Curbside Check in

[vacanut]

I think I'll go through the inside counter and watch as my luggage is scanned and provide the key if needed. Checking in outside makes me nervous as to where my luggage is actually going and who is going through it.

 

[safetymom]

Depending on the airport or screener if you use the new TSA locks you may lose the locks.

The best thing is not to use any locks but the zip ties if you have to. Don't pack anything in the suitcase you can't afford to lose.

If you use curbside check in your bags are still screened.

 

[G00fyDad]

LOL They may place it back inside your luggage so you will have something to throw away.


Curbside should be just fine. I wouldnt worry. I plan to use it.

 

[safetymom]

At many airports you aren't able to see your bags being screened so having the key with you wouldn't help.

 

[beattyfamily]

I think I'll go through the inside counter and watch as my luggage is scanned and provide the key if needed. Checking in outside makes me nervous as to where my luggage is actually going and who is going through it.

I find curbside check in to be a Godsend and I couldn't live without it. I have absolutely NO fear whatsoever that anything will happen to my luggage especially since I tip the skycap very well. To each his own I guess.

As others have said, they will scan your luggage no matter what and it won't be in front of you and you won't be able to provide your keys.

 

[vacanut]

last year we were flying to Vegas early am, so we were at the airport for 5am I believe so perhaps this is why we were able to watch them being scanned and were asked for the key, where do I purchase the special locks? I am most definetely locking my suitcase just for peace of mind.

 

[DebbieB]

They just installed a "behind the scenes" scanning system at PIT for all airlines except USAir (still working on theirs).

I've always used curbside where it was available and have never had a problem.

 

[safetymom]

Locking your suitcase should provide no peace of mind. A good thief can still get into your suitcase very quickly even with locks. If you have something valuable take it in carry on. Even then there are pickpockets. Leave the valuables at home.

 

[vacanut]

Well we are bringing down scanners as we are going down for the race, do you think they will go through security or should we pack in our luggage we are on the fence as we don't want any trouble going through.

 

[beattyfamily]

Locking your suitcase should provide no peace of mind. A good thief can still get into your suitcase very quickly even with locks. If you have something valuable take it in carry on. Even then there are pickpockets. Leave the valuables at home.

Leave the valuables on your person, in carry on, or at home.

 

[safetymom]

Take them through security. Don't pack in suitcase.

 

[skiwee1]

I only put cableties on my suitcases. That way they can cut them to check the inside of the suitcase. When they are finished checking it they put a paper in the suitcase telling you it was searched and re-cabletie it. I don't bother with locks because if someone is going to steal something then they are going to do it no matter what.

 

[Rpsemont]

Since 9/11 I have made it a point to carry my video camera just because of the extra checks and scanning. It just dawned on me, as I have been looking at new video cameras, that maybe it's time to start packing it again. It's about 10 years old, uses VHS-C tape, and the compartment cover falls off evey time I put in a new tape. Maybe I'd be lucky enough to have it stolen! LOL! DH has never had his luggage opened. Mine was opened once (and it was locked, so my lock is gone) we just use the cableties now.

 

[HeatherinVT]

I have two choices, IMHO, as the third choice of standing in the check in line inside is not an option as that would be crazy since I have the other two options, which are online check in with only carry ons which saves me from ALL lines except security (then I wouldn't even have to do curbside which would be great but will never happen as I'll always have luggage to check in). Then there's curbside check in (whether or not I check in online or not I still use this feature since I always have luggage to check).

I unload my car, give the skycap my license and luggage and he checks the luggage and hands me my boarding passes and I tip him.

If I check in online and have my boarding passes already, I still have to unload my car and hand the skycap my luggage. I don't see it as saving any time. Yeah, the skycap has to give me my boarding passes but I'd rather he give them to me than my printer at home as that's one less thing to loose on the way to the airport.

It takes me five minutes or less with the skycap, unless for some reason curbside is busy that morning. I do have to go in the curbside check in line (if any) just as you do, only difference is you have your boarding passes already and I don't. It takes hims seconds to print them out and I'm out of there fast. This is what I prefer. I feel I don't save any time printing my boarding passes at home vs. the skycap doing it. That way he can tell me of any flight delays or gate changes that might have occured as well.

Whether I check in online or with the skycap, its all the same. I still have to check in with the skycap to give him my luggage. Once I tip him, I don't wait in any other lines except security just like you.

It's a matter of preference and what your used to. I see no need to check in online and then with the skycap again the next morning. I just do it all with the skycap. That is what I prefer. If someday I do not have any luggage to check, then I'd gladly check in online and skip ALL lines except security!! That would be GREAT but it's never gonna happen.

Ok so you have made it a little more simple to understand however i still have some newbie to an airport questions....

?? We get to the airport check in with Curbside and they take my large luggage and would they also take my stroller for stowaway type storage? Obviously i cant carry that on the plane but i would like it ASAP after i get off each connection incase we have a long walk??

So one more time for us slow learners i check in all my luggage and i dont have to worry about anything but my carryons and stroller at each stop
(burlington VT to JFK to Orlando on JetBlue)

Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[safetymom]

No you would take your stroller with you through security. When you reach your gate you ask the agent for a tag for the stroller. They will fill it out and attach to the stroller. You will take the stroller down the jet way and leave it at the entrance to the plane. When you get off the plane the stroller will be there. If it isn't wait a few minutes. You will have it to take your child through the airport at your destination.