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-   -   Forced gate check bag question (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/united/93805-forced-gate-check-bag-question.html)

jsled 03-08-2016 04:48 PM


Originally Posted by APC225 (Post 2084883)
I think the bag tag from the gate agent is like a boarding pass. Printing it out is one thing, scanning it as you board is another. The bag tag is like the boarding pass but it is scanned by the bag loaders with their hand-held scanner. So it isn't in the system to track separately unless the the rampers have scanned it. Until then, it's a bag that went through security like any other carry on. Taking it onto the aircraft is no big deal IMO.

^^ This. Rip it off, put it in your pocket, and carry that bag on. Some agents are a little overzealous.

APC225 03-08-2016 06:19 PM

I'm often the last one to board as a non-rev, walking down with the gate agent who has tagged my bag "just in case." We get to the door and the FA says they've got room for the bag so I get on and the gate agent closes the door behind me. Until I read this thread I never thought twice about it.

APC225 03-08-2016 06:21 PM

OTOH, if someone finds a source document for this being a security issue, please share it.

IDIOTPILOT 03-08-2016 08:51 PM

You have to look at it from when is a bag considered "checked?" Is it once the tag goes on, goes outside the jetway door, goes onto a baggage cart, or goes into the cargo hold? Some TSA people would argue once the tag goes on to make it simple. I can't quote you anything exactly because I don't think a reg would exist for this. If your bag had gone downstairs and gotten mixed with other checked bags, can you still get it back? Common sense will say your bag didn't pose a threat, but when's the absolute last point someone can call backsies on calling it "checked?"

stringandrudder 03-08-2016 09:25 PM


Originally Posted by awax (Post 2084862)
Did the bag have a check tag on it? If so it was checked luggage and is tracked through the system with tag readers. By taking the bag out of the jetway and pulling the tag off, the airline now has a "lost" bag. So, bags in at the departure airport won't equal bags out at the destination airport (according to the computers).

The other aside is that traveling as an unaccompanied companion, you're representing your sponsor who's responsible for your conduct. This isn't the worst offense in the world but certainly something to think about. How would it feel to cause your sponsor to lose travel benefits (or worse).

I didn't even know this was a problem. I simply did what the flight attendant told me to do. Everything that happened was because of an answer I got from a crew member. Where are these rules published and where can I read them?

stringandrudder 03-08-2016 09:28 PM


Originally Posted by AllenAllert (Post 2084917)
You did nothing wrong and ,as a non-rev companion, you did the right thing by checking with the flight attendant. As non-revs most of us have encountered this problem.

Usually, if you are connecting they check the bag through to destination and will give you a computer generated baggage claim. Single segment (non-stop) the'll likely give you a gate checked baggage claim. This is important because if they give you a gate checked claim (usually green) on a connecting flight, you'll likely find you bag somewhere at the connecting airport. There are no security concerns as this is done hundreds if not thousands times a day. As a non-rev keep your carry-on in you control as much as possible, especially when connecting. You may not get on the connecting flight and if you have to spend the night, it would be nice to have your bag.


That was exactly my reasoning! I meant no harm by it.

stringandrudder 03-08-2016 09:29 PM


Originally Posted by ReadyRsv (Post 2084920)
FA confused you, not your fault. Don't try to be sneaky and always be polite (sounds like you were) and you will be OK. Glad you made it on.

Yeah, last thing I'd want is to cause anyone trouble. I fully understand that it's a privilege to fly, not a right!


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