Gate-checked bags are usually treated essentially the same as all other checked bags. They are stored in a plane's cargo hold (or bins) with the rest of the luggage before being transferred to your final destination. When this happens, you pick up your bag at the baggage claim as you would any other checked bag.

Where you pick up a gate-checked bag depends on whether it was a "Valet/Planeside Check" or a "Standard Gate Check." If you are on a small regional jet (like an American Eagle or United Express flight), you are often asked to "valet" your bag because the overhead bins are too small for standard carry-ons. In this case, you will receive a specific tag (usually yellow or red) and you should pick up your bag on the jet bridge immediately after exiting the plane at your destination. However, if the gate agent checks your bag because the "bins are full" on a larger aircraft, it is usually treated as standard checked luggage. In this scenario, the bag is tagged with a traditional white barcode sticker and sent to the baggage claim carousel in the arrivals hall. Always check the tag the agent gives you; if it says "Baggage Claim," don't wait on the jet bridge, as your bag is heading to the terminal's main luggage area with everyone else's large suitcases.