AS Carry On change in procedure

[klfrodo]

Maybe this is new. Maybe some will like. Maybe some won't like.

Just sharing information.

 

I've flown too much these past couple of weeks. Anyway, I've noticed something different.

 

If you've got carry on luggage, the gate agents make an announcement a few minutes prior to boardiing the aircraft.

It is something to the affect that if you agree to let them "gate check" your carry on luggage, you will receive priority boarding after 1st Class.

The catch (if there is one) is that you'll receive your luggage at your final destination baggage claim area like all regular checked luggage.

Benefit (if there is one), no $25 fee like other checked luggage.

[FlyerTalker]

Let's work this one through.....

 

Upside: You get to board right after first class, so there's plenty of bin space for your now, non-existent carryon. You don't have to handle your carryon through the aisle, and through the arrival airport. You get to check a bag without the fee.

 

Downside: Your carryon is now checked baggage, which means it gets the usual toss and throw treatment. Also, you have no coverage for any damage/loss to electronics, cameras, jewelry or other special items. Nor do you have access to the contents while enroute.

 

My take: People will start to take bigger and bigger "carryons" through security to try to avoid the charge. Bags will get stuck in the x-ray, more bags will get pulled aside for secondary screening -- in other words, the main and D concourse checkpoints at SEA will be places to avoid.

 

Thought problem for consideration: This new AS procedure is designed to alleviate the overcrowding of the overhead bins, caused by the imposition of the bag fees by AS themselves. But rather than just check the "carryon" size bag for free at the ticket counter, passengers are made to go through the TSA gauntlet and only then give the overworked gate agent just one more thing to do while trying to get a flight out on time. Question #1 is: Why the kabuki?? Question #2: How long until the creator of this becomes a vice-president at AS??