What you say has always been my modus operandi. On this occasion, the shlepping Christmas presents to the in-laws override button had to be pushed, sadly. Hence my OP question that sounds like a rookie query. It’s uncharted territory for me because in the past it’s been off-limits.

Wasn’t sure I’d even be available to go, thanks to Delta’s awesome IQ scheduling uncertainty. The rest of the fam has real-deal tickets while I grovel for passage. I think they’ve used their checked bag allowance already, so just trying to figure it out. Buying an additional bag for somebody probably makes sense.

Thanks for the thoughts everyone!