Have only checked ONE bag in almost 30 years....
I was forced to do so because of a Bitchy Sky-Hag who wouldn't even let me ask the Captain to put it up front, and insisted I Gate Check it and STFU.
I was a Full-Fare paying passenger but , unfortunately in uniform, due to a close connect time.
The real Bitch was...I was on my way to Captain Upgrade Training and had ONE day at home to BUY ALL NEW luggage, clothing, shaver, etc.,etc., etc.
The bag was lost...I filed a claim. the airline paid me $900.00 to cover my items.
I bitched to my company....they paid me $ 400.
6 months later....Yes, that's right....My bag shows up in a totally different city ...3000 miles away, abandoned on MY airline's Ramp with a note saying...."We went through the contents and think this my be one of YOUR Captain's. " (?)
A Royal Pain In The Azz...BUT:
- $900 + $400 = $1300.00 to the GOOD in my Bank Account.
- All NEW Clothes, Baggage Personal Items.....FREE.
- All Previous items...Returned in perfect condition.
A Nice ending to the Story....However:
I have never checked a bag since....and, hopefully, never will.
I carry a 20 inch rollaboard and head out into the World for 17 days at time, and it never leaves my side.
YKW