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’d like to talk a bit more about that, and also share some tips for avoiding having to gate check your bag.
Continue reading: How To Avoid Gate Checking Your Carry-On Bag (The Easy & Sneaky Ways)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Most gate agents are scrutinizing bags quite closely so I doubt one would get away with it all that often. Pay for first and you have a better chance of carrying on a bag and not gate checking it.
Yes, people crowd the gate area because they don't want to have their bag checked. Yes, it slows down boarding. But the incentive to avoid gate checking comes from *after* the flight, when you have to wait sometimes 20-30 minutes extra at baggage claim. Or they lose your bag! (At PDX last year, my bag's AirTag showed it stuck on the tarmac for hours after arrival; turns out it was "caught in cart netting" and missed by ground crew).
I don't think anyone would mind if you could retrieve your gate checked bag planeside or in the jetway; as was more common years ago. But an unexpected 20-30 min arrival wait at the destination (while your family / friends ride is forced to circle the terminal) for bag claim is a big reason why it's so annoying to gate check.
At Heathrow BA now makes all economy customers (group 4 onwards) on short haul flights check their bags at the gate if the flight is full and operated by a non-Airspace A320. You have no choice. Everyone has to.
Well, another "trick" is that these days you're often going to encounter an announcement/offer from the gate staff to check bags for free (on full service carriers).
So if you were trying to avoid paying a checked bag fee to begin with, this often is a way to get around it. (if you are happy to part with your bag)
Yup. BA LHR-NCE last year: BA gate agent will hunt you down and demand to tag your bag. When you protest, they will gaslight you: "This is a very small plane and there is no room in the overheads". Then you'll board the regular-size A320, and if you manage to contain your horror at the ripped worn seats, filthy walls, bad smell, flickering LED lights, and numerous taped-off blocked malfunctioning seats... you'll see the overhead bins are nearly empty.
I've never had to gate check a bag, because we never do carryon. Checked baggage for us, only.
Sometimes gate agents check carry-ons for no reason at all. I once boarded an ITA flight in Munich where the agent aggressively demanded randomly that this or that carry-on should be checked. She tagged mine and told me to leave it at the gate when I boarded. I simply tore off the tag and boarded with no questions asked and then found that there was a ton of room in the baggage bins.
I know gate checking is very much a controversial topic in the industry, but I really don't worry too much about this kind of thing.
I've been travelling personally and professionally for the past 35 years, an shave taken over 1100 flights on nearly 150 different airlines.
The overarching theme on all of my journeys (Never been "GATE CHEVKED" by the way us that I am the CUSTOMER! I emphasize to the wagecuck obstacles my passge that I am the customer, that I know people in VERY powerful POSITIONS (corporate officers board of directors government officials And have NSVER had a problem bringing my bag aboard the ! I am the Customer! This isbasic summer service! I get on the plane and always Seely of places to Store a bag so never had an issue wieven with this approach! I hold Star Alliance Global Platinum and skyteam Emerald! So I am treated well by the airlines
We usually fly delta and nowadays they ALWAYS ask for people to volunteer to check their carry on's - and often say the plane is full even if its not. Why not offer a 100 or more miles in skymiles if it is that important ?
No: 1. The clone clown is hard at work I see, misappropriating my registered login …. again. Thank you clown features, I’m flattered by your attention.
No: 2. Ben Shiplappig, you have been successful removed from my Christmas card list for letting the cat out of the bag …. medication and lithium batteries in electronic gear tricks, have been well practiced when travelling for personal reasons. Twice on exit from the U.S. and on occasion in the ME. Aircrew have been aware of those tricks for sometime now and we tried to keep it quiet, however …. 🙁
I honestly use the battery "excuse" alot when I'm flying airlines with a low weight limit - like Swiss or Singapore. I can't check my batteries, so I have to carry them. When I mention I have cameras in my carry on with batteries, they've always just let me on. Bag's not too large, I've always paid for it, but it's heavy since I can't check in half of it!
I have only experienced getting my carry on being looked at twice. Once was on Air Canada leaving from Munich to Toronto in 2001 where I was told that my carry on which I have travelled the world with was too heavy, even though I was getting on a wide body flight. The other time was on Wilderness Airlines in Maun Botswana where frankly I was shaken down by an employee. It was on safari, and you are limited to 44 pounds on a small bush plane. The airline worker told me that I was over weight counting my small carryon, and that it was going to cost me over $200 since I would be flying with them for several flights during the trip. Then he said that he found someone who was traveling without luggage other than a small personal item and he said he could use their weight. Obviously he was looking for a tip which I did give him. It pissed me off, but I am pragmatic. I have flown with Mack Airlines over a dozen times on similar routes in Botswana with the same bags and weight and my carry on was never weighed. I understand the possibility of excess weight being a safety issue, but it was a safety issue, then how does $200 eliminate the issue? I do not and will not use Wilderness safari any more for anything.
Delta once insisted on gate checking my bag, saying there was no room. Of course, there was plenty of room, so I started the flight angry - and it only got worse from there. You see, the Delta tag had a written indication on it that it was a gate-checked bag. I didn't think anything of it, until I arrived in San Francisco. First, my bag was one of the last ones out - normally I wouldn't be too upset about this, but when I got to my room and opened the bag, I found that my pills were missing. I'd forgotten to remove the bottle from the bag. The medication is an extremely common and inexpensive drug, and certainly not a narcotic, so it was useless to the thief, but it was pretty clear to me that gate-checked bags were being rifled through by the baggage handlers in SFO, and they were stealing anything they thought would be valuable.
I’m sure he’s devastated he won’t get a Christmas card with his name spelled incorrectly.
Another trick for those crazy weight limitations is to wear a Scotty vest or vest with lots of pockets. Load those up before going to the gate and once on the plane or even once past the counter agent put them back in the bag. Saved me more than once when we were a bit over
Oh @Darryl ! Having ploughed through your lenghthy post I make the following suggestions;
1. Use SpellCheck,
2. Proof-read what you have written, and
3. Edit drastically!
And, keeping on topic don't pull the DYKWIA card. No-one cares!
You have sorta answered your own question "..... how does $200 eliminate the issue? "
It just does!
I haven't flown without a checked bag in decades. It's just way simpler and convenient. I don't have a life (and few really do) where the time waiting at bag claim is important. I pay nothing to check it. My "essentials" are in a backpack that fits under the seat in front of me (and I never opt for a bulkhead seat). While I never need overhead space, I still get ticked off by the pax with a too big first bag and a "personal item" that won't fit under a seat.
Finnair have economy tickets that only allow a small carry on. People are often unaware of this and I've see the gate agents demand payment for larger bags. Since they do not accept cash one way to avoid paying is to say you don't have any credit cards or only a non western card (eg union pay from China). There will be some back and forth about how you've managed to visit Europe without a normal credit card. In this situation boarding late will help shorten the discussion before the gate agent gives in.
You can also ask for vast amount of insurance coverage. Gate agents have no clue how to do this ….
Please do share how to get Global Platinum status with star alliance - I’m so glad to hear that Oneworld emerald has a competitor!
Maybe Ben needs to update his Favourite Airline Alliance Status sometime soon! LOL
Hoping that @Darryl is joking... "Star Alliance Global Platinum" and "SkyTeam Emerald" don't exit.
Finnair is notoriously difficult to deal with on this and any issues, but, yes, as with many airlines, companies, and people in-general, who push silly ‘rules’ that don’t need to exist, you need to fight back in order to win.
I’m so happy for you to waste to your time on this. Like, this is so good for you. Totally a CMH-homeport move!
Meanwhile, my saving 30 minutes each flight by doing carry-on-only for years and years really adds up. You do you. I’ll do me.
If you have a P2 who likes to have a rolly, backpack, and purse, agents on particular airlines *cough* United *cough* don’t care if you’re GS, 1K, First, Polaris, etc. you will be consolidating that purse into that backpack at all costs or else! (Even if as soon as she boards, it all comes out anyway.) We do this silly dance, each and every time. It’s the top reason she hates that airline. With other carriers it’s 50/50. I’m all for workers and consumers. Yet, no, these ‘rules’ are not for safety, the FAA doesn’t really care or enforce, and it’s simply just power-tripping.
I truly wish you hadn't written this.
There are so many entitled jerks who already flaunt the system by having 2-3 carryon bags because they don't feel like checking any. The rest of us are left scrambling for limited space because of these people who feel that rules are for other people. As the icing on the cake they often brag about not checking bags either (often making up insulting trite sayings like "Lost or carryon bags"), which is ironic considering that they're using up everybody else's room in the overheads.
Now we'll have even more of them.
You’ve missed the point - the reason there’s a 7kg limit is for a reason - have you ever seen a locker open and the bag hit someone on the head. Well I have . A brain injury !! It’s selfish and ridiculous - in the US you have to pay for bags but most airlines allow you an allowance to check your luggage for free so just do it - I’ve watched Miricuns bring on their entire lives only to be rejected at the gate or door - follow the rules
When I was checking in for a Thai Airways flight from Sydney to Bangkok I was in the line for the business class counter but an economy one became available so I was directed there.
I was travelling with HBO - the usual wheelie bag and a small personal item - and the agent asked to weigh my hand baggage which was slightly over the 7kg limit. I was told that I would have to check it in and was given a long explanation of how dangerous it was if such a weighted bag fell from the overhead locker and hit someone.
I just remarked politely, "oh, I usually don't have a problem with this bag on other airlines in business class" and then the agent instantly replied "OH! OH! You're business class. That's fine then you can take it on".
I walked away bewildered that I had just discovered they had some special head protectors for passengers sat in Business Class in the event of falling hand luggage.
Oh please… brain injuries apparently don’t happen in business class… it’s a farce.
Nah, you know, I like most of your stuff here and elsewhere, but you’re wrong on this one, Christian. If I bring two items as carry-ons (rolly and backpack), I’ll put my rolly up, and backpack down; it’s reasonable. No need to guilt-trip anyone here. By all means, go early, check your bags, pay extra, trust the airlines, until they lose one of your checked bags. Fine. Insurance can pay you back for some losses, but you cannot get back items that are lost forever. Carry-on-only is still the best method for those who prefer to keep their stuff and save time.
There are easy ways to not have yoir back checked.
1 keep it small and light. Much better because you have to schlepp less. My cabin baggage only exceeds 3 kg after the duty free purchases. Of course an expensive camera will easily bus this but see below
2 Keep it within the limits. Mornings in FRA and MUC have the ritual when US passengers try to take their kitchen sink on board of connecting flights… and you do not want your expensive camera gate checked.
3 Buy additional bags if possible or pay at the gate.
4 keep to number one and two.
Oh and btw, like with speed limits. Traffic regulators and airlines are not stupid.
So they know that a lot of people will try get away with „just a tiny little innocent bit too much“
So speed and weight limits reflect this. If you want the traffic to go below 30 miles you set up a speed limit of 25 and if you want cabinbaggage to be below 10 you set up a limit of 7.
So that mentality just inconveniences everybody.
Absolutely correct folks, thank you for pointing out my late night faux pas, apologies to Ben.
One can clearly see that you are in 100% click generation mode 1990-BS. As the clicks accumulate so do the points and we all know what more points make …. 🙂
1990-BS, any carry on policy is only sensible in situations where one is staying for only a day or two. Some grotty proletariat types might travel to a location to stay for more than a couple of nights, reliant only upon carry on luggage. The exception might be, of course, those who are staying at a naturist resort …. is that you 1990-BS?
As one is accustomed to travelling upon world class airlines, when staying away for more than two nights, one always chooses to check in luggage. On only one occasion in over the past seven decades, can I recall any anomaly. Once a piece of luggage was delayed, however, it was delivered to our hotel twenty four hours later. The airline compensation was generous and immediate. Perhaps lost luggage is commonplace in the U.S. where travel is chaotic or disrupted by individual action?
Everyone can choose to spend their time traveling how they wish; no need to berate people for traveling the way it suits them, 1990.
Here's my solution: Don't use those massive carry-ons! Just check your bag right away, it makes trip much smoother 😉 I haven't had a carry-on in at least a decade.
I check my bag dozens of times every year, I'm yet to have it lost. I did have few cases of delayed baggage but never for more than a day or two. Only cheap people who can't afford higher fare types travel with carry-ons.
Travelling around Asia we often check bags. It’s just easier. Never had any problems. Planes board quicker, everyone has bin space for personal items. Much more pleasant.
When wife and I travel for a few days in one or more locations, we often take just carry-on, often overweight, for the reason Ben does not mention.
In three weeks, we are flying to New Zealand, from MLA, via FRA and SIN. Since we will be in no city in NZ for more than two days, lost bags will not catch up.
Our usual strategy is to check-in online, and bypass the check-in counter. Bag is the correct size, but usually 2-3 pounds over weight. At the gate, we are in priority 1/2 lane. Agents usually patrol the other lanes. But we never overtly keep our bags in front of us, where agent can see them.
Heading home from most trips, we check-in bags.
Ben mentioned an interesting point. Our carry-ons are no-names, made of the latest in plastics. It weighs in at about three pounds. I may fly LH, but no way in hell will I buy one of their aluminum bags that weigh more than the allowance.
And for fence sitters, consider connection times. We land in SIN, term 2, and leave out of term 3. 1 1/2 hour connection. No doubt we can make it via their train, going through transit. But I don't trust my bags making it if checked in.
Most airlines limit the weight of business class carry on items, and imposing a higher limit (e.g. 12kg) isn't completely crazy given that the bins are less likely to be full and result in stuff falling.
The moving between cities is a non-issue - the airline can always send the bag to the next destination.
Throwawayname, you’re defending them? Naw. The solution is AlanZ’s carry-on method. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Safe travels, Alan! Sounds like an amazing itinerary!
Guess you didn't read all of it. Traveling on LH, SG, NZ. Switch from LH to SG in SIN. Arrive in NZ, staying one night, then moving to next city no airport, followed by more cities with short stays (no airports), just trains..
" the airline can always send the bag to the next destination." That statement is akin to the check is in the mail!
Yeah, and when we get to Singapore, we are going to the Michelin One Star for lunch. We will splurge about SD 8, each. Trip report when we get back.
Throwawayname, where is all this shilling coming from? I didn’t recall you being so anti-passenger before. Noted. The bins can handle most carry-on. Ample space. Let passengers decide. Not a real risk.
Samo, we hope your luck continues. Meanwhile, the rest of us will gladly save hours not having to arrive early to check-in or waiting for bags at the claim afterwards. Too-da-loo…
Is this Brent, like, actual Cranky, or just someone inadvertently using that name?
Timtamtrak, that’s the thing, it is those that are against carry-on, demanding others conform by checking bags. I’m saying, let passengers decide. I’m gonna so carry-on; don’t try to stop me. Please, call me names. You can check bags, and I’ll think you’re dumb. That’s totally fair.
I managed to avoid BA get checking bag, but had a fight before security at LHR T5 and with checkin agent on another airport. In both cases, they were trying to force me to check the case and I said, I wil try my luck at the gate. And what happened at the gate? No one cared, because flights were not full.
If they try to force me, I would use argument of valuables, electronics and powerbanks. No one will want to take responsibility for that. My case is not that big and below allowed size. Don't fly on so called budget airlines.
Some passengers are irrational, so it might work!
And make life easier for the rest of us.
@Duck Ling - that would be my normal expectation, but flying LH from BER last year from a remote stand, I saw the gate agent check the weight of the person 20 feet ahead of me in the Business lane, so I made for the Economy lane and avoided hassle.
Darryl I got your joke I too enjoy people arguing with gate agents. My personal favorite “I have a top secret laptop that can’t leave my possession”. Then take it out of the bag and put it in your backpack bro
@AlanZ, it's their problem, not yours. I've had stuff couriered for hundreds of kilometres from the respective airport, and the opportunity to refresh my wardrobe while waiting for it to arrive.
@1990 , I'm not criticising anyone who travels light, I get it's one less thing to worry about. However, I nearly always check stuff in because I tend to walk a lot and, ever since I suffered a fungal infection as a result of spending hours in the same walking trainers, I never travel with fewer than three pairs of shoes.
If people would follow the courtesy rules of putting only ONE bag in the overhead bin so many more people would be able to keep their bags !! That is not the norm so many put both bags or even 3-4 up in the bins.. I am not sure how they make it onto the plane with3-4-5 bags on them... but it happens and frequently...
For the past 20 years I have consistently been a 50-100k flyer. So I travel more than many. In the 20 years I have never been asked to gate check my bag.
I often am one of the last to board as I find it more comfortable to sit in the lounge or airport so prefer to minimize my time on board (even though I do live flying) My biggest tip is to avoid gate checking is to fly in business or first class. I believe that is a reason I am 100% for never been forced to gate check a bag.
I just want to buy a new trolley. I am in doubt between a Rimowa Original cabin or cabin plus. What would you recommend? I mostly fly in Europe on Lufthansa, KLM, Airfrance and TATL Delta and to Asia with Cathay or Singapore. The Rimowa Original Cabin plus is like 11 liter bigger. Or would you recommend trolley with a backpack? I am normally away for 3/4 nights.
Just to let you in on a secret, if you fly biz or First on LH, you are entitled to two carry-on bags and two personal items.
In my decades of travel I have literally never had a bag lost. I've had a few misplaced or delayed, but that's not remotely the same thing. That's 1,000+ flights. I think you might be overstating the problem. And you don't come across as smug about taking a disproportionate amount of overhead space, unlike some.
Even so, I'd think you would at least agree that Ben shouldn't be making the problem worse.
I am not sure when you flew ITA but it is essentially LH today. LH is notorious for gate checking. Perhaps all boarding at MUC is done by LH staff.
I had a LH ground crew insist I gate check even after my bag fit in the size checker. He continued arguing till I almost missed the flight and then shut the escalator while I was on it, almost making me fall.
I don't get it
Isn't gate checking the sneaky way of not having to deal with lifting heavy bags and carrying it around without having to pay for the idiotic bag check fee?
I paid for my foot well and you're damn sure I am going to use it for my feet and not for my ONE bag (the other one is already checked and in the hold).
I wish some selfish people stopped putting things (luggage) over the comfort of their fellow humans.