Many people prefer to travel only with carry-on bags and not checked bags. Among those with carry-ons, one common fear is having to gate check your bag. In this post I wanted to talk a bit more about that, and also share some tips for avoiding having to gate check your bag.
In this post:
Why do some bags have to be gate checked?
For those not familiar with the concept of gate checking a bag, the idea is that you may have gone through security with your carry-on bag, but are then forced to gate check it when you try to board. This is most commonly for one of two reasons:
- Your bag is bigger than the maximum carry-on size allowed by the airline
- You’re boarding toward the end of the boarding process, and the overhead bins are full
Generally speaking when you gate check a bag, it will arrive on the baggage claim belt, just like all other checked bags do. I think fear of having bags gate checked is one of the reasons we see so much crowding of gate areas at the start of the boarding process. In reality boarding is slowed down by people crowding the gate area, but that doesn’t seem to be how psychology works for most people.
It’s worth noting that sometimes when you’re flying a turboprop or small regional jet, you may have to valet check your bag at the gate. This is a bit different than a standard gate check, as your bag will typically be available planeside upon arrival, rather than at the baggage carousel.
Is it wrong to try to “sneak on” a bag?
Before I share some tips, let me address the ethics of this topic more broadly. Is it wrong to try to take a bag that’s larger than regulation size onto a plane? The way I view it, yes and no.
If you’re flying an ultra low cost carrier and try to bring on a full size carry-on that you’re not entitled to, you’re almost always not only going to be caught, but also fined, as these airlines often have higher fees if you have to check a bag at the gate rather than at check-in.
Similarly, I absolutely don’t encourage trying to take on a massive carry-on bag that won’t fit in the overhead bin, and where you’re inconveniencing others.
All that being said, personally I think it’s reasonable to try to exceed the limit in some cases. For example, some airlines have ridiculously low carry-on allowances, especially in terms of the weight requirement. For example, Singapore Airlines limits passengers (including in premium cabins) to carry-on bags weighing up to 7kg (~15lbs).
That’s extremely light. I mean, a Rimowa carry-on case weights nearly 10 pounds empty, technically leaving you with just five pounds until you reach the limit.
Everyone will of course have their own opinion on this, but personally I don’t have any ethical qualms with taking something that’s a bit heavier than that limit. This assumes that you can safely carry the bag yourself (and lift it into the overhead bin), and that you’re not taking up space that would belong to others.
To me, it’s the same thing as going a few miles over the speed limit in a car. Is it against the rules? Yes. Is it wrong or irresponsible? I don’t think so. That’s my two cents, but of course I respect that others will feel differently.
Is there a way to avoid having to gate check a bag?
Is there a way to avoid having to gate check your bag? The obvious tips are of course to not overpack, and to try to board as early as you can, since that addresses the two biggest reasons that bags have to be gate checked.
But what about beyond that? In my millions of miles of flying, I’ve been asked to gate check a bag maybe a handful of times, even though I pretty consistently exceed the carry-on allowance outside the United States (where 15 pound weight limits aren’t unusual).
There are a few easy tricks to minimize your odds of having to gate check a bag:
- Whenever I approach an airline employee (whether it’s at check-in, the security checkpoint, or the gate), I roll my carry-on on the opposite side of me of where the agent is standing, to decrease the odds of them seeing it
- When boarding, I always make sure I have my boarding pass and travel documents ready to go when it’s my turn with the agent; if you’re fumbling trying to find these things, it gives them more time to scrutinize your bags
- If I have a personal item, I’ll always put that over my shoulder on the opposite side of where the airline employee is standing, to minimize the odds of them looking at it too closely
- If your carry-on bag is just slightly overweight or just barely doesn’t fit into the bag sizer, you can always remove a winter coat or other heavy clothing item, and wear it, so that it doesn’t count toward your carry-on allowance
Now, I have a couple of tips that are likely to be a bit more controversial. The first I’ve witnessed but personally wouldn’t do, while the second happened to me by mistake:
- When you gate check a bag, a tag will be placed on it, and either the agent will keep your bag, or typically the agent will ask you to carry it to the bottom of the jet bridge and leave it at the door; I’ve seen people carry the bag down the jet bridge, remove the tag, and then take the bag onboard (admittedly this could backfire if you’re caught, so I don’t recommend this, but I have seen it)
- If you’re told you have to gate check your bag, it will typically be delivered to your final destination, via a handwritten tag; I was once on a review trip and had a complicated itinerary with multiple connections, and the agent ended up saying “never mind” when she realized just how complicated the tag was going to be to write out
Bottom line
It’s not uncommon to have to gate check a bag, either because overhead bins are simply full, or because your carry-on exceeds the limit. Sometimes this is because passengers try to travel with a kitchen sink, while other times it’s because airlines have unrealistically low carry-on limits.
While I wouldn’t expect to get away with anything on an airline that’s punitive about carry-ons (like an ultra low cost carrier), I do think there are some general strategies that can help you minimize odds of having to gate check a bag.
What has your experience been with gate checking bags? Any tips I missed?
I don't mind gate checking my bag when I fly domestic, but the last two times I've been requested to gate check was in Denver going to LAX and Denver going to SFO flying international then from both. Yup! both times none of my luggage made it to my destination. Now after the first time, I tried my hardest to explain that my carryon was my backup in case the rest didn't show and was...
I don't mind gate checking my bag when I fly domestic, but the last two times I've been requested to gate check was in Denver going to LAX and Denver going to SFO flying international then from both. Yup! both times none of my luggage made it to my destination. Now after the first time, I tried my hardest to explain that my carryon was my backup in case the rest didn't show and was going to be away a reasonable time. Just met with rudeness and flat out give it up or don't go. made complaint with united but of course no response
Be warned: Some airlines charge significantly more if you have to check in a bag at the airport or gate.
I recently returned from Madrid to New York on Iberia. As you approached the gate, all carry-ons had to be weighed and receive a sticker. Two staff operated two machines. If you tried to board and your carry-on did not have the sticker, they sent you back to have it weighed.
Their maximum weight is...
Be warned: Some airlines charge significantly more if you have to check in a bag at the airport or gate.
I recently returned from Madrid to New York on Iberia. As you approached the gate, all carry-ons had to be weighed and receive a sticker. Two staff operated two machines. If you tried to board and your carry-on did not have the sticker, they sent you back to have it weighed.
Their maximum weight is 10 kg in Economy/Premium Economy and 14 kg in Business class. My carry-on was 0.3 kg over the limit, but the machine printed the sticker. I assume this is because I could have removed and worn an item (as you mentioned; swapping the heavy boots I pack with the sneakers I wear would easily get me under the limit).
But if your carry-on is significantly overweight, you might be forced to gate check. Sometimes gate checks are free, but sometimes they charge. It can be very expensive if your carry-on is oversized or overweight.
Tip: I always bring an empty collapsible bag with me just in case. It does not take up much space in my luggage and it could easily be made to fit under any seat if needed (i.e., brought on board as a personal item). If I am forced to check my carry-on, I can move my essentials (shaving kit, medications, electronics and other valuables) to the collapsible bag and bring it with me, even if the overhead bins are full.
Overhead bins are absolutely filled to capacity on many flights. I wish that all airlines would enforce a rule that only carry-ons are allowed in the overhead bins.
One more tip - stay out of line of sight of the gate agent before boarding, especially if there is a small delay and they seem to have some time on their hands or if they seem to be walking around. On multiple occasions, an agent has come out from behind the desk and told passengers (including me) that our luggage is too big to carry on and we will need to check it. Better...
One more tip - stay out of line of sight of the gate agent before boarding, especially if there is a small delay and they seem to have some time on their hands or if they seem to be walking around. On multiple occasions, an agent has come out from behind the desk and told passengers (including me) that our luggage is too big to carry on and we will need to check it. Better to make them think you might be on a different flight, or pretend to be on the phone or something. Just one more discipline in advanced gate lice technique, requires timing, careful observation and subtle establishment of physical position.
I have essential medication in my carry on (which fits under the seat anyway), mere mention of that tends to avoid any discussion around gate checking it in favour of someone less complicated to deal with!
Flew to SEA a couple of days ago with my wife and her bag had to be gate checked. I suppose she could have been an asshole like all these self-entitled pricks who have blatantly oversized bags but she gate checked it and it worked out fine. This was with us in first class. I just wish these people who try to bring multiple bags onboard (we've all seen them, just watch any gate at...
Flew to SEA a couple of days ago with my wife and her bag had to be gate checked. I suppose she could have been an asshole like all these self-entitled pricks who have blatantly oversized bags but she gate checked it and it worked out fine. This was with us in first class. I just wish these people who try to bring multiple bags onboard (we've all seen them, just watch any gate at embarkation) would stop being so entitled but that's why the airline has to act in order to enforce policies that important people need to comply with as well.
Usually have a back pack, which, if full, can greatly exceed allowed sizes and weight as a carry on and never had to check it. Gate agents are so focused on rollies, that they usually ignore what you have on your back. Especially if you carry it relaxed on one strap...
Recently witnessed AA gate agent angrily insist nearly all business class international passengers prove carry-ons fit in metal contraption, even if obviously standard size and zero issue with space on 777-300. Pure power trip by single agent, while other 3 agents wanted nothing to do with her - created quite the scene as didn't even want to allow people to remove items from bag without going to back of line. Wasn't wearing a name tag either.
Airline and airport please?
AA flight from JFK to CDG in July.
Thanks.
I typically fly AA, usually in business or first. I'll try to avoid flying out of JFK for a while.
You missed an important one. Get a credit card that gives you priority boarding. Even if you board after the elites, you still will get bin space.
Also a black floppy duffle bag slung behind your back always works for exceeding size limits.
My wife once boarded a flight ahead of me, as I was running late. By the time I got to the gate, they said there was no overhead bin space and all bags had to be gate checked. I called my wife, who looked up and saw plenty of bins available, right by our seat. The gate agent gave me a gate check and tagged the bag. As soon as I was out of her...
My wife once boarded a flight ahead of me, as I was running late. By the time I got to the gate, they said there was no overhead bin space and all bags had to be gate checked. I called my wife, who looked up and saw plenty of bins available, right by our seat. The gate agent gave me a gate check and tagged the bag. As soon as I was out of her sight, I tore off the tag and proceeded to board without leaving my bag at the end of the jetbridge.
So now I assume they are lying if they say there’s no overhead room and just take their tag and tear it off. Haven’t failed to find a spot for my bag since.
The problem with this approach is that once your bag isn't scanned into the checked luggage compartment, the gate agent knows you did this and can have you pulled from the flight for non-compliance.
It was a pink paper tag with a tear-off receipt. Not a printed tag like you’d get when you check a bag at the counter. I don’t believe they have a way to track those.
I am always reluctant to get into these "discussions", but one of my biggest pet peeves is the person who insists on carrying on what he or she knows is beyond the permitted limit. And, 99% of the time it is because they are simply too cheap to pay for a checked bag. And of course this winds being at the inconvience of those playing by the rules. Let's be a little more responsible.
And, they think we're idiots and they're heroes for it (or some alpha/beta bs).
I have run into this issue multiple times with LH, primarily at home ports such as MUC and FRA. It boils down to this; if they say gate check nothing will work. I established that my bag fir the sizer yet the gate agent would not relent and became threatening. He threatened to bring Police into the equation and I reminded him that I did nothing wrong. He stated that it would be his word....
I have run into this issue multiple times with LH, primarily at home ports such as MUC and FRA. It boils down to this; if they say gate check nothing will work. I established that my bag fir the sizer yet the gate agent would not relent and became threatening. He threatened to bring Police into the equation and I reminded him that I did nothing wrong. He stated that it would be his word. He then turned off the escalator at the gate which made boarding dangerous while he had me board, sans bag.
Once onboard my seat had been taken and I was forced to sit elsewhere. The Cabin crew was very gracious and apologetic at the treatment by the gate agent.
Just one more reason why I hate Lufthansa.
Umm, this story is weird. How about just following the rules?
Not sure what you were responding to. If you wre responding to my LH incident, it was weird but true. I did follow the rules and part of the process involved putting my bag into the sizer.
I fly on LH group flights often because they are often the least adventurous option for my destinations. I do not appreciate their service or attitude.
Ok, here's the really obvious one: don't carry on any bag with wheels.
Yeah this really is an important one. I've seen 10 people in a row get gate checked in front of me. I walk up w/ a backpack and a duffle and they let me right on.
The rules pertaining to size are not random, they take into account the depth of the overhead bins. Laws of physics are absolute, the bin does not care about the size of your roll on bag without measuring the wheels. The bin also does not care that amaz** said it is valid on all airlines.
It varies from airline to airline.
When travelling on BA it’s easy - have OneWorld status.
BA has boarding groups 1-9. When they need to gate check bags they only target groups 4-9. If you are in groups 1-3 (biz, first, OW Emerald or Sapphire) you could literally take a kitchen sink on board.
The bad part is when they lie, saying it's a full flight and people need to gate check their bag. Ends up not full load of passengers and plenty of overhead space. They should stop lying.
Agree 100%. Every time I fly Air France within Europe, they weigh both personal, carry on upon entry. Then once I pass that, they ask to gate check because supposedly overhead bins are full. Which they are not. Has happened x times, never on low cost.
Simple - just tell them you have rechargeable gadgets with lithium batteries. Those can only go in hand baggage per most airline rules.
They'll tell you that's not their problem, it's yours - you'll have to remove those batteries and put them in your pockets. Once I had 8 large lithium batteries (for a drone). Gate agent didn't give a shite, I had to pull them from my carry on and distribute them between myself and my spouse, they went in our pockets.
You clearly are determined to not let Gary have more page visits than you for another year
Has Gary finally turned his site around? I used to read it every day, and then finally stopped cold turkey about four years ago because his content became unbearable clickbait (half of the titles falling into the "Delta frequent fliers benefit from this one unknown trick!" stuff). Haven't been back since.
Gary's website continues to be predominantly tabloid trash . . . with an occasionally worthwhile article. That trash content is, however, what people (at least, angry white MAGA types) must want because he has the second highest traffic travel blog.
The amount of carry on has taken over hand. Airlines should minimize the amount of carry on allowed to just one small bag.
one ive tried before. going from A to B.
Ma'am, I have a connection at B (with a different airline) and i only have 20 mins to connec. Ill miss the connection if i have to go to baggage claim.
Unfortunately, LH and LX's agents in PRG/ZRH do not care. I ended up losing bags in THREE subsequent flights where our FRA connection was tight, one occasion for over seven days. My bags were properly sized, weight was not an issue, we were flying A320, not LX's E195s and the flight wasn't even full. This seems to be corporate policy and has been since I started flying out of PRG in 1999.
In ZRH,...
Unfortunately, LH and LX's agents in PRG/ZRH do not care. I ended up losing bags in THREE subsequent flights where our FRA connection was tight, one occasion for over seven days. My bags were properly sized, weight was not an issue, we were flying A320, not LX's E195s and the flight wasn't even full. This seems to be corporate policy and has been since I started flying out of PRG in 1999.
In ZRH, the "power trip lady" (whenever I see her, she always finds one or two people to abuse, hence the nickname), threatened to call the "airport police" on me, because I kept claiming my bag fits the E195 no problem. After getting the bag in the sizer, she said "it doesn't matter, it's overweight" (and yes it was... by 500gr).
Now, whenever I flight LH/LX, my carry-on is much smaller, so they won.
Did they? Since my three on a row mishap, I try to avoid LH and LX as much as I can.
Regarding weight... overhead bins do have a posted weight limit. US airlines and regulating body do not particularly heed this but that's why you see other countries being a little more strict (they also have formed views based on weight of objects and what that causes them to do in a confined aircraft cabin in the event of turbulence or a sudden deceleration to zero).
And I'd agree with @Sean M: I've told them...
Regarding weight... overhead bins do have a posted weight limit. US airlines and regulating body do not particularly heed this but that's why you see other countries being a little more strict (they also have formed views based on weight of objects and what that causes them to do in a confined aircraft cabin in the event of turbulence or a sudden deceleration to zero).
And I'd agree with @Sean M: I've told them that if they are going to take my bag, I need them to give me another bag in which to put my electronics, bag of medications, and other valuables presumed not contained in checked luggage by their contract of carriage for which they will claim they have no liability, unless the agent would like to accept said liability on record.
There are two foolproof ways of avoiding having to gate check a legally sized bag.
1) State that there are DG in the bag (such as Lithium batteries) which are legal to carry in the cabin but not in the hold.
2) Request to make a "declaration of excess valuation" of the luggage (assuming the airline contract of carriage has this provision) and to pay the excess valuation fee in cash. I guarantee you that...
There are two foolproof ways of avoiding having to gate check a legally sized bag.
1) State that there are DG in the bag (such as Lithium batteries) which are legal to carry in the cabin but not in the hold.
2) Request to make a "declaration of excess valuation" of the luggage (assuming the airline contract of carriage has this provision) and to pay the excess valuation fee in cash. I guarantee you that they will just wave you on rather than have to deal with that paperwork nightmare.
@Sean M.
You probably haven't used your 'foolproof' ways recently in ***America***.
The unaccountable authoritarian would offload you right away.
You suddenly become a security risk. Your plea will become verbal abuse.
Next thing you know you're on the no fly list.
So if you want to be on this flight, check you bags. They already do you a huge favor of not charging for it, in their minds.
"Sean M." is usually on the money and "Eskimo" is batsh!t crazy, but here, it's vice versa. If you are asked to gate-check your bag, you have 2 options.
1. Gate-check your bag.
2. Don't board the flight.
There is no trick to get your bag onboard. Sometimes there really is no more space. The contract of carriage does not entitle you to carry on a bag.
What are DG?
Dangerous goods.
I like your item #2, but #1 doesn't always work. I actually *do* have a bunch of lithium batteries in my carry-on, and when I've been told I have to check it, I protested about the batteries. The gate dragon shrugged and said that was my problem, not hers, and my bag wasn't going into the cabin with me. She wouldn't budge. After trying to eason with her, she told me to take just the bateries out of my bag, put them in my pockets, and the bag would be checked.
@Sean M: as @Eskimo wrote, in 'murica a lot of gate agents really are "unaccountable authoritarians". If you state there is anything dangerous in your bag (even it is allowed as a carry-on), you run the risk of being denied boarding altogether.
As for the second method, United contract of carriage explicitly prohibits a "declaration of excess valuation". Rule 23.C.8.a: "Passengers are not permitted to declare a higher value for Checked Baggage on UA or...
@Sean M: as @Eskimo wrote, in 'murica a lot of gate agents really are "unaccountable authoritarians". If you state there is anything dangerous in your bag (even it is allowed as a carry-on), you run the risk of being denied boarding altogether.
As for the second method, United contract of carriage explicitly prohibits a "declaration of excess valuation". Rule 23.C.8.a: "Passengers are not permitted to declare a higher value for Checked Baggage on UA or carriers doing business as United Express."
I haven't checked other US airlines, but would be surprised if any of them allow it. UA (and LH) have in past forced me to gate-check a bag, even when flying business. Major reason why I am trying to find an alternative routing to Palau from the US east coast instead of going single ticket UA via SFO/LAX-HNL-GUM-ROR. 3 connections, last one in Guam only 50 minutes coming off a 777 from HNL, mean high probability that any checked bag would be at best a day late.