Mind if I vent for a second? As a seasoned traveler who, quite honestly, has spent more time away than home this year, I always pack a carry-on. With so little time and so much to do, the last thing I want to add to my itinerary is spending time at baggage claim. However, despite being able to fit all my accessories in a compact carry-on, I’ve sometimes had to gate-check my bag before boarding. But do you know what really grinds my gears? When I gate-check my luggage, I often see lots of room in the overhead bins. Like clockwork, I roll my eyes until I gather my suitcase from the baggage claim carousel. (Okay, and a little after the fact.)
If I’ve experienced this baggage blunder several times, chances are that so have you. And, like me, you’re probably pretty annoyed. So what gives? What is the deal with gate-checking your bags? I’ve often wondered if gate-checking was related to managing a plane’s weight distribution. When I asked Harold M.*, a flight attendant with a major airline, it’s the exact opposite.
“If a plane is marked for weight and balance, then usually the directive is to get as many bags on board the plane as possible and attempt to avoid checking bags,” he says. “Checked bags add weight to the cargo numbers which can then throw off cabin weight creating a need to offload passengers or bags.”
Instead, Harold says the reason for gate-checking is simple: Agents and flight attendants are working together to create an easy, effortless boarding experience.
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“[We] now have a system that counts the number of passengers that have boarded,” he explains. “After a specific percentage, it prompts the agents and the flight attendants to check in with each other about remaining space.”
Honestly, it makes a lot of sense: If gate agents are monitoring how many passengers have boarded the plane, they’re probably not keeping tabs on the number of bags they are carrying. Since there are some people who have already checked a bag or traveled lightly, the passenger-to-luggage ratio may not be equal.
“At that point, the crew usually gives an estimated number of spots remaining and then the agents will allow that many down and start counting,” Harold adds. Sure, flight attendants might under-estimate available space, but it’s a lot better than passengers lugging on suitcases when there’s zero room. Remember: A flight attendant’s pay doesn’t start until the cabin doors are shut, so they want to keep dilly-dallying to a minimum.
Once the gate agents and flight crew make the call to start checking bags, you’ll likely have to part ways with your carry-on. So, what can you do? For starters, you can keep your luggage load to a minimum. Since handbags count as a personal item, Harold recommends placing your purse inside a large bag like your backpack. You may also want to think twice about using your rolling bag’s expansion zipper.
“The moment you use it, the bag ceases to be considered carry-on due to its new size,” he explains. “Be sure to only use that when checking your bag, or you may be asked to check yours unexpectedly!”
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To guarantee a smoother boarding experience, zero in on your boarding group number. “Ensure you’re in a seating group one through four,” Harold says. “Five is commonly when bags have to start being checked if it’s a full flight.” You can also better your chances of a better boarding group by signing up for a branded credit or an airline’s loyalty program—and flying with them frequently. Priority boarding is also worth considering, though you’ll have to pay extra.
While gate-checking your bag is often annoying and inconvenient, for some, it can totally ruin their day. If you have to catch a connecting flight or have an important event like a wedding or family emergency, you can ask the gate agent if there’s any way you can board with your bag. However, Harold says don’t expect a miracle.
“Sometimes, we’ll make an exception for international travelers connecting on another airline if we have a spot or two left,” he cautions. “That said, if one person sees a favor, all expect it. It is a bummer because it makes it hard to help the few who truly need it.”
At the end of the day, the entire flight crew is trying to deliver a safe, comfortable, and stress-free flight. I’ll be the first one to admit gate-checking isn’t ideal, but if it happens? Remember it’s a small inconvenience that won’t ruin your entire trip. Oh, and note to self: Keep the eye-rolls to a minimum.
*Pseudonyms provided to protect privacy.
