Pass Travel with Checked Bags
 

Does anyone have any tips on changing things up when you are trying to non rev and you have checked bags?
Firstly we had been told; they would not send our bag out unless we are on the flight. They did send our bag(s) out on an earlier flight. (and that was domestic). So we did get out on a later flight, but wondering if we did not?
Also if once bags are checked in to Destination "A" is there any way to change the bag(s) to destination "B"?
And last but not least, what if you check your bags, they hold them because you did not get on ANY flight that day; how do you retrieve it/them at that point?
I have actually asked the last question of the company and never got a reasonable answer.
I know this is small potato stuff but I'm just wondering if anyone has had any experience lately that could help clarify?
Thanks

Only international bound bags get held and will only get put on the plane if you do.

Domestic, if you check them , they are going to the destination regardless.

If you want to be flexible in your destinations during non-rev.....don't check luggage, or only gate check at least after your cleared.

Ha, thanks for your response.
I've only been doing this for almost 50 years now. You would think I would know, wouldn't ya? It's just that it has changed so much over the last 20 especially; I can't keep up.
But yes of course, we always travelled with just a carry on in the past so the checked bag issue didn't come up very often. But now; just when you need to be as flexible as possible we find ourselves wanting to check a bag. Some how as you get older, you have more "stuff" to bring.
But also at this time we are trying to be more flexible with our destination because of the loads but if you check a bag, that becomes more of a complication than a relief. I guess I just wish they had it delineated somewhere.
Also for the last poster; the company is giving mixed signals regarding checked bags to domestic destinations. I kind of wish now they would hang on to the bag so you could go somewhere else.
Oh well I think this is basically just an old fart problem but would love some written info from them (the company).
Again thanks for any info I can get.

Also remember that if you’re waiting to check a bag at the gate, you can use KCM to get your liquids thru. Unless you’re flying international, then you’ll technically have to process thru regular screening where they’ll take your liquids unless they’re under 3oz or you’re in uniform. Good luck!

I had exactly the same issue. They told me on the pass travel line that my bags would not go unless I get on the plane (domestic). I had her confirm multiple times, ensuring that she knew I meant for domestic travel. She insisted. I didn't get on, bags went anyway. I also asked how to get my bag... "that's up to ops"

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Yes!
This is one of the issues I'm trying to figure out.
When I asked where to get my bag after not getting on; I was told "at the counter", twice (like it was a scripted response). I finally asked them "what counter?" and they could not answer.
Trying to travel with a checked bag has become a major problem , now that we don't always get where we had planned to go OR by the route we had intended.
I am surprised that the company has no written policy on this and that more people aren't running in to the issues that I have witnessed and experienced.
It was fine back in the 70's, even the 80's when we actually used to get where we were going most of the time (on the day we set out to) but now it's a different world AND when you're retired your odds of getting there are can I say; stratospheric, or at least "not good".
I will write them again to ask if they could put out some written guidelines/policy on this but for some reason they don't listen to me.

Oh you frickin' whiny crybaby. Our travel benefits are among the best in the industry! Can't you read? You just need to be more "flexible". Yes, I think that's what I read on this very forum, but there may be some BACK STORY to that, I dunno.

Very few know how good it used to be and therefore anything negative you post will be immediately dismissed and with prejudice. Clearly, what we have now is more than adequate! Among the best in the industry! Well, right after the managerial types with 3 years of service, and the 6 month UA express baggage smasher who whipped out his Vacation Pass 35 minutes prior to departure, etc etc. And after all, Non-revving is a CHOICE. And since you're retired, you have all the time in the world.

;)

Ha,yes, you are absolutely correct.
What was I thinking?
Time to get back to my stamp collection and maybe try some yoga.

Graybeard

I assume you have access to "flying together.com" and have read the parts about baggage checks and such. If not here's the international info:

"International travel. International checked bags will receive a "status pending" bag tag and will be boarded on the aircraft when the pass rider is cleared for the flight. If the pass rider is not cleared, his or her bags may be reclaimed in the baggage claim area."

The rest are sent onto their destination on Mainline UAL flights and on the RJ flights you gate check them and pick them up at the gate.

"One carry-on bag
One carry-on personal item
Two checked bags, up to a maximum of 70 pounds each"

All this is the same as it's been for at least a decade.