The Easiest Way to Avoid Paying for Checked Baggage
If you’ve boarded a flight in the past few years, you’ve probably heard what seems to be the new normal for boarding announcements: ” We’re looking for volunteers to check their luggage .” When airlines ask passengers to drop off their luggage at the boarding gate due to limited space above the luggage compartment, many passengers react with frustration and fear, and the last thing we need at the airport is more frustration.
Fortunately, gate checks are not to be feared. In fact, this is one of our favorite travel hacks. Here’s how to check your baggage at the boarding gate and why you should try it on your next flight.
Turn your hand luggage into checked baggage
Even if your luggage is small enough to be considered hand luggage on your flight, it is still difficult to lug around the terminal, let alone pick up and take it out on the overhead bins. Here’s your underrated hack: Airlines check your hand luggage at the boarding gate for free, which means you’re exempt from luggage without having to pay horrendous check fees up front. Checking at the boarding gate is the perfect compromise for travelers who want the freedom of checked baggage without the huge cost.
However, The Points Guy explains that you shouldn’t go too far – a free check at the boarding gate will not work for passengers who are trying to take a full-size cabin bag on board when their fare type prevents them from doing so. Do it in this way. But if you do have the appropriate hand luggage, you will be able to request a check at the gate thirty minutes before boarding (assuming the crew is ready). Even if you can’t check in at the gate before boarding, at least you can find your seat without worrying about free space in the luggage compartment.
One final note before takeoff: Be sure to check if you are getting your luggage at the boarding gate or in the baggage claim area. Also, due to airline policy, checking at the boarding gate means that your bag will usually be one of the first bags to claim. After all, checking your baggage at the gate shouldn’t be any more risky than a traditional baggage check, but when it comes to flying, it doesn’t hurt to double and triple check every step along the way. Or maybe stick AirTag there ?