In my many years of working in the airline industry I answered more questions about customer baggage than anything else. It's understandable that people want to know what is going on with their valuables after they place them in the hands of the airline. Airlines use several different types of checked baggage processes, and it is important to know aht the airline is doing with your bag after you give it to them.
Whenever you check your luggage it is important to remove anything that you will want or need while you are in transit. Once the airline has your bag, you will not be able to get it back until it reaches its scheduled destination. Never leave medication, car keys, passports, or money in your bag, and always make sure you get your baggage claim ticket for the tag on your bag. If your bag is lost then the claim ticket is needed to help track it down.
Before you drop your bag, ask an airline employee where you will be picking the item up, depending on where you drop it off, it could be going to one of a few spots where bags are delivered.
Here are a few of the processes that are used when checking a bag:
- Standard Counter Checked In Bag If you are dropping the bag off when you check in for your flight in the lobby then this is how your bag will be checked. This is your regular checked bag and it should be delivered to your final destination baggage claim area. When you get your claim ticket, check to make sure that your name is on the tag, and the correct final destination along with any connecting airports included in your travel. This information certifies that the bag is on the correct routing with you.
If you are traveling internationally then you may have to pick up your bag at a connecting airport and drop it off after you clear customs. Ask an airline employee if you need to collect your bag at a connect point.
Gate Checked Luggage for Baggage Claim If you check a bag at the gate then it is important to know where it will be sent. Airlines often have to check luggage for passengers if the overhead bin space fills up. Typically these gate checked bags will be sent to the claim area at your final destination. As with all checked bags, make sure you get a claim ticket, and make sure the destination and connection information on the tag is correct. Hopefully you have everything you need for the flight(s) in your smaller personal bag if you have to check your bag at the gate.
Special Item Gate Checked and Returned Planeside If you have an odd-size item in the airport like a stroller, carseat, wheelchair, or walker then these items will likely need to be checked at the gate since they will not fit into the passenger cabin. If you are going to check one of these items at the gate then you will want to specify that you want it delivered at the gate when you arrive at your next stop. Make sure you get the item properly tagged, confirm that it will be delivered at the gate at the next stop, and get a claim ticket.
Valet Gate Checked Bag (Delivered at Gate) You will encounter valet bag service when you travel on smaller aircraft that do not have sufficient overhead bin space to fit standard carry-on baggage. If the airline is offering a valet service on baggage then you will wait at the aircraft after you get off of the plane at each destination. The bags will be delivered back to you shortly after the plane parks at the gate. Valet checked baggage tags look different than the typical white tags that go on regular checked luggage, and you will need to secure a valet tag to your bag at the gate to make sure the bag ends up with you at your next spot. Tags can be one of many colors depending on the airline. Before you valet check your bag, confirm with the gate agent that the valet service is offered by the airline on your flight, and make sure that the bag will be delivered plane-side.
Valet checked baggage is often left behind by passengers who do not understand the process. If you do not claim your bag then you could have a hell of a time getting it back, so make sure that you know if the bag is a valet checked item or if it will be sent to the claim area at your destination. As always, get a claim ticket!
While the airlines are usually responsible for lost luggage, customers sometimes have a part to play in their luggage being misplaced. if you ever are unsure of where to pick up your bag, ask an airline employee and they will advise you. Make sure you always get a claim ticket just in the event that your bag is lost. You should also have a name tag on your bag, along with a copy of your itinerary placed on the inside of the bag so the airline can quickly get in touch with you if your bag goes missing.
Hopefully you have never had to deal with a lost bag with an airline, but if you have, what was your experience? Did the airline handle your issue quickly or was it a nightmare? I would love to hear about your baggage experiences in the replies!