Gate Checking a Checked Bag with SWA??

[kristenrice]

We typically check a single, large rolling duffel when we travel to WDW with our family of 4. We use it for mostly food and >3oz liquid products and other stuff that is not essential for the first day. We also typically fly non-stop.

For our next trip, we have a plane change in Chicago and short stop of only 70 minutes. We also have a late arrival in Orlando so we will have to get our checked baggage before we head to the Hyatt for the night. Because of this, I would like to forego a checked bag, if possible. We all have the same backpack which doubles as our "suitcase". It's the TLS Motherlode Weekender Convertible Junior from eBags. The dimensions on it are 19.5" x 14" x 9" and it easily fits under the seat. We are able to fit everything for the week (including laptops) into these bags. We also have a 22" rolling carry-on that goes in the overhead compartment and I just purchased another 19" rolling carry-on.

My plan is to use our two rolling carry-ons in place of the large duffel that we normally check. The rest of our family is flying non-stop the next morning so they have offered to put our >3oz liquids into their checked bag. The rest of our "larger" stuff and food should fit into our smaller rolling carryon's. My concern is that they may say that the backpacks are too big to be considered a "personal item". This did not happen on our last trip, but it is still a concern for me. If we were denied for some reason, the rolling bags are hard-sided so they could be checked without worry, but would we get them when we disembark (like a stroller?) or would we have to go to baggage claim?

 

[bumbershoot]

If the backpacks fit under the seat there is no issue. DH has a magical backpack that fits the earth AND fits under the seat. It's amazing.

I've had gate checking when I get it on the ramp and gate checking where I get it at the carousel.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

Flew SWA a few weeks ago and found that as long as the bag fits under the seat in front of you, there was no issue. The flights I was on were all completely full and each time people had to check bags that would not go in the overhead, it seemed to me that those people were picking up their bag at the gate. I would just be sure to try and get early bird check in, or nothing less than a B boarding pass to be sure that there is a spot in the overhead for your suitcases. Also helps to just move all the way to the back of the plane when boarding.

 

[kristenrice]

Thanks to both of you...
We've only flown one time with BOTH a rolling carry-on and the big backpacks. We usually put the big backpacks in the overhead and kept just a small bag (purse) under the seat. The last time, I just threw my purse into the big backpack and put it under the seat in front of me. I love the idea that I can use my new 19" rolling carry-on in addition to my big backpack.

Oh, and we do have EBCI for all legs of our trip. I don't typically buy it for the trip to Orlando, but since we are flying with a connection and it's later in the day, I decided to spring for the EBCI on both legs.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

When you gate check a bag at the gate, you pick it up at baggage claim. The exception is when you have to gate check on a regional jet because the overheads cannot hold normal sized carry on bags. Then you will pick up your bag plane side. This is not an issue on Southwest, as they have no regional jets.

 

[CarrieR]

Southwest also tends to be a little more chill about baggage size. Because they don't charge for checked bags, fewer people try to stuff everything into carry ons or bring "too large" carry-ons on the plane.

As long as the backpacks fit under the seat, you'll be fine.

 

[dis_guy]

DW has done the "19 inch roll aboard along with a backpack" strategy for years. I used to tease her about it. Now we both have backpacks under the seat when we go carry on only. As usual she was right!