Don't forget this trick when you arrive at airport!

[jodifla]

Flew home on Delta from Boston the other day. I don't know what it is about Delta in Boston, but it's always disorganized. When we got there, there were 100 people in line to check their bags, and it was moving slowly!

So, I ran outside to check curbside checkin, and it was totally empty. So we took our bags outside, checked them at the curb, and skipped the 40 minutes of standing in line to check our bags. It costs us a few bucks in tips, but totally worth it.

I bet some folks missed their flights with that crazy line!

 

[babyrich]

Flew home on Delta from Boston the other day. I don't know what it is about Delta in Boston, but it's always disorganized. When we got there, there were 100 people in line to check their bags, and it was moving slowly!

So, I ran outside to check curbside checkin, and it was totally empty. So we took our bags outside, checked them at the curb, and skipped the 40 minutes of standing in line to check our bags. It costs us a few bucks in tips, but totally worth it.

I bet some folks missed their flights with that crazy line!

We use the skycap at Newark Airport all the time. Saves so much time. Great tip!

 

[malibuconlee]

Yep, when we used to fly out of El Paso the airport was pretty small. We could pull up to the skycap, unload, bags, stroller, car seat, child etc, then checkin while the care was right there, so it wasn't really unattended. Then DH would take the van to long term parking while I waited inside with DD. We would all go thru security together. LOVED IT! We started that one trip when it was actually raining (not something we saw often there!).

 

[cheerful chickadee]

I have to admit we travel very rarely so we've never used skycaps or curb side check-in, how does it work exactly? They check in for you and print your boarding passes for you?

 

[Missytara]

I have to admit we travel very rarely so we've never used skycaps or curb side check-in, how does it work exactly? They check in for you and print your boarding passes for you?

Yes, it is also called curbside check-in. Since they will handling your baggages to get inside the airport, then it is expected to tip.

 

[Goofypop]

We use the curbside check-in every time we go. We love it!

 

[Brian Noble]

So, I ran outside to check curbside checkin, and it was totally empty. So we took our bags outside, checked them at the curb, and skipped the 40 minutes of standing in line to check our bags. It costs us a few bucks in tips, but totally worth it.

I usually don't run into horrible lines at DTW, but when I do, I head right outside. Awesome reminder.

 

[DebbieB]

I've done that with Southwest at MCO.

 

[sparkyboy]

we use curb side too-best kept secret around

 

[Mkrop]

we always do curbside

 

[jodifla]

I usually don't run into horrible lines at DTW, but when I do, I head right outside. Awesome reminder.

Yes, DTW was fine, particularly since they have a couple of options to check bags.

But Boston on the way home was crazy. We've also used this at Southwest in Orlando.

 

[Goofypop]

I've gone into SDF several times and have witnessed very long lines. I stopped and took a step back through the doors and the Curbside would be nearly empty. I checked my bags and walked right past all of the dingbats waiting in line.

 

[loveswdw]

We also almost exclusively use curbside check-in at SDF but at MCO...its a crap shoot! Usually the SWA lines outside are as long as the inside lines. That's usually on a Saturday or a Sunday so maybe the weekdays are better?

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, I'm more than a little miffed you were in Boston and didn't say anything. There are times I can actually get in to say hi to people. Sheesh.

 

[TamaraQT]

I also do curbside check-in out of PHL. We usually get a shuttle to the airport so we are already being dropped off right at "curbside" in front of our airline. Its so much easier and faster. Well at least Southwest is always, easier and faster. This year we are flying United...so I will have to see. But the plan is curbside check-in.

 

[Goofypop]

We also almost exclusively use curbside check-in at SDF but at MCO...its a crap shoot! Usually the SWA lines outside are as long as the inside lines. That's usually on a Saturday or a Sunday so maybe the weekdays are better?

We always fly out of SDF on a Friday at around 6am. Maybe that's it. We've gotten there before and he curbside checkin actually looked deserted.

 

[siskaren]

We also almost exclusively use curbside check-in at SDF but at MCO...its a crap shoot! Usually the SWA lines outside are as long as the inside lines. That's usually on a Saturday or a Sunday so maybe the weekdays are better?

Why not just use RAC at your resort?

 

[*Seanaci*]

We used curbside check in a couple years ago at DIA. Our flight was taking off at like 7:30 or 8, and we got there before the SWA counter inside opened (I believe they weren't opening till like 6:30 or 7). We were told to go down to curbside if we had a flight leaving between 7 and 8. It was so super quick!

May have to try that on our next trip.

 

[safetymom]

Just be aware that some airlines charge a fee to check in outside. You should also remember to tip the skycap $1-2 a bag. Some airlines won't allow you to tip skycap so be aware.

 

[Brian Noble]

Just be aware that some airlines charge a fee to check in outside.

They sure do. But, hey, it's vacation! Spend the $5. It's worth it.

Though I think several airlines have dropped this. DL/NW used to charge for it, but now it's strictly tips. I tip big, though, because these guys and gals are saving me a ton of time.