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Comment by silisili | Hacker News Reader

Is gate checking a bad thing to most people?

I used to fly a ton, and preferred to gate check my bag. Didn't have to find or fight over overhead space, and I don't remember ever waiting more than a few minutes at the gate. Around half the time it was already waiting for me by the time I actually got off the plane. It almost felt like a valet service rather than a burden.

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Gate check in this context means you pick it up at the baggage carousel (and risk them losing it). If it's just the cart that comes out when you deplane (a) your bag really won't fit on board and (b) no it's not a big deal.

Ah, that makes sense, it doesn't actually mention gate checking in the article. It sounds like they just asked her to check it as regular luggage prior, then.

On every flight I've taken, gate checking implies the latter, that it will be on the cart or floor of the jetbridge when deplaning.

On every flight I've been on, gate checking your carryon means you have to pick it up at the luggage carousel. What part of the world are you in?

The US. It's possible it's changed recently, as I've not flown in probably 5 or so years. But I've never had that happen to me, and obviously wouldn't ever volunteer each time if that were the case.

I know what you mean, but I haven't seen that happen in years, and I fly both big and small / regional jets. It is almost always "we'll check it through all the way to your destination."

My experience is that if it is a small regional jet like an ERJ, it will be delivered at the jet bridge. If it's a 737, it's going to baggage claim.

I volunteered once for air Canada, they delayed my bag by 2 hours after landing. Never again.

You lose access to your bag and people can put knives in it or take steal from it

Gate checking and forced gate checking are very, very different things.

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