Check your luggage claim tags!

[msjprincess]

I'm confused. Admittedly, I haven't flown in the last fourteen months (tried in December, but broke my leg instead) so things could easily have changed. I don't recall my name ever being on a claim check, so I Bing'ed for information. I found this in a rant about PNRs:

I genuinely didn't think claim checks were large enough for (or programmed to accept) names. Plus it's really, really odd that her boarding pass had her information but her claim check - same piece of paper? I don't remember - had her mother's flight information.

I thought she was talking about the baggage claim tag that goes on the bag. As far as I remember those have always had my name on it.

ETA
Actually I think the other part usually has my name too, but I can't be sure.

 

[kaytieeldr]

But how would she know what information was on the tag that went on the luggage, when the luggage was in - or at least on its way to - Boston?

 

[bumbershoot]

I genuinely didn't think claim checks were large enough for (or programmed to accept) names. Plus it's really, really odd that her boarding pass had her information but her claim check - same piece of paper? I don't remember - had her mother's flight information.

Well, I got the "mom with daughter" thing wrong, but I did just take DME back to the airport and we used RAC and I have my adorable mickey boarding passes (does anyone ever mention that the boarding passes have Mickey on them?) right here.

And, at least for United, the stickers that are the claim checks for the bags do have the passengers' names on them. We had 6 bags (thank goodness DH has "status" and we were flying on his miles so they weren't charged for!) and each claim check sticker has the appropriate name on them. 2 for each of us.

Of course, for us the tickets inside the boarding pass envelope had the same name, airline, and flight info as is on the claim check stickers stuck to the outside of the envelope, unlike the OP.

But how would she know what information was on the tag that went on the luggage, when the luggage was in - or at least on its way to - Boston?

"When I pulled out the claim tag we discovered that my bag had been checked to Boston under my mothers name."

The claim tag stickers come from the same long length of sticker/tag that goes on the bags, doesn't it? So looking at the claim tag (I continue to call it a sticker because that's what I have) would show the OP what was on the bag.


It's a huge mystery and I doubt anyone will ever have it resolved and explained. (maybe since I said that, and I've had a rash of being wrong recently, it will be explained! hope hope hope) It's all just weird.

 

[msjprincess]

Well, I got the "mom with daughter" thing wrong, but I did just take DME back to the airport and we used RAC and I have my adorable mickey boarding passes (does anyone ever mention that the boarding passes have Mickey on them?) right here.

And, at least for United, the stickers that are the claim checks for the bags do have the passengers' names on them. We had 6 bags (thank goodness DH has "status" and we were flying on his miles so they weren't charged for!) and each claim check sticker has the appropriate name on them. 2 for each of us.

Of course, for us the tickets inside the boarding pass envelope had the same name, airline, and flight info as is on the claim check stickers stuck to the outside of the envelope, unlike the OP.




"When I pulled out the claim tag we discovered that my bag had been checked to Boston under my mothers name."

The claim tag stickers come from the same long length of sticker/tag that goes on the bags, doesn't it? So looking at the claim tag (I continue to call it a sticker because that's what I have) would show the OP what was on the bag.


It's a huge mystery and I doubt anyone will ever have it resolved and explained. (maybe since I said that, and I've had a rash of being wrong recently, it will be explained! hope hope hope) It's all just weird.

I think so

 

[Lewisc]

The OP was kind enough to share her experience. Offered a very good warning, make sure the tag on your bag correctly lists your destination airport. How the mistake was made is irrelevant. The lesson offered by the OP is very simple, make sure the tag placed on your bag has the correct IATA airport code for your final airport.

Some posters seem obsessed with how this could happen. I'll speculate, even though the reason it happened doesn't matter.

RAC is a service offered by Disney and marketed as Disney's Magical Express. I'm going to start correcting people who claim it's completely different then DME. That misconception is the reason why people can't understand how the mistake could have occurred. The fact that the optional RAC part of DME is operated by an outside vendor is irrelevant.

DME has guests outgoing flight information. Otherwise Disney couldn't assign a bus pickup time.

We know the RAC part of DME has access to that information. At times they've automatically checked in Southwest Passengers and left BPs on the door along with the bus information. Some passengers have received bag drop tags on their door. Those tags are similar to the tags you get when you check your luggage online. The airline clerk uses that tag to quickly print the real tag.

I'll assume both families were either on the same hotel reservation or on linked reservations. I'll speculate one of two things occurred. The family was given the equivalent of a bag drop tag on their room which was wrongly coded for the jet blue flight OR the equivalent thing was by either paper or computer when they checked in. The flight information used to check the bag was the first flight listed on the room reservation.

 

[sam_gordon]

The OP was kind enough to share her experience. Offered a very good warning, make sure the tag on your bag correctly lists your destination airport. How the mistake was made is irrelevant. The lesson offered by the OP is very simple, make sure the tag placed on your bag has the correct IATA airport code for your final airport.

Some posters seem obsessed with how this could happen. I'll speculate, even though the reason it happened doesn't matter.

RAC is a service offered by Disney and marketed as Disney's Magical Express. I'm going to start correcting people who claim it's completely different then DME. That misconception is the reason why people can't understand how the mistake could have occurred. The fact that the optional RAC part of DME is operated by an outside vendor is irrelevant.

DME has guests outgoing flight information. Otherwise Disney couldn't assign a bus pickup time.

We know the RAC part of DME has access to that information. At times they've automatically checked in Southwest Passengers and left BPs on the door along with the bus information. Some passengers have received bag drop tags on their door. Those tags are similar to the tags you get when you check your luggage online. The airline clerk uses that tag to quickly print the real tag.

I'll assume both families were either on the same hotel reservation or on linked reservations. I'll speculate one of two things occurred. The family was given the equivalent of a bag drop tag on their room which was wrongly coded for the jet blue flight OR the equivalent thing was by either paper or computer when they checked in. The flight information used to check the bag was the first flight listed on the room reservation.

You're right, how the mistake is made is irrelevant to the lesson the OP is trying to convey. It's also irrelevant whether RAC, BAGS, DME, Disney, or the airline should be contacted.

I see no problem with trying to figure out what happened. I'm interested in these kinds of things. You don't share my interest, that's fine.

The problem with your theory though is the OP got BP for Airtran. Assuming there was some kind of "miscoding" on documents left at the hotel room, it still seems a stretch to be able to check in and get boarding passes for one airline and luggage tags for a different airline.

 

[goofy4tink]

The OP was kind enough to share her experience. Offered a very good warning, make sure the tag on your bag correctly lists your destination airport. How the mistake was made is irrelevant. The lesson offered by the OP is very simple, make sure the tag placed on your bag has the correct IATA airport code for your final airport.

Some posters seem obsessed with how this could happen. I'll speculate, even though the reason it happened doesn't matter.

RAC is a service offered by Disney and marketed as Disney's Magical Express. I'm going to start correcting people who claim it's completely different then DME. That misconception is the reason why people can't understand how the mistake could have occurred. The fact that the optional RAC part of DME is operated by an outside vendor is irrelevant.

DME has guests outgoing flight information. Otherwise Disney couldn't assign a bus pickup time.

We know the RAC part of DME has access to that information. At times they've automatically checked in Southwest Passengers and left BPs on the door along with the bus information. Some passengers have received bag drop tags on their door. Those tags are similar to the tags you get when you check your luggage online. The airline clerk uses that tag to quickly print the real tag.

I'll assume both families were either on the same hotel reservation or on linked reservations. I'll speculate one of two things occurred. The family was given the equivalent of a bag drop tag on their room which was wrongly coded for the jet blue flight OR the equivalent thing was by either paper or computer when they checked in. The flight information used to check the bag was the first flight listed on the room reservation.

Just as long as you don't start 'correcting' me. I know how it works. RAC is NOT DME. It really has nothing whatsoever to do with DME. If it did, then there would be no 'participating' airlines any longer. Every airline would be able to provide it's passengers with this option. But they don't. And DME is supposed to be available to every guest....and in the case of RAC, it isn't. Not to mention that you don't even need to be using DME to get back to the airport.
RAC (BAGS) is in partnership with Disney/DME. That's the bottom line. IF RAC is actually the same as DME, then there would be no issue with contacting Disney if there were to be an issue. BUT Disney will tell you to contact BAGS if there is an issue. And that shouldn't be the case. Not to mention that this exact same service is in place in a lot of other places, and it isn't called DME. But, Disney ties them together because they think it's easier. And it really isn't. So, when someone has an issue with RAC (perhaps their bag got misdirected or whatever), everyone tells them to call DME. But, DME will in turn tell them that their issue is with RAC....and that they are two different entities.

Yes, it should be easy to understand. And it really doesn't make any difference which group it falls...if there is an issue, Disney needs to make it right. They allow this service to be provided on their property..they need to make sure it works properly.

And no...it doesn't really matter what it is called. And yes, it was nice of the OP to come along and tell us of her experience. She isn't the first to have this happen. Others have had it happen at the airport...their bags were tagged for delivery to Houston when they are going to Boston (or similar scenario). So yes, a good thing to keep in mind. I know that I always check what destination my bags are being tagged to.

 

[Lewisc]

You're right, how the mistake is made is irrelevant to the lesson the OP is trying to convey. It's also irrelevant whether RAC, BAGS, DME, Disney, or the airline should be contacted.

I see no problem with trying to figure out what happened. I'm interested in these kinds of things. You don't share my interest, that's fine.

The problem with your theory though is the OP got BP for Airtran. Assuming there was some kind of "miscoding" on documents left at the hotel room, it still seems a stretch to be able to check in and get boarding passes for one airline and luggage tags for a different airline.

I DON'T THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED but a variation might. DME saw this family had a DME bus reservation. They went ahead and printed BPs for everyone on the hotel reservation, both Airtran and JetBlue. Knowing JetBlue allows one free checked bag per passenger they also printed a bag drop ticket. That ticket allows them to quickly generate a real bag tag. All were left by the door, the OP took the correct BP but the bag drop ticket was for JetBlue. Maybe DME didn't even print an AT bag drop since a fee is required.

OK I'll assume the OP didn't make the mistake. Now assume DME did the equivalent. Saw there was already a bag drop tag available for the family and didn't realize the guests were taking 2 different airlines and used the wrong tag (real or virtual) which generated the wrong tag for the bag.

BAGS, Inc put in some "shortcut" systems when they added Southwest.

Just as long as you don't start 'correcting' me. I know how it works. RAC is NOT DME. It really has nothing whatsoever to do with DME. If it did, then there would be no 'participating' airlines any longer. Every airline would be able to provide it's passengers with this option. But they don't. And DME is supposed to be available to every guest....and in the case of RAC, it isn't. Not to mention that you don't even need to be using DME to get back to the airport.
RAC (BAGS) is in partnership with Disney/DME. That's the bottom line. IF RAC is actually the same as DME, then there would be no issue with contacting Disney if there were to be an issue. BUT Disney will tell you to contact BAGS if there is an issue. And that shouldn't be the case. Not to mention that this exact same service is in place in a lot of other places, and it isn't called DME. But, Disney ties them together because they think it's easier. And it really isn't. So, when someone has an issue with RAC (perhaps their bag got misdirected or whatever), everyone tells them to call DME. But, DME will in turn tell them that their issue is with RAC....and that they are two different entities.
.........

DME is a "marketing name" which includes 3 separate services, bus transportation for guests, inbound luggage and RAC for departing guests. RAC is one of the services offered as part of DME. Disney is contributing to the cost of providing RAC, as part of DME. At a minimum they are providing space rent free.

Are you claiming DME only refers to the bus service, provided by Mears? Are you claiming it refers to the bus service and inbound luggage? The correct answer it applies to all 3.

 

[maxiesmom]

Are you claiming DME only refers to the bus service, provided by Mears? Are you claiming it refers to the bus service and inbound luggage? The correct answer it applies to all 3.

It is smarter to refer to them as the separate things they are. You don't have to ride on the Magical Express bus to use RAC. So referring to them as the same thing is confusing. You can use one and not use the other.

DME is the bus service. The Disney web site states it is the free round trip airport transportation and baggage delivery for guests of select WDW resorts. When you are going home you are not having your bags delivered by DME. You can either bring them on the bus with you (again, they are not delivering them) or you can check them in for your flight using RAC.

They are not referred to as the same thing, and if you try to find info on them Disney does not group them together, you have to research them as separate entities.

 

[Lewisc]

It is smarter to refer to them as the separate things they are. You don't have to ride on the Magical Express bus to use RAC. So referring to them as the same thing is confusing. You can use one and not use the other.

DME is the bus service. The Disney web site states it is the free round trip airport transportation and baggage delivery for guests of select WDW resorts. When you are going home you are not having your bags delivered by DME. You can either bring them on the bus with you (again, they are not delivering them) or you can check them in for your flight using RAC.

They are not referred to as the same thing, and if you try to find info on them Disney does not group them together, you have to research them as separate entities.

Parts of the Disney website, at least at one time, included RAC as one of the features of Disney's Magical Express. Same with the videos.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/airport-service/

Click on the place which says: Read frequently asked questions - and answers - about Disney's Magical Express airport service.

RAC is listed as one of the features offered by DME.

You want another link. http://anthonytravel.com/pdf/disneys_magical_express_faqs.pdf Go to page 6

BAGS Inc website says Disney's Magical Express is the service name for the service (in WDW resorts).

It's wrong to correct posters when Disney and BAGS Inc use DME to include RAC. Both Disney and BAGS Inc include RAC as a DME service, at least part of the time.

Yes, RAC is limited to guests who are flying on a participating airline. A hotel bar is limited to guests over age 21. Just because not every guest can use RAC or order drinks at the bar doesn't mean that amenity can't be listed.

 

[maxiesmom]

It's wrong to correct posters when Disney and BAGS Inc use DME to include RAC.

You do not have to use DME to use RAC. You can use both, one, or the other. They are indeed separate things. They are not a package.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/airport-service/

Even the link you posted refers to them as separate things. They are not the same service just because Disney chose to include all helpful travel info in the same packet.

 

[sam_gordon]

You do not have to use DME to use RAC. You can use both, one, or the other. They are indeed separate things. They are not a package.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/airport-service/

Even the link you posted refers to them as separate things. They are not the same service just because Disney chose to include all helpful travel info in the same packet.

Sorry, I agree with Lewis on this part. The link is title 'Complimentary Airport Transportation Service - Disney's Magical Express'.

Then it describes what you can do on arrival and on departure. By looking at that link, there is nothing to designate 'RAC' as a 3rd party vendor. In fact, it even says "OUR Resort Airline Check In Service".

 

[Lewisc]

Partner Service Name

Walt Disney World Resorts Disney's Magical Express

You do not have to use DME to use RAC. You can use both, one, or the other. They are indeed separate things. They are not a package.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/airport-service/

Even the link you posted refers to them as separate things. They are not the same service just because Disney chose to include all helpful travel info in the same packet.

You don't have to use inbound luggage delivery in order to ride the bus. DME is used, at least in some places, to refer to 3 distinct services. You can use just RAC, just the bus service and (according to all available information) just use inbound luggage delivery.

https://maketraveleasier.com/BagsVIP/rac

BAGS, Inc uses the service name Disney's Magical Express to refer to their RAC service.
https://maketraveleasier.com/BagsVIP/rac

Partner Service Name

Walt Disney World Resorts Disney's Magical Express

The link I gave you has an FAQ about Disney's Magical Express Airport Service. The FAQ includes information about RAC.

BAGS, Inc uses the term DME to include RAC. Disney lists RAC when they talk about DME.

 

[HoosierDisneyDad]

This Disney press release makes it sound like RAC is part of DME.

http://wdwnews.com/releases/2011/04...o-millions-of-walt-disney-world-hotel-guests/

 

[Lewisc]

This Disney press release makes it sound like RAC is part of DME.

http://wdwnews.com/releases/2011/04...o-millions-of-walt-disney-world-hotel-guests/

Thank you.

 

[goofy4tink]

I DON'T THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED but a variation might. DME saw this family had a DME bus reservation. They went ahead and printed BPs for everyone on the hotel reservation, both Airtran and JetBlue. Knowing JetBlue allows one free checked bag per passenger they also printed a bag drop ticket. That ticket allows them to quickly generate a real bag tag. All were left by the door, the OP took the correct BP but the bag drop ticket was for JetBlue. Maybe DME didn't even print an AT bag drop since a fee is required.

OK I'll assume the OP didn't make the mistake. Now assume DME did the equivalent. Saw there was already a bag drop tag available for the family and didn't realize the guests were taking 2 different airlines and used the wrong tag (real or virtual) which generated the wrong tag for the bag.

BAGS, Inc put in some "shortcut" systems when they added Southwest.



DME is a "marketing name" which includes 3 separate services, bus transportation for guests, inbound luggage and RAC for departing guests. RAC is one of the services offered as part of DME. Disney is contributing to the cost of providing RAC, as part of DME. At a minimum they are providing space rent free.

Are you claiming DME only refers to the bus service, provided by Mears? Are you claiming it refers to the bus service and inbound luggage? The correct answer it applies to all 3.

But in all reality, DME has absolutely nothing to do with the outbound luggage service. I know what Disney says..it also says that you can't send luggage with DME, to the resort, without riding the bus, and we all know what that means.
So, yes, I really do put DME as basically a people mover. Disney says that the luggage delivery service, to the resort from MCO, is a 'perk' of using DME. So, yes, DME, going back to the airport, is really about moving people..complimentary, hassle free transportation service for 'people'.

This Disney press release makes it sound like RAC is part of DME.

http://wdwnews.com/releases/2011/04...o-millions-of-walt-disney-world-hotel-guests/

And that same press release says that Disney came up with this innovative service, in conjunction with BAGS. Really? BAGS has been doing this at other resorts, around the world, with no help from Disney at all.

And again, if you have an issue with RAC service? Don't call Disney, or DME. They will tell you that you need to call BAGS. This is what drives me nutty with Disney.

It's really a question of semantics here guys. Yes, Disney lumps them all together. But, it does cause confusion. People make the assumption that their bags will be shipped to the airport automatically since that's the DME service they got upon arrival!! If it is, in fact, truly DME service? Everyone's bags should be able to go to MCO at any time that luggage service is provided by DME at MCO....asme as upon arrival. But that isn't the case. Not all airlines allow for passengers to use RAC.

It's a never ending discussion. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. We all know that Disney puts out info...and they don't always adhere to what they put out as 'policy'.
This has been a great discussion though!!! Thanks for keeping it civil and interesting. I love my Transportation board people!!!

 

[Lewisc]

And that same press release says that Disney came up with this innovative service, in conjunction with BAGS. Really? BAGS has been doing this at other resorts, around the world, with no help from Disney at all.

And again, if you have an issue with RAC service? Don't call Disney, or DME. They will tell you that you need to call BAGS. This is what drives me nutty with Disney.

It's really a question of semantics here guys. Yes, Disney lumps them all together. But, it does cause confusion. People make the assumption that their bags will be shipped to the airport automatically since that's the DME service they got upon arrival!! If it is, in fact, truly DME service? Everyone's bags should be able to go to MCO at any time that luggage service is provided by DME at MCO....asme as upon arrival. But that isn't the case. Not all airlines allow for passengers to use RAC.

It's a never ending discussion. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. We all know that Disney puts out info...and they don't always adhere to what they put out as 'policy'.
This has been a great discussion though!!! Thanks for keeping it civil and interesting. I love my Transportation board people!!!

Disney and BAGS, Inc include RAC as one of the services offered as part of the DME experience. Links have been provided. That's no longer up for debate.

Posters who are using the definition for DME as defined by Disney and Bags, Inc are correct. Posters who correct them are wrong. Sometimes it's not clear which DME service a poster is talking about. Asking for clarification is OK. Sometimes it's clear a poster is talking about RAC. "Correcting" that poster is kind of wrong since technically that poster is correct and the person correcting them is wrong.

This is from the press release, linked in a PP.

Disney’s Magical Express service makes guests’ return to OIA hassle-free as well. This convenient system lets guests flying with participating airlines on domestic flights avoid airport check-in lines by enabling passengers to check their luggage and receive a boarding pass before departing their Disney hotel. Airline partners include AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways.

The press release quoted was the version revised 4/6/11

I'll completely disagree with the part of your post I bolded. BAGS, Inc is an Orlando company. They received TSA approval sometime in 2003. DME, including RAC, was introduced into Disney early 2005. My memory is Disney was the second hotel(s) serviced by BAGS, Inc; the Rosen hotel being the first. The owner of Rosen was involved with BAGS, Inc. I question if BAGS, Inc ever would have been able to develop RAC without Disney. I have no idea how much help Disney provided to BAGS but having the Disney contract "in the bag" had to have given BAGS, Inc a lot of credibility. I'll speculate that's why Disney is able to offer the service for free.

 

[lorenni]

I can't believe you guys are still chatting about this. I've given it some thought and after going back through my paperwork here is what I think happened:

Whoever runs the airline check in automatically checked me in for my flight (I had no idea they did that and had not asked for that, but that's a whole different can of worms). So I called BAGS the day before my flight and prepaid for my one checked bag on AirTran. So yes - i can confirm that POFQ/Disney/DME/whoever had access to my flight information and my resort information.

The day of my flight I had three envelopes left on my doorknob:

1. Boarding pass on AirTran - correct name, flight etc.

2. A luggage tag - did not specify an airline nor did it have a name on it. Came with instructions for dropping the bag.

3. A form letter saying that I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE TO CKECK MY BAG AND WOULD HAVE TO CHECK IT AT THE AIRPORT. I figured this was delivered in error since I had already spoken to BAGS, had been checked in and paid the bag fee.

So I went to the airline desk, and waited behind a few people. One person ahead of me was told she could not check a bag, but they told her they had checked it under her daughters name, as her daughter had apparently not been randomly selected/excluded from RAC. Ok, so it's my turn. I am there with my toddler. He and I are on our own reservation - but it is linked with my parents and sister. I handed them my resort ID and photo ID as requested. They confirmed that I was me, and flying on AirTran. Then she typed for a while, printed out a new luggage tag and handed me the claim check. I walked away. No one else in my family was at the desk. No one else in my family checked a bag.

So here is what I think happened - I think the note popped up that I had been randomly selected/excluded from RAC. I think that she tried to do a workaround like she had done for the other woman in front of me in line - but she did it without telling me. Unfortunately her workaround involved sending my bag under the name of a relative who doesn't live anywhere near me. Not at all something I would have agreed to had she asked.

In the end, whoever is running the show, the only folks who stepped up and fixed everything were those at AirTran and this was absolutely NOT their error. I am very grateful for their efforts.

 

[taylor3297]

I can't believe you guys are still chatting about this. I've given it some thought and after going back through my paperwork here is what I think happened:

Whoever runs the airline check in automatically checked me in for my flight (I had no idea they did that and had not asked for that, but that's a whole different can of worms). So I called BAGS the day before my flight and prepaid for my one checked bag on AirTran. So yes - i can confirm that POFQ/Disney/DME/whoever had access to my flight information and my resort information.

The day of my flight I had three envelopes left on my doorknob:

1. Boarding pass on AirTran - correct name, flight etc.

2. A luggage tag - did not specify an airline nor did it have a name on it. Came with instructions for dropping the bag.

3. A form letter saying that I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE TO CKECK MY BAG AND WOULD HAVE TO CHECK IT AT THE AIRPORT. I figured this was delivered in error since I had already spoken to BAGS, had been checked in and paid the bag fee.

So I went to the airline desk, and waited behind a few people. One person ahead of me was told she could not check a bag, but they told her they had checked it under her daughters name, as her daughter had apparently not been randomly selected/excluded from RAC. Ok, so it's my turn. I am there with my toddler. He and I are on our own reservation - but it is linked with my parents and sister. I handed them my resort ID and photo ID as requested. They confirmed that I was me, and flying on AirTran. Then she typed for a while, printed out a new luggage tag and handed me the claim check. I walked away. No one else in my family was at the desk. No one else in my family checked a bag.

So here is what I think happened - I think the note popped up that I had been randomly selected/excluded from RAC. I think that she tried to do a workaround like she had done for the other woman in front of me in line - but she did it without telling me. Unfortunately her workaround involved sending my bag under the name of a relative who doesn't live anywhere near me. Not at all something I would have agreed to had she asked.

In the end, whoever is running the show, the only folks who stepped up and fixed everything were those at AirTran and this was absolutely NOT their error. I am very grateful for their efforts.

For some reason RAC can never find me in the system. We get the envelope on the door, there are tags for my whole family except me. So when we go to drop off the bags, I have them search again. Lo and behold they find me. Not sure why the people doing the tags left on the door can't find me. One customer service person it has to do with my hyphenated last name.

Anyway, no matter where you are checking your bags, always check your luggage receipt. I also wait at the counter to make sure the right tags are put on the right luggage. One time my bag was on the scale, lady comes up next to me puts her bag on the scale. As the agent is checking her in, he starts to put her luggage tags on my bag! Luckily, I was paying attention.

 

[bumbershoot]

I can't believe you guys are still chatting about this.

You presented us with a mystery! It's neat to figure out the ways that something could have happened.

The extra things you mentioned...your bags not being eligible, the people in front of you having a workaround involving adult mother and daughter...are really intriguing, and do help to paint the picture more.