Gate Checking Luggage?

[Kevenswife2]

What are the rules on gate-checking luggage and what are the advantages?

 

[clkelley]

I have only gate-checked items for a few reasons:

1: I am flying on a small 35 - 50 passenger jet and they can only take the smallest items onboard, in which case I hand the item to the grounds crew right before boarding and get it right back right after deplaning. This is known as valet luggage service or something to that effect.

2: I had a bag that would have fit under my seat or in the overhead when I originally packed it, but TSA went through the bag at security and I didn't have time to repack it correctly, so the FAs requested that I gate check the bag. I then had to claim it at the carousel.

3: When we are bringing DH's ECV, we gate check it. We give it to the crew before boarding and get it back after deplaning.


I hope this answers your questions.

 

[Devil_Dog99]

In most cases, you have no choice. Most often it occurs when you are flying a small plane and the overhead bins do not have enough room. If it happens on a large plane, it means all overhead space has been taken and your carry-on bag will now be checked to baggage claim. No advantage at all.

Gate checking is not an option for cheking your large suitcases with an agent.

 

[Kevenswife2]

Thanks! That answered my question.