What happens when you gate check something?

When overhead bins fill up, travelers with carry-ons that don't fit under the seat will be asked to gate check their bag. Gate checking is always free of charge, and basically means your carry-on will be put into the cargo hold with all the other checked luggage.



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Having your bag gate checked is a fairly quick and painless process. Usually, the bag doesn't have to be weighed and there's no need to drop it on a conveyor belt. It's just a case of a boarding gate staff member putting a tag in on your bag and giving it to a baggage handler to put in the cargo hold.

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Not only will you need to part with your bag, but you'll need to figure out where to pick it up after you land. In most cases, gate checked bags will be sent to the baggage claim along with all the paid, checked luggage. Meaning you'll have to say goodbye to that speedy exit at your destination.

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You can check one car seat and one stroller or folding wagon per child you're traveling with, for free. This can be done at the gate or ticket counter. Large or non-collapsible strollers, and non-folding wagons must be checked at the ticket counter.

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Passengers are supposed to arrive earlier than the time limit otherwise the airlines do not accept luggage being dropped off. Usually, these cut-off times are between 30 and 60 minutes before your flight departs, but can be longer for international flights.

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Standard strollers, folding wagons, and car seats can be used to get to your gate and then checked for free. They'll be returned to you on arrival. Collapsible strollers can be stored in-cabin. Car seats can be used onboard your flight too.

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