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Questions on forced gate-checking of luggage

On my recent trips to Europe I have travelled with a small suitcase which I check and a RS backpack (not wheeled) which I carry on. The backpack official dimensions meet the carry on standard. However, when you pack the backpack, it can get a bit "puffy". (Weight is not a problem) With airlines getting pickier, I am concerned about being forced to gate check.

I understand if the check-in counter agent makes me check it, I will have to pay for it as a second bag. What happens when the check-in agent doesn't say anything but the gate agent makes you check it? ( I have seen gate agents eyeing carry-ons but have not been challenged) Do you pay at the gate? Do they take the bag and get it onto the plane? Also, do they make sure if they do this, there's enough time for the bag to make it onto the plane? So far it's been ok but I will be flying United international for the first time and am wondering what the "gate-check" process is.

Thanks to anybody with knowledge about this.

Posted by
4655 posts

I've gatechecked on Delta flights to Guatemala simply because they asked for volunteers because of carry-on space and never paid. Or if you get on the plane and there's no room in overhead for your legal carry-on.

Posted by
24 posts

When a bag is gate checked, either because they ask for volunteers or because they tell you there isn't enough room for your carry-on, they put a special tag on it and stow it for you. Your bag will be put on the plane, and then you will pick it up on the jetway, not at regular baggage claim. I have been gate checked many times in the US. My bag has always made it on board, and I have never been charged. Do be sure there is nothing in that bag that is fragile, valuable, or that you need for your flight. The first time they tried to gate check me, my bag contained my camera, binoculars, and a telescope for birding. I refused to let them put it in cargo, so they used a spot up front that would normally hold the flight attendant's bag. (It just happened to be empty; don't count on that space.)

Posted by
1262 posts

My sister used the RS backpack you are talking about as her carry-on for our England trip several weeks ago and had no problems with it. We flew United.

Posted by
3522 posts

It all depends on the airline. Different ones do it differently.

United is fairly generous about what you can carry on. I have never had to check my RS bag no matter how puffy it is packed. But then I am usually in one of the earlier boarding groups when there is still lots of open overhead space.

United does not charge for any gate checked items. The gate checked bags are tagged with a baggage claim sticker and go directly from the jetway while you board the plane into cargo (they don't go back through the normal baggage handling process). Make sure you have anything you might need during the flight (drugs, your electronics or whatever) readily accessible in the bag where you can remove it quickly if you do get forced to gate check.

Only strollers and wheel chairs will be returned to you on the jetway at your destination. Anything else gate checked on United will have to be picked up where regular baggage is retrieved -- this is important to remember especially if you have a tight connection!

These comments about how United does this only applies if you are actually on a United plane. If the plane you are on is code shared with United (could be Air Canada, Lufthansa, or any of a dozen others), you will be subject to that airline's rules, not United's.

Posted by
8889 posts

Depends why. If the bag is too big or to heavy, you pay. If there is no room in the cabin and they are asking for volunteers to put their bags in the hold, no charge.

If you have hand luggage only, and have pre-printed your boarding card (as is the norm with European cut-price airlines), you never go to the check-in counter, just direct to security, passports (if needed) and the gate.
It is common to have a size gauge (metal box you have to put your bag in) at the gate.(click for photo). If it don't fit it goes in the hold. So a certain "squeeze factor" is allowed for soft bags.

Since the gate is right next to the plane, they just take the bags directly to the hold, it won't get left behind.

Posted by
23650 posts

...Your bag will be put on the plane, and then you will pick it up on the jetway, not at regular baggage claim......

That is not always true. As Mark pointed out above and my experience is that the bag is sent to the regular baggage claim area. If forced to gate check just make sure you understand where the bag will be available. When forced to gate check, I have never paid a fee - but doesn't mean that someone might.

Posted by
11613 posts

On my last two flights, people were told to pick up gate-checked bags at the baggage carousel. Delta and Lufthansa.

Posted by
802 posts

We almost always have to gate check carry-ons for our flights on smaller regional jets, and occasionally on other domestic flights. Most of the time, those bags are delivered to the jetway. On our Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Venice, we had to gate check our bags and they went to the baggage carousel in the terminal. In all these instances, it's been a matter of overhead space and there was no charge.

Posted by
86 posts

Thanks for the prompt replies, especially the specific experience with United. This was helpful info.

Posted by
334 posts

I think United is one of the worst airlines for demanding that you gate check your 'legal' size carryon if you have a later boarding pass. Often by 3rd or 4th boarding group they demand everyone gate check. This is because they generally will let anyone in the earlier boarding groups bring on larger bags that visually are obviously non-compliant. If you don't have some sort of status to get an early boarding pass be prepared to check. However, if I remember correctly they usually specify anyone with wheeled carryon will have to check, so having a backpack probably would be okay.

Posted by
103 posts

I was once required to gate check a bag on a domestic flight in the US. I was told that it would be delivered to me on the jetway at my destination but they lied and I had to go to baggage claim where my bag was the ONLY bag from that flight on the carousel. It was no big deal for me because I was home, but it could have caused me to miss a connection had I had to leave the security area to get to baggage claim and customs and then go back through security to catch my connecting flight. I think it was Delta.

Posted by
488 posts

With the RS bag you're talking about, you have the side straps to really pull it tight and get it into the box. You will not be charged for gate checking, but United is United, and jerks in earlier bag groups can throw whatever size bag they want wherever they want on the plane. If you don't have some mileage status with United, they feel free to treat you like steerage weight. Not a fan.

I've never heard of someone being charged for gate checked luggage. And that RS bag is pretty awesome for carryon internationally, as it will usually fit in the overhead in the narrowest way. I wish mine had been up to my standard for abuse (I am hard on things... I know it), but I love my eBags TLS Motherload Weekender even more. It's like the older smarter brother (yes, I am the older brother of two), to the RS bag. Like the RS bag went to get some career assessment, and figured out all it's flaws and went on a diet and took a couple extension courses.

Posted by
86 posts

Again, thanks to all for taking the time to reply and I now have a better understanding of gate-checking bags, though I hope I don't have to.

Posted by
3941 posts

Yeah - BA forced us to gate check our carry ons back in April - saying the flight was busy (and of course when we got on, there was plenty of room above our seats). We picked them up at the baggage claim, not on the jetway.

Posted by
9051 posts

It is true that they target wheeled bags when eying passengers at the gate. Another factor in choosing your carryon bags.

Posted by
12315 posts

Each airline has their limits. They're on the website but also part of the contract on your ticket (the fine print that no one ever reads). There are two factors.

One is size, the bag has to fit inside the maximum dimensions. Most US carriers seem to screen primarily for size. If you're bag puffs up too much and can't squeeze down to fit in a metal box, you may have to gate check. Many roller bags don't fit because the size of their bag doesn't include the wheels. If you use a roller bag, it's probably a good idea to get something a little under the limit to be sure it fits.

The other factor is weight. The European carriers seem to be interested in weight (as well as size). If you fly a European based airline, expect your bag to be weighed and have to gate check if it's over the limit. I've flown WOW, where every bag is sized and weighed, and SAS where they walked around the gate area and selected bags to weigh (they picked the bags that looked like they were stuffed).

KLM and Aer Lingus seemed to approach it more like an American carrier, many early boarders with too much and some, at the end of the line, being asked to gate check.

Personally, I'm happiest when I know the rules and they are enforced the same for everyone. I don't leave home without knowing my bag will pass any size or weight test the airline might impose.

Posted by
10333 posts

I got a lucky break last week when flying Air France back home from Los Angeles back to Paris. I had a second bag to check and hadn't been able to pay for it online - was steeled for the 85 euro fee when i got to the airport. But, I think because it was rather a small bag, the gate agent didn't charge me for it and specifically told me she would just treat it in the system as if she had checked my carry-on bag (although I still had my carry-on and personal item to take with me on the plane).

I didn't expect that treatment but sure did appreciate it!! Especially as the ticket was rather expensive, having been bought last minute with full summertime weekend travel dates.

I'm sure if I ever tried this again, it wouldn't work, but it was a nice surprise.

Anyway my point in relation to this topic was that she definitely was considering a carry-on that she needed to check as a non-charge item.

Posted by
1617 posts

I recently flew SAS. My Osprey 46L made it through mandatory gate checking when smaller wheeled bags did not. I think wearing the bag makes it look smaller.

Posted by
15097 posts

Never happened domestically, such as with United going to Wash DC last Dec. or flying to Europe. Never was questioned about the size or weight of my carry on sack. Sometimes it is weighed at check-in, other times no mention of it.

Posted by
19295 posts

The backpack official dimensions meet the carry on standard. However,
when you pack the backpack, it can get a bit "puffy".

As was pointed out in a recent Consumer Report article, the "official dimensions" are often wrong", sometimes because manufacturers don't included the wheels and handle, sometimes they are just wrong, and they always err on the small size. Many bags say they meet carry on limits when they don't.

And even when the size, based on the size of the flat panels that make up the bag, would be regulation, the bag can be packed so that the sides bulge beyond the allowed dimensions.

Posted by
19295 posts

The backpack official dimensions meet the carry on standard. However,
when you pack the backpack, it can get a bit "puffy".

As was pointed out in a recent Consumer Report article, the "official dimensions" are often wrong", sometimes because manufacturers don't included the wheels and handle, sometimes they are just wrong, and they always err on the small size. Many bags say they meet carry on limits when they don't.

And even when the size, based on the size of the flat panels that make up the bag, would be regulation, the bag can be packed so that the sides bulge beyond the allowed dimensions.

My partner and I were on one flight, on a regional jet with small overhead bins, and they made everyone with a rolling bag gate check it. But the bags were put back on the Jetway when we landed. I have heard, however, of cases were they were not, and had to be picked up at luggage claim.

Posted by
488 posts

Since rolly luggage is:

Frequently force checked at the gate

Useless on cobblestones

Bad on stairs

Conducive heavier packing

A nuisance on walkways to other travelers and citizens

Less space efficient due to internal structures for handles and wheels

I've started to consider it a tool of the devil. A soft sided backpack/suitcase that will meet the carryon size guidelines makes light packing more desirable and is easy to maneuver in narrow streets, over broken pavement, up stairs, and over cobblestones, I will not go back to rolly bags. And so I suffer many fewer gate checks than folks with rollies.

Posted by
15097 posts

I use a rolly spinner, a Samsonite product, very durable, would not go back to a suitcase. True that it is difficult on cobble stone. That it is conducive to over packing is possible, even likely, but that is where your discipline not to over pack comes in, resist that temptation to over pack so you can lift it easily and throw it on the luggage rack on the ICE. The packing aspect is all a matter of discipline, for me the max. is no more than 27 lbs. at check-in. True the lighter the spinner is, the better you can carry it on stairs or move it.

That it is a nuisance to other travelers on walkways, too bad for them, all the more so on the train platform, you flank them or let them pass.

Posted by
11613 posts

Some folks can't put even 15-20 lbs on their backs. I use a 20" rolly, packed max 16-17 lbs including frame & wheels weight. Can't go back to a backpack. No problem with cobblestones, but gravel is not good. I usually also have a daybag, less than 8 lbs packed, but I shipped that back to the US a few eels ago. So happy!

I do try to roll my bag beside me or behind me, so others don't trip over it (watch where you're going, folks!). I never have hit anyone by suddenly turning around (happens with backpacks sometimes).

Posted by
488 posts

Fred: how very conscientious of you. "That's their problem, walled behind a family of four with rollers all on their right and phones in the left."

Maybe I am making a tight train connection and have to dodge and weave a bunch of jerks who have all the time in the world. I suppose pulling a Captain America and shouting, "On your left!" would be your solution.

Posted by
3941 posts

Yeah...backpacks aren't all they are cracked up to be. People with backpacks have no spatial awareness of where the pack is, hitting people as they go on crowded trains and metro and buses. Also leaving themselves open to theft if they aren't paying attention or don't have the zippers properly secured. (Guy on the Paris metro with a backpack on. They guy behind him tapped him on the shoulder to point out the zipper on his bag was not closed all the way. Maybe guy didn't close it, maybe someone tried to take something).

I for one couldn't carry 20 lbs on my back (I've put my back out twice...and not even doing anything strenuous). I keep my RS two wheeler at about 21 lbs and never have an issue on cobbles. If need be, it has handles so I can lift it up (usually if it's been raining and I don't want the bottom to get wet/dirty). I'm ok lifting the bag on the plane, but to carry it for any amount of time on my back...nope.

Posted by
15097 posts

Then that is your problem, isn't it, or is it theirs if you have to make that tight connection. Blocking your way they won't even know you are behind them, let alone trying to get ahead. I've been in that situation, (who has not?) Hamburg Hbf is the worst example. If I have luggage, I deal with it, without luggage, even easier to deal with.

Posted by
308 posts

I'm one of the backpack people. My home airport is a small market so the planes are smaller and people with roller bags routinely have to gate check. I never have to gate check my backpack.

I do realize that when I have my backpack on in a crowded space I need to be careful when moving to avoid hitting people. Sometimes there's only so much I can do when other people don't respect my personal space. Since a few people posted their frustrations with backpacks I'll return the favor to say that I find some people dragging roller bags to do things that I find frustrating as well. For example, instead of picking up their bags to go up and down stairs, I've seen people just drag them. And when people do pick up their bags on stairs they slow down everyone behind them.

Posted by
488 posts

It's very easy to make it someone else's problem, to be honest. I'm a nicer person than that, and I stand on the right of the escalator and walk on the left and don't drive slow in the left lane, either. Manners make the world nice.

Posted by
2393 posts

I think some of you took Fred comments too literally. An airport or train station full of people with rolling bags all trying to stay out of everyone else's way would be sheer chaos. I think Fred meant (in his not so tactful manner) that you have to just pay attn to your own bag and destination and work around others as needed - by the same token others have to work around him/you as they are heading to their own gate/platform/where ever.

We've all been there - trying to cross a terminal with wheelie traffic going in both directions - its like that Seinfeld episode with George crossing in NY traffic with the video game - like Frogger! We've all had toes run over, the backpack body slam, the stops on a dime right in front you person, it is all part & parcel of traveling. Put on your thick skin and make the best of it.

Posted by
15097 posts

It's optional, but I will have my passport on me for sure.