Airports: Outdoor Baggage Checks, Still A Thing?

Checking in luggage at the airport can be a confusing process, especially for those who don't travel often. Most airports offer a curbside check-in service, where passengers can check in their luggage at the airport's drop-off zone before entering the terminal. This service is often provided by dedicated staff called 'Skycaps', who assist with checking in luggage, printing boarding passes, and other tasks such as choosing seats and paying for upgrades. Curbside check-in is a convenient option for travellers with a lot of luggage or children, as it saves them from having to haul their bags through crowded airport lobbies and stand in long lines at check-in counters. It is usually a free service, but passengers may be required to pay baggage fees with a credit card and tip the staff.

Checking baggage at the curbside drop-off zone

The process is designed to be straightforward. When you arrive at the airport, simply drive up to the designated drop-off zone and hand over your luggage to the staff. You will need to present a valid form of identification, such as a passport for international flights. Some curbside check-ins also allow you to choose your seat, specify dietary requirements, and pay for any upgrades or baggage fees.

One of the biggest advantages of curbside check-in is the convenience it offers. Being able to drop off your luggage at the curb saves time and reduces the stress of navigating crowded terminals with heavy bags. It also means you can arrive closer to your flight time, which is helpful if you're running late.

While the service itself is usually free, keep in mind that you'll need a credit card to pay for any baggage fees, as curbside check-in stations typically don't accept cash or checks. It is also customary to tip the staff.

Curbside check-in availability varies depending on the airline and airport. Generally, airlines offer this service at their hub airports. For example, Southwest Airlines provides curbside check-in at Baltimore/Washington International, Chicago Midway, Las Vegas, Houston Hobby, Nashville, Oakland, and Phoenix Sky Harbor. It is recommended to check online with your airline before your departure to confirm whether curbside check-in is available at your airport.

Checking baggage at the airline's check-in desk

Checking baggage at the airline check-in desk is the process of handing over any baggage that passengers don't want or are not allowed to carry inside the aircraft cabin. This is done at the check-in desk or bag drop-off point, usually located near the baggage claim area. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time to allow enough time for checking baggage and proceeding through security.

When checking in, passengers will need to present their passport or national ID, online reservation booking number or code, or a paper copy of their ticket. They will then be asked to hand over their checked baggage, which will be weighed and sent to be loaded onto the plane. Most airlines allow passengers one carry-on bag and one handheld bag, such as a laptop case or purse, in addition to their checked baggage. It is important to check the weight and size restrictions for checked baggage with the airline, as exceeding these limits may result in additional fees.

After presenting the required documents and checking their baggage, passengers will receive a boarding pass and proceed to the appropriate gate for their flight. At the gate, passengers will undergo a security check, where they will need to place items such as keys, phones, belts, electrical equipment, and coats in baskets provided and put them on the conveyor belt to be scanned. Once through security, passengers can board the plane when announced by the airport staff.

Some airlines offer alternative check-in methods, such as online check-in, self-service check-in machines, or telephone check-in, which can help avoid queues at the check-in gates. For checked baggage, passengers may be given a special tag or sticker to attach to their bags before dropping them off at the designated baggage drop-off point. It is important to keep the boarding pass handy throughout the process, as it will be required to board the plane.

Preparing your bag for screening

Organise your bag

Keep your bag organised to facilitate the screening process. A cluttered, overstuffed bag takes longer to screen as TSA officers need to ensure that it is safe.

Check prohibited items

Be sure to check for prohibited items in your bag. Most hazardous materials are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are exceptions for some personal items such as toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices. Check the Federal Aviation Administration Pack Safe list for more information.

Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule

If you are carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on baggage, remember to follow the 3-1-1 rule. For international flights, liquids are typically restricted to 100ml per container.

Separate electronic devices

You will be asked to remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, from your carry-on bag. Place these devices in a separate bin for X-ray screening, with nothing placed on or under them.

Separate foods and powders

Food items are usually allowed to remain in your carry-on bag. However, you may be instructed to separate certain foods, powders, and other materials that can clutter the bag and obstruct clear X-ray images.

Use TSA-approved locks

If you choose to lock your checked baggage, use TSA-approved locks to avoid having them cut off in case your bag needs to be inspected. These locks are commercially available and will be indicated as such on the packaging.

Label your bag clearly

Make sure your bag has a strong luggage tag with your contact information. You may also want to include an itinerary or other contact information inside the bag in case it gets lost. Consider customising your bag with paint, stickers, patches, or fabric to make it easier to identify at baggage claim.

Arrive early

Give yourself plenty of time at the airport to allow for the screening process. For domestic flights, arrive at least one hour before departure if you only have carry-on luggage, and two hours if you're checking bags. For international flights, it's generally recommended to arrive three hours before your departure time.

Baggage screening procedures

Firstly, travellers should ensure their luggage has a strong luggage tag with their contact information. It is also recommended to place an itinerary or additional contact information inside the bag in case it gets lost. To avoid confusion, travellers can also customise their luggage with paint, stickers, patches, or fabric. It is important to use TSA-approved locks, as non-approved locks may be cut off during inspection.

Upon arrival at the airport, travellers proceed to the airline's check-in or baggage desk/area. Here, they will be asked questions to ensure they are not carrying any prohibited items. Baggage weight will also be checked, and any applicable fees for baggage or overweight baggage will be paid by card. Some airlines offer a curbside check-in service, where travellers can check in their baggage at the drop-off zone outside the terminal with the assistance of dedicated staff called 'Skycaps'. This service is particularly useful for those with multiple bags or children, as it saves the hassle of hauling luggage through crowded lobbies and standing in long lines at indoor check-in counters.

After check-in, bags will be tagged with a barcode and the airport code they are going to. If there are multiple flight segments on the same airline or air alliance, the bag will likely be tagged to the final destination. However, for separately booked flights on different airlines or alliances, travellers may need to pick up their bags at each layover and re-check them.

Checked bags will then be placed on a conveyor belt or cart and taken through baggage security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. If a physical inspection is required, the TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside the bag.

Once the screening process is complete, the airline will transport the checked baggage to the respective flight and deliver it to the baggage claim area for collection by the traveller upon arrival at their destination.

Baggage inspection and claims

Checked Baggage Screening:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. Once you check in your baggage at the designated counter, it will be provided to the TSA for security screening. The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. However, TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process, and if a physical inspection is conducted, they will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.

Locks:

To facilitate inspection, it is recommended that you use TSA-approved locks on your checked baggage. Universal "master" keys have been provided to TSA officers under agreements with specific luggage lock brands, allowing them to open certain locks without cutting them. These locks are commercially available, and it is important to note that TSA does not endorse their validity or effectiveness as a security measure. If necessary, they will remove any locks during the inspection.

Claims:

If your property is lost or damaged during the screening process, you may file a claim with the TSA. However, if the loss or damage occurs during transport to the plane or baggage claim, you should contact your airline to resolve the issue.

Curbside Check-In:

Curbside check-in is a convenient option offered by many airlines and airports, allowing you to check in for your flight and drop off your bags at the airport's drop-off zone, even before entering the terminal. This service, often facilitated by dedicated staff called 'Skycaps,' saves you the hassle of carrying your luggage through crowded lobbies and standing in long lines at check-in counters. Curbside check-in is typically free, but you will need a credit card to pay for any baggage fees, and tipping the Skycaps is customary.

Baggage Claim:

At your final destination, you will go to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked baggage. It is important to ensure that your baggage is properly tagged with a barcode and the airport code to avoid any confusion or misplacement.

Frequently asked questions