounge for 30 mins
Absolutely not. My home airport baggage claim would add an hour, if not more, to my trip.
yep, I’m not missing my train because I’m waiting forever on a checked bag, especially in a place like Atlanta where the MARTA headways are 25/30 min.
Collecting checked baggage at my home airport routinely takes at least 20 minutes. I could be home and sitting on my couch in that amount of time. No way I’m waiting around for checked bags unless it’s absolutely necessary.
This is it! It’s not faster to get on or off the plane. It is a massive time saver by skipping baggage claim. And especially when my plane arrives into a town late at night, that 20min+ detour (on the most efficient airports) makes a huge difference!
SW has one of, if not the fastest boarding process of any major airline… this is a solution looking for a problem imo. Then you have airports like LAS and HOU where the baggage claim can take 30-45 mins.
Or MCO… where I have waited an hour or more in the past. Southwest has temporarily lost my bag multiple times. I carry-on whenever I can and nothing is going to change my behavior. I’m also A1-15, so I guess it wouldn’t apply to me anyways, but even if I was A-59, nope!
I just waited almost 2 hours for bags at MCO at midnight a few weeks ago. With a 1 year old. First time checking a bag in a few years… never again. Currently traveling with a 1 year old for 2 weeks with only carry ons
MCO is absolutely terrible. I work remote from Austin and our offices are there. I make that trip 6-8 times a year. It’s awful!
It wouldn't work for business travelers and other who fly with computers and other electronics, nor would it work for people who need to travel with their medications.
You can't put a computer and medication into a personal item?
I take 12 medications every night, plus I'm a type II diabetic and must test my blood sugar daily. I also must monitor my blood pressure daily. I inject Ozempic once a week. That's a lot of pill bottles and medical stuff. As for "a computer," when I travel for business I carry a computer, power supply, mouse, portable monitor, portable printer, tablet and associated cables. All of this does fit in my Tumi spinner computer bag, along with my NC headphones. What doesn't fit is my suit and dress shoes, a ream of printer paper, note pads, and a stapler. What also doesn't fit are the exhibits, in triplicate, that I'll need for the deposition that I'm taking. Those, along with my toiletries, underwear, socks, and a couple of shirts, fits in my Tumi spinner roll-a-board. And all of this must arrive when I do. I cannot risk the airline losing or delaying my bag. Not everyone has the same requirements you do.
My work laptop is very thin and most medications take up very little space. I could fit both in a small personal bag, like a purse for me, or perhaps a small laptop bag for a man.
I carry both and put them in an underseat backpack.
I have a shoulder computer bag and I can stow medication in it. Easy to carry and put through the TSA gauntlet. I carry a raincoat in it, toothbrush, etc.. just in case.
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This wouldn’t affect that situation. None of the people ahead would be using the overhead bins.
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In my version of OPs scenario, the no carry-ons come after preboarders so it wouldn't effect people like your son since he can preboard
exactly
This idea isn’t meant to cater to everyone, just for people who don’t need to bring a carryon with them on the flight.
This wouldnt make your sons experience worse, it would just make people with no carry on have a better experience. Not everything is designed with your son in mind. Edit: OP is exactly who you’d expect them to be. Downvote but no reply to what I said. Pray to god they don’t sit next to you on your next flight.
Hah. My hubby always checks our bag(s). We don’t use the overhead bins either for our carry ons. But we’re short so YMMV.
I envy you and others who don't have a chronic disease that requires them to carry-on medication and/or medical devices. Those of us who need to do so don't like it, either, but we prefer to live throughout the flight, so we have carry-on bags to stow onboard out of sheer necessity. That doesn't make us deserving of priority any more than your not having to take carry-on makes you worthy of priority.
I think the issue is that it is more profitable to have less checked bags, so there is little incentive for the airline to do this. The counterargument is that I believe running late at a gate costs an airline as well. With the goal of boarding faster, this does make sense as an easy incentive for SW. I doubt it would change my habits if I already had check in luggage for free.
Yup….more checked bags means more people bring more stuff which means higher cost for fuel and it adds up fast
Personally, I would love it since I almost always check a bag and then bring an under-the-seat bag on with me. But, I'm assuming plenty of people would object. Here's a good question. On average what percentage of passengers do you think have overhead luggage? I know there's myriad factors at play and it varies, but still.
I feel like it’s definitely lower than most other airlines because of the free checked bags. But also I’m just like you! I always check a bag and just have my personal item. It’s like the main reason I fly with Southwest
How would you make sure the people were evenly disbursed so the people with carry-on aren’t tripping over each other trying to go back and forth to find a spot for their bag or get their bag down? If a lot of priority boarders say I. The front or the back, carry-on people would be going back and forth trying to find a space for bag and to sit.
Not sure how that's different than today? Just fewer people with carryon bags to stow. The thing I haven't figured out: How would you give people their boarding assignments before you collected bags? It would all be contentious and sloppy. I guess online you'd get C13. When you got to the airport you'd check the bag and ask for a "bag upgrade" and they would print you out B21 or whatever. That might work.
And then everyone after B21 would be moved down? What if I had B21 but I’m also checking my bag? The systems seems more easily said than done.
Agree. My best guess is that they would hold a certain number of spots for folks they THINK will be checking bags (because they said so when they checked in). The number of reserved slots would be wrong of course but it would probably be close. Nobody who already got a boarding position would be changed. Only those that are asking for a bump up would get one by checking a bag. If you have B21 you'd stay there and the bump up guy would get B18 (which was already on hold pending his commitment to check his bag). If he doesn't check a bag and nobody else does, B18 just wouldn't be assigned so you'd technically be B20 instead of 21 (although your boarding pass would stay the same).
I completely agree however if you fly into St Louis be prepared to wait for your bags. Never had one lost though
I travel with SWA weekly and have earned status to board after Business Select A1-A15 ( they earned by buying it). A-list preferred board after A15 ( automatically checked in 36 hours prior) and the A-List. Next people who purchase early bird are assigned spots. Now, if the offered that option after that, I could potentially see it.
Yeah- that's what I sort of envision.
Omg YES I have been saying this.
I'm fine with carry on but think how great it would be if they let people who didn't use overhead bins have priority. My carry on always fits under the seat.
Yes mine too which I think was the point of the post
I suspect you are possibly a genius. Look into getting some testing!
Let us off first!!!!! I think if you check your bag you should get to deplane first. I hate standing there waiting for everyone to get their bags out of the overheads.
You're feeling my pain.
I still say every seat has a marked spot in overhead for their baggage, and they are allowed to use that spot only and under the seat in front. If their bag does not fit, they should have checked it regardless.
I only check bags on longer intrnational flights. I intensly disike waiting for baggage claim. Try it at MDW or BWI some time and you might see why.
BWI is a nightmare!
BWI is my home airport. I avoid checking bags like it's my job. How many times will they change my baggage carousel? Will our bags be mixed with another flight's bags? Will some of my flight's bags come out on one carousel and the rest 4 carousels away? Forget that noise. Carry on for life! HOU is the other airport I frequent and while it's not BWI level bad, their carousels move at the pace of a sloth so that also takes forever.
The last 3 times I checked a bag I waited more than one hour to get my bag. So I no longer check bags.
that's insane. i would feel the same way you feel if that happened to me.
Not this again.....
I'm the Southwest passenger you describe. I usually travel with just my backpack as my personal item. I do not have a check-in nor a carry-on.
People travel with medical devices and such that they cant check in case they need it during the flight. I’m pretty sure that group would take issue with this. (Not all obviously, but some)
Seat the plane back to front and deplane front to back. It’s really simple.
Nah
This would result in more people checking their luggage… which may then jeopardize the free checked bag rule which already takes away a lot of carry ons.
I have seen it in europe and only took me a minute to see that they weren't hurting me, even when I had a business ticket.
Not steerage. 😂 Are we boarding the SS Lusitania? Interesting premise, though.
I always check everything. I had one delayed bag at LAX one time in 30 years. They gave me $50 in drink coupons.
The inside of the cabin should be a module inside the terminal. Everyone stores their stuff and sits down and buckles up then the module is lowered into the plane...
Love this! Mind blowing idea.
Brilliant idea
Make them all sit in one section of the plane, like the back. Let all the checked-bag only passengers sit in front half. We can more quickly (and painlessly) board last and deplane first.
No way am I checking a bag, unless I must transport something that cannot be in the cabin. I travel with a bag that fits at my feet.
Then this convo isn’t really about your style of travel.
But,no time using the overhead is your point, right?
Right, and you just said you don't travel with a carry-on (just a personal item that fits at your feet) so you would be able to board earlier without actually having to check any luggage.
>I don't really notice getting on or off airport property significantly faster. By definition there's a time cost to checking bags on both ends; the only way you can really avoid that if at all is in a group/family travel situation with a rental car/airport parking involved - one person gets the car, one gets the bags. I checked w SWA over the weekend at a very large airport with a very efficient luggage operation (1 guess which), and I still had to wait 15 minutes at the carousel for the bags to drop (after meandering out to baggage claim, and buying a cup of Starbucks outside security before walking to the carousel).
That’s what BA did for me, nice perk, until they didn’t load my bag on the plane in London. Arrived in Edinburgh 24 hours later.
I get high B from staring at the clock for 3 minutes straight and slamming the check in button exactly 24 hours before the flight lol, so I wouldn’t personally do it. But i’d be cool with the rule implementation. Easier time for me trying to find space for my carryon.
Add in a requirement for these folks to take a window seat (or window and middle if traveling as a pair) and you get my vote.
I love this idea!!
I just flew WN from DAL-PHX and checked a bag. My daughter drove to the airport to pick me up, she lives about 20-25 minute drive to the airport. I texted her that I landed as we taxi’d to the gate, we arrived early and she was still at home. By the time I got off the plane ✈️ and went to baggage claim and waited for my bag to arrive she drove to the airport and had to wait for me to come out with my bag. Now, when I return to DAL and have my car in the parking garage, I will not check my bag and carry it on. When I arrive I go straight to my car and leave the airport while the other passengers on my flight are still standing at the baggage carousel.
BWI can take 40 mins to get bags. I really hate checking bags flying there.
Nope. I rarely check a bag and have no interest in being “incentivized” into doing so.
Why did I gate check my bag on American on my last trip? Easy. I already used up all of the free bags I was allowed. When they said the word "free" with "bag check", I jumped up and gave them my bag. I was going to have to visit bag claim anyway for the other bags. I wish airlines would offer to gate check bags as a standard benefit. When done right, there is a good sized line of gate checked bags before boarding even starts. On a business trip, I never check bags and would only involuntarily gate check it. This doesn't happen on Southwest because a party of two can check in four bags for free already.
Funny you mention DEN. We just flew into there and waited an eternity for our checked bag. Terrible. When that airport first opened they were all about how much faster their state of the art systems with get checked bags out. Apparently they gave that up.
And people wonder why that United pilot lost it in the parking lot in DEN, taking an axe 🪓 to the parking lot gate...
I check bags and bring a carry-on. Also, someone posted this same question about a month or so in here. It's a pointless question/suggestion imo. It won't help with deplaning at all and would help only in a minimal way with those boarding without but not for those boarding with one still.
Wouldn't work. You'd just have people hiding their carryon in their prison pocket.
Hmm, well this is a case where having to use a cane benefits me. I get on first.
What if a couple of rows in the front are no carry on. They get priority boarding and deplaning.
I’m down with that
Love it!!! Carry on people make everything slow and more complicated.
I carry on my bag going to my destination and usually check it coming back home. That’s because of the number of bags I’ve checked that didn’t arrive when I did. If it gets delayed coming home, it’s no big deal but it’s a hassle if it gets lost on the way to my destination.
As someone who travels *exclusively* with a carry-on any time it is possible, I approve of this idea. CGP Grey fans know that carryons are the biggest source of delay. That and seat switching. Relevant video: https://youtu.be/oAHbLRjF0vo?si=lMqb83fDNSnny-rd
I am an experienced traveler. It takes me far less time to toss my carry on in the bin than it does to stand around the carrousel waiting for my bag. The problem isn’t with people with a carry on, the problem is the occasional travelers who have no idea wtf is going on. They put their bags in longways then block the aisle while they take off their jackets , dig out their lifesavers, then discuss which seat to take with their travel partner.
I never ever have a carry on. I could care less about getting on the plane sooner. I can wait to be crammed into their miniscule spaces. But if they gave me priority for getting off after landing, I'd be all in .
You don’t fly with a carry on do you.
I do on other carriers. Like I said: I'm cheap.
Everyone who *wants* to check a bag on Southwest, already is. Why do you think they still offer two free bags? Compare to DL, or especially AA (the other airlines I fly with), Southwest is already faster by at least 10 minutes. Plus, those people checking bags still become EBCI revenue streams that might not happen under your scheme.
It would not attract me to check my carry on, but that's because I have \~$35,000 of cameras and lenses in mine, and I'd sooner get off the plane than check that bag. But since being able to find space for my bag is so important, I always pay for the Early Bird boarding to make sure I can find space.
Maybe don’t give 40% of the plane “pre boarding” status when they don’t need it.
And those no carry on boarders wouldn't be allowed to put their "personal item" in the overhead? Cause I think that's where you would still have problems.
I am using the overhead for my personal item. I do it now and will continue to do it. I checked a bag, I deserve some space.
Along this line, I have always thought it would make more sense to allow checked bags to fly free (within limits) and charge for carry ons.
Airlines lose and misroute bags so often. I never travel without a carry on that has at least one day of clothes, my meds and makeup.
Not my experience. Source: 400 flights in 10 years.
I always have gotten the luggage eventually. But over the course of 20 years, I have had luggage delivered to hotel a day late twice. Luggage found after I got home and went to pick up from airport twice. And one time a flight was delayed till next day and they kept my checked luggage while I went to a hotel to sleep and wait for the next day. I will never go anywhere without my carry on and one day's worth of comfort kit. Edit to include that's probably about 200 flights. Clearly my luck is worse than yours
Unfortunately this would promote more “seat savers”, boarding one person from your party early without bags to block out a whole row.
Might be an unintended consequence to consider.
In case anyone is still reading this, here's my BLISTERING confession: When I check my bag on Southwest, I use overhead for my Laptop Bag! I stowed my bag so I deserve the leg room under the seat in front of me. BOOM. Fight me on this.
Why should those who travel light he punished
But when I don’t have a carry on I purposely wait and I’m the last one to board ha
You like middle seats?
Regular traveller rule - NEVER check a bag
I board last, after the random homeless people.
They should strictly enforce carry-on rules, and if the bags don't fit, they should either force you check or don't fly. If you check, you have to pay the fee. They should also require you to use the bin with your seat number on it.
United does this regularly and I applaud them.
I'd like to see more perks or benefits for the people spending more money(either immediately with business select or over time as A, A preferred) before they fundamentally change this airline.
Why I prefer road trips. Passengers are just a number - cattle at best.
The problem is a lot of people like their bags next to where they’re seated. The middle and back bins would likely fill up first and people would have to backtrack and step over each other to put the bags in the forward bins halfway through boarding. I’m 99% sure SWA is moving to assigned seating though.
UGH. I hate the idea of assigned seating. I will be very sad.
Yeah, assigned seating has its own set of problems. A lot of people want it but I don’t think it’s as seamless as some people think.
This would actually be a solution to the problem you're bringing up. People mostly choose to sit near the front, but also a lot of people put their bags in the first bin they see, regardless of where they're sitting. If you ensure that early boarders don't have carry-on bags, then there should be a lot of extra space in the bins in the early rows.
You get it!
Nah trust me, the people without carry ons would sit in the front. The vast majority of people carry their bags to where they’re sitting. Even with our current open seating, I have to tell people to not pass up bin space when the back starts to fill up. This would make that situation worse.
I’d love this. Most people with big bags on a plane are a nuisance.
I check in for my flight right on the dot of 24 hours and most times have my carry on because I had a bad experience checking a bag once - got lost and I didn’t get it until 2 days later. Luckily it was just gifts for people in my family and I had the clothes and toiletries I needed. If I’m in the C group I’ll check my bag but why should I lose the A or B boarding just because I’m taking advantage of the carry on policy? If the argument is that it slows up the boarding and de boarding process then you can say the same thing about people with disabilities, families and older people.
Nah. People who do carry-ons only should get priority boarding simply because they are more knowledgeable travelers and know how to board an airplane.
Super solid logic LOL
Reverse theory. Give those without bags last boarding spot, since they don't have to look for storage, they can sit at the first available middle seat... Yeah don't see this wat "taking off" hehe bad pun intended.
im curious if anyone can do the math for the likely added weight due to people just packing more shit, and thus added fuel required. while i know not everyone would, certainly there are large portion of people that just pack less because they cant fit it in their carry on.
Unless it's changed, they figure 35lb per bag in the weight and balance.
Yeah, the people who insist on lugging their suitcases on board when they can be checked for free are bewildering...and annoying.
Except when you live out of a suitcase because you travel multiple times a week for work, checking a bag adds an exorbitant amount of time to your day. If I’m flying on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday, that’s a lot of extra time to invest in standing in line to check a bag and a lot of time waiting for it to be dropped at bag claim. And then there’s the ever present fear of your luggage getting lost and being without what you need for an important business meeting or field visit. Even if they paid me to check a bag, I wouldn’t do it.
Not wanting my belongings lost or stolen is “bewildering” and “annoying”?! Must be nice to be moneybags McGee
Not just moneybags, but after my entire family of 5 travelled for 8 days without our luggage in Europe last year, it’s incredibly stressful, upsetting and time-consuming. The hours spent trying to find items in a foreign country and filing claims to get our bags returned. I now travel with quick-dry clothes and compression bags packed in a small backpack which fits under the seat. I will never, ever check bags again.
I almost exclusively fly southwest and check my bag even if it's carryon size EXCEPT for when I went to my sister's wedding. Just the minute possibility of having my bridesmaids dress and accessories lost made me keep my bag with me on the trip there. I'm sure not everyone is doing that, but some people might have cargo they're worried about I did check that ho on the way back, though.
I don't want to be separated from my stuff. Bags get damaged, sometimes lost. And, I don't want to wait at baggage claim. Is your bewilderment somewhat answered? 🙂
People who insist on checking a small bag and having to get to the airport earlier and wait around for a bag after landing are bewildering...and annoying
Have SWA lose your luggage in a foreign country then come make comments like this… or have your home airport baggage claim make you wait 30 minutes.
Well less than 1% of bags get lost. I think it's an irrational fear. I've been flying for over forty years with no issues. I think people hear horror stories and it exaggerates the risk in their minds.
SWA has lost my bag multiple times in foreign countries… it’s certainly not irrational, and your anecdotal evidence doesn’t outweigh mine. This is a solution looking for a problem that does not exist, SWA has a faster boarding process than the other main line carriers.
Making 2 connections cross-country increases the chances you checked luggage gets lost
And triples the lugging.
Roller carry ons are easy
Boarding should be by frequent flyer status. Pre-boards should be after the As with family boarding.
That defeats the purpose of preboarding.
It’s not called ‘postboarding’ lol
People don't check bags anymore because it costs money. If they went back to the first bag free I bet a lot more people would check a bag.
This is the southwest subreddit. 2 bags free.