Delta check-in question

[ameraumi]

We will be flying Delta out of CVG in June. I was planning on doing online check in but we will also have checked luggage. I was planning on doing curbside check in for the bags (free of charge, just tips) but now I am wondering if it is better to just take them inside. If I do take them inside, will I need to use a kiosk to print the luggage tags or will a baggage handler do that?

 

[CarolA]

If you check in on line it's my understanding you can put in the number of bags you are checking and the fee is waived.

If you go to the kiosk you will need to scan your boarding pass and it will lead you through the process. You tell it how many bags you have and then head to the counter where the agent will print your tags, check your id and attach the tags to your bags.

 

[ameraumi]

Thanks!

 

[Jillpie]

I always wonder though, why check in online if you have to check bags anyway? I can see the benefit for Southwest, but for Delta? I have never checked in online and have been fine just going up to the desk. You already have your seating assignment, so just wondering why?

 

[Jestocost]

I always wonder though, why check in online if you have to check bags anyway? I can see the benefit for Southwest, but for Delta? I have never checked in online and have been fine just going up to the desk. You already have your seating assignment, so just wondering why?

In most cases I agree completely. You can get your boarding passes at the same place you need to go to check your bags, so checking in online doesn't save you any time or provide any benefit; in fact the time you spend doing it is time wasted.

If, as a previous poster noted, Delta waives the charge for curbside baggage checking if you check in online, however, that would be an actual benefit. I've also heard that some airlines have special express baggage check-in services at some airports for passengers who check in online. If that service actually moves efficiently, that also could be a benefit.

I fly AA mostly and they don't offer either one of these services at my airport, so in my case there's no real benefit to doing online check in if I'm also checking bags. YMMV

 

[ameraumi]

I always wonder though, why check in online if you have to check bags anyway? I can see the benefit for Southwest, but for Delta? I have never checked in online and have been fine just going up to the desk. You already have your seating assignment, so just wondering why?

I just figured it was easier. I have never flown Delta so I am not sure if they ever overbook their flights. I guess I should look up CVG and see if they have an express baggage line.

 

[CarolA]

When they first came out with on line check in they gave you "reward miles" for doing it. Now, that doesn't happen. So unless it's the skycap deal DL has then I see no real benefit if you are checking luggage.

 

[susie6505]

I just figured it was easier. I have never flown Delta so I am not sure if they ever overbook their flights. I guess I should look up CVG and see if they have an express baggage line.

I will say that we try not to check bags. We did only once when we went to Hawaii for 2 weeks. We used the kiosk three weeks ago when we flew from CVG to MCO direct. When we proceeded to use the kiosk, it told us that our flight was overbooked and they wanted volunteers. We declined since this was the last flight out. Did not see a problem with our flight being over sold. Also, never take their first offer if you are asked to give up your seat.

 

[ameraumi]

I will say that we try not to check bags. We did only once when we went to Hawaii for 2 weeks. We used the kiosk three weeks ago when we flew from CVG to MCO direct. When we proceeded to use the kiosk, it told us that our flight was overbooked and they wanted volunteers. We declined since this was the last flight out. Did not see a problem with our flight being over sold. Also, never take their first offer if you are asked to give up your seat.

Will checking in online possibly avoid us being bumped from an overbooked flight? I figured the earlier we check in the better.

We are going for 10 days so I doubt we can get by with just carry ons, especially my inlaws. I know my family might, with backpacks and a 21" suitcase but I know my MIL all too well.

 

[susie6505]

The sooner you check in and get your seat assignment, the chances of getting bumped are slim. You are able to check in online 24 hrs before your flight (Delta sent us an email), so you can print your boarding passes from home. My DH is a business traveler, so he usually does print/check in from home, but lately he has been using the kiosk at the airport with great success. We have arrived at least 1 to 2 hrs before our flight, more due to security lines rather than being on an oversold flight. You should be okay.

 

[tbrenk73]

If you check in on line it's my understanding you can put in the number of bags you are checking and the fee is waived.

If you go to the kiosk you will need to scan your boarding pass and it will lead you through the process. You tell it how many bags you have and then head to the counter where the agent will print your tags, check your id and attach the tags to your bags.

Is the fee wavied at all aiports? We are flying Delta on Saturday out of La Guardia.

 

[ameraumi]

And here is another question: I could check in online and print the boarding pass at the airport when I check the bags, correct?

 

[CarolA]

Is the fee wavied at all aiports? We are flying Delta on Saturday out of La Guardia.

It's suppose to be. Haven't tried this yet.