Please answer my dumb question

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

I know this sounds like a dumb question, but my boyfriend and I have only flown a few times. What exactly is the curbside check-in or skycap service? When we arrived at MCO for departure, TTC dropped us off at the curb. There were attendants there (skycaps, I assume) and asked us if we wanted to use the service. We said no, unsure of what exactly to do, or pay, etc.
We ended up lugging our suitcases down the escalator, to the charter check-in. We had NO wait there which was nice, so we got rid of our bags rather quickly. However , I like to be a little knowledgable about things, so can someone help me?? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Riverview]

The skycap will check your luggage onto your flight for you. They work for tips I generally tip $1 or $2 dollars a bag. I understand at some airports now the skycap can actually check you in for your flight although I have not experienced that yet.
Riverview

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

So, normally, you still have to check yourself in at your check-in stand, but your luggage is taken care of? How do they know where your luggage is going? Is it easier for your luggage to get lost this way? Thanks!

 

[TravelSheryl]

Charter checkin? If you were on a charter flight, you wouldn't have been able to use the curbside checkin as that area is usually limited to regularly scheduled commercial carriers.

But to answer your question, at most airports, curbside checkin serves the same purpose as counter checkin if you already have your tickets. At some airports (although not the ones I seem to use), boarding passes can only be issued at the inside counter or the departure gate.

 

[TravelSheryl]

They know where your luggage is going because they look at your ticket and they tag your bags to your final destination.

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Sorry travelsheryl, I didn't know the rules were different for charter flights.
I don't think I would trust my luggage getting home that way anyway.

 

[TravelSheryl]

As to not trusting that your luggage will arrive with you if you use the curbside checkin (for regularly scheduled commercial flights), I think your concerns are unwarranted. While there is always a chance a bag can be mislaid, the vast majority of times when bags do not arrive as they are supposed to is because they were put on the wrong plane. That happens after the person to whom you have released your bags has released them. In other words, it's not the front line people who are responsible but the people you don't see.

 

[Riverview]

I have used skycaps at least 20 times with no lost luggage. Riverview

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Well, I can't use them anyway because we are taking a charter flight. Although my concerns may be unwarranted, I would still prefer to use the regular check-in services.
I guess everyone's opinion is different!

 

[Riverview]

Noodles I agree peace of mind on a trip is PRICELESS. I was just trying to help.
Riverview

 

[aec]

I use curbside checkin all the time. I tip about $1 per bag. You usually skip the inside counter and go to the gate to get your boarding pass. Works great. Usuall much shorter line. The bags have always made it.

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Thanks for your responses Riverview and aec... I really appreciate them!