Pros and Cons of Standby and Carry-on vs Checked Bags

[Bill From PA]

We've got a 3hr layover in PHL on our next trip. If we succeed in getting on an earlier plane on standby, we'll still have to wait at MCO for our bags to arrive on our original flight, right? There'd be no gain in park time. I'm tempted to jam everything into 2 carry-ons, but I'm worried our bigger ones are too big and the smaller ones might not tote enough. Any advice?

Bill From PA

 

[ktglads]

You could gate-sheck the carry-ons if they are too big for the overhead bins but still within the maximum weight and size limits. You may have to wait for them for a minute or so at the gate, but it beats having to lift and jam them in the overheads when you know you don't need anything in it on the flight. Not sure what airline you are flying, but they all have the maximum size and weight dimensions on the websites so you can check them out

 

[NotUrsula]

You could also just ship a box to your resort containing a duffel w/ some of the lighter-weight stuff.

I wouldn't bother with this as a normal thing, but if you are planning to go standby, it would probably make sense.

 

[Momto4]

Maybe someone with more insider information than me can confirm (or deny) this, but...

I thought that, for security reasons, airlines won't allow a flight to takeoff with an unaccompanied piece of luggage. I know I've sat at the gate waiting for ground crews to find and remove luggage belonging to someone who wasn't on the plane. Anybody know if this is true?

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by Momto4
I thought that, for security reasons, airlines won't allow a flight to takeoff with an unaccompanied piece of luggage.

We were told the same thing one time when flying after 9/11. We hoped to get on an earlier flight, but we had already checked in our luggage for the later flight.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by Momto4
Maybe someone with more insider information than me can confirm (or deny) this, but...

I thought that, for security reasons, airlines won't allow a flight to takeoff with an unaccompanied piece of luggage. I know I've sat at the gate waiting for ground crews to find and remove luggage belonging to someone who wasn't on the plane. Anybody know if this is true?

Now longer true. Now that all checked luggage has to be inspected (by hand or X-Ray) the airlines will allow you to become voluntarily separated from your luggage.

Last month I was able to stand by for an earlier flight (SW) and went back to the airport to get my checked luggage.

 

[CarolA]

Gate checking is not a real option. The airline expects you to attempt to put that thing in the overhead. Gate checking is a last resort. (They do make an exception for things like wheelchairs and strollers) Expect them not to be overjoyed if you show up and ask to "gate check" since it is too heave too lift.

At one point in Nashville, the DL station manager would flat out not allow gate checking except for strollers and wheelchairs. Everything else went on the next plane. (He is gone and so is that rule, but it did cut down on those last minute delays while we gate checked the giant suitcases)

However, if you show up and ask about stand by some airlines will put your luggage on the plane if you make it. My mother flew standby a few months ago and they tagged her luggage. As she cleared the luggage was put on the plane. (Plus if the plane is empty they will sometimes just confirm you at the check in counter)

What airline are you flying? That does make a difference as to the "rules"

 

[Bill From PA]

CarolA,

We're flying USAir out of a small local airport on New Year's Day and I'm thinking it will be a slow travel day. Our fare is lowest I've ever paid out of this airport to MCO so that's some indication. When we walk off the plane at PHL I'll ask about standby with our bags getting to MCO on the same flight. If that doesn't happen, I'll have to find a place in the concourse that serves western omlets with beer at 9:55 am. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[CarolA]

Ask at your local airport first. They can put you on the standby list and the earlier you are on the list the better your chances. They might be able to deal with your luggage then. (Now sometimes the little regional carriers get confused and won'd do this, but it is worth a shot!)

 

[chicknoodle99]

When you checkin at the beginning ask the agent to check your bag on the earlier MCO flight then worse case scenerio if you dont get on the earlier flight, you bag will be there before you. They will hold your bag at the luggage service office. If they say they cant check it on the earlier flight, let the agent know in PHL that is working the flight you are standing by on BUT if they cant do it then you just have to go back to MCO to pick up your bag after your original flight arrives. The airlines consider this a voluntary seperation and you will have to return to pick up your bags.

If you decide to try to carry it on and they gate check it--they will gate check it to your final destination (which is MCO)--you will not get it back at your connection site. As posted before, only wheelchairs and strollers are brought back to the plane during connections.

Good luck and have fun in WDW!!

 

[seashoreCM]

Normally you ask about standby at the main terminal counter where you check baggage. You would not use curbside baggage checking and you would not try gate checking.

For this purpose the airline tags the baggage specially so it goes on the flight you go on. The airline has to ship the baggage to you if it is not there when you arrive. This applies if you miss a connection and it is not your fault (including weather) and the best rebookings are standby only.

Because of the possible complications, many airlines don't do this for voluntary standby any more so you should ask. Some airlines charge you a fee for voluntary standby and some don't even have a voluntary standby program of any kind.

Gate checking is a funny animal. You usually cannot ask to gate check something and also the airline can demand that you gate check something. (Always remove valuables etc. first on the spot.)

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Bill From PA]

As usual I received much useful advice from my friends here at DIS, but USAir solved my problem by cancelling the 6 am flight out of AVP putting us on the 8:20 to PHL. Now, I get 2 hr more sleep on New Year's morning, or two more of revelry on NY Eve, and my layover in PHL is now only 45 mins. We'll be on the ground at MCO the same as before, 12:21. Thanks again.

Bill From PA

 

[Chicago526]

My brother and I stood by on UA once. They put your bag on the earlier flight no matter what. If you make the standby list, great. If not, the bag still goes on the earlier flight, and you pick it up a the UA luggage office once you get to your destination. That's what happened to us! Worked out just fine though, the bags were waiting for us when we landed. In fact, it was better because we didn't have to wait at the luggage carolsel with everyone else, we just stoped in the office, showed our claim checks, and walked out with our bags.