170/175 question
 

Im sure it is a simple answer but, why is it that carry on bags can never be planeside checked on the 170/175? Every time it seems I commute on one I am the last one on with no overhead space and the gate agent forces me to check it instead of putting a plane side gage on it...

Which (mainline) airline? UAL does it all the time...

I think its just due to ramp handling. Some companies are going to have different policies than others. The CRJ loads planeside and checked baggage on the same side as the jetbridge stair with less of a rise to the boarding door, whereas the 170 is opposite side of the airplane with more work to get those bags upstairs. That may be what causes a company to say "screw it, just check em".

Its because they have a carry on bag program, CRJs do not because of bin space so regular bags, < 45 linear inches, have to go in the back and are returned. Bigger planes have carry on bag programs and once its full your SOL, should have checked it.

It depends on the carry on baggage program. Some require the bags be checked (US Airways) while some do not. When I worked as an FA for Republic on the 170 we did not have a program for gate checks on the 170. The reason we were given is Airways regarded the 170 like a mainline aircraft with no planeside checks.

You can thank the FAA for the policy. Bins are too big for them to allow a valet program.

I like the valet program, that way I don't have to drag my bag down the isle. I wish mainline did it.

It depends on the carry on baggage program. Some require the bags be checked (US Airways) while some do not. When I worked as an FA for Republic on the 170 we did not have a program for gate checks on the 170. The reason we were given is Airways regarded the 170 like a mainline aircraft with no planeside checks.[/QUOTE]

Maybe for passengers they require bags to be checked. But for deadheading or commuting crewmembers you can gate check your bags. They actually prefer it so your not hogging the overhead bin with a rollerboard, flight case, laptop bag, and cooler. That's what the blue gate check tags are for. It does take longer to get your bags back than compared to a crj. I usually get mine back before people with strollers.

Us airways you can always gate check it, I've done it many times even on mainline. Just get the blue tag and write crew on it and they will bring it right up. Not sure about other airlines

Easy fix. Get on first.

I've had it done on both US Airways and UAL.