A risky AP move.
Joe X shows up at the airport with two bags. One weighs 23 pounds and is a carryon, but the other needs to be checked and at 87 pounds, it will cost him $100. Joe declines and says he'll sort some stuff out, walking away with the bag. He goes to the gate , and has a seat. When his flight is called, he dawdles and is one of the last people to board. As he passes the gate attendant, he notifies them that there is an abandoned bag in the waiting area. The flight leaves. The next day, the airline calls and says they found your bag and they'll deliver it for free.
If it's big enough to check but small enough to get through x-ray and to the gate, I know that at least American Airlines will announce on full flights that they're going to run out of overhead space and if you bring your bag up, they'll check it for free to your final destination.
Your suggestion of leaving your bag behind carries large risk of it disappearing forever and being searched and pilfered and I would never ever choose that option. Also, the next day is pretty optimistic.
I'm pretty sure it will be airport security that collects the abandoned bag, not the airline. I doubt they would ship it to you, let alone do it for free.Quote: billryanAn interesting loophole to avoiding overweight or excess baggage fees.
Joe X shows up at the airport with two bags. One weighs 23 pounds and is a carryon, but the other needs to be checked and at 87 pounds, it will cost him $100. Joe declines and says he'll sort some stuff out, walking away with the bag. He goes to the gate , and has a seat. When his flight is called, he dawdles and is one of the last people to board. As he passes the gate attendant, he notifies them that there is an abandoned bag in the waiting area. The flight leaves. The next day, the airline calls and says they found your bag and they'll deliver it for free.
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The only time I have heard about airlines delivering bags for free is if they were checked, and they did not arrive with the arriving flight (i.e., mishandled by the airline).
If we can get the bag to the gate it's always been a go, but if the check in person notices it, they tell us it isn't going to make it.
The last time we flew on a flight to Hawaii the airline noticed the bag at the check in for our checked luggage and insisted it could not go, so paid $70. just to check the bag as an extra piece of luggage. For $70., or $100., would not risk leaving it abandoned and hoping it makes it through.
Have had airlines misplace luggage on domestic flights (the baggage always made it - not always the next day), and once lost a large suitcase on an international flight (never recovered - and they paid by the pound ignored every other line itemization on the claim, zeroed in on only the weight).
Nowadays have Apple AirTags on all our luggage which helps.
Quote: billryanAn interesting loophole to avoiding overweight or excess baggage fees.
Joe X shows up at the airport with two bags. One weighs 23 pounds and is a carryon, but the other needs to be checked and at 87 pounds, it will cost him $100. Joe declines and says he'll sort some stuff out, walking away with the bag. He goes to the gate , and has a seat. When his flight is called, he dawdles and is one of the last people to board. As he passes the gate attendant, he notifies them that there is an abandoned bag in the waiting area. The flight leaves. The next day, the airline calls and says they found your bag and they'll deliver it for free.
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The problem with that method is that the airport will probably shut down for an hour or two as security scrutinizes the bag.
Quote: billryanI've never done it, but I travel light.
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Unless I know I am bringing back lots of stuff, this is how I rock air travel. Pack light. If I can get all my items in a carry-on I do it. But I have been car traveling more recently because my girlfriend is deathly afraid of planes, despite never having flown.
Quote: AitchTheLetterQuote: billryanI've never done it, but I travel light.
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Unless I know I am bringing back lots of stuff, this is how I rock air travel. Pack light. If I can get all my items in a carry-on I do it. But I have been car traveling more recently because my girlfriend is deathly afraid of planes, despite never having flown.
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Yikes. The thought of a life partner who wouldn’t fly would not have flown with me….
Going to Costa Rica. For a week. Just taking one carry on tiny suitcase. And a backpack. Will be in penthouse with washer/dryer. Will wash once after 3-4 days.
Would NEVER leave a suitcase unattended at an airport. I think this is a joke thread….
Quote: SOOPOOQuote: AitchTheLetterQuote: billryanI've never done it, but I travel light.
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Unless I know I am bringing back lots of stuff, this is how I rock air travel. Pack light. If I can get all my items in a carry-on I do it. But I have been car traveling more recently because my girlfriend is deathly afraid of planes, despite never having flown.
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Yikes. The thought of a life partner who wouldn’t fly would not have flown with me….
Going to Costa Rica. For a week. Just taking one carry on tiny suitcase. And a backpack. Will be in penthouse with washer/dryer. Will wash once after 3-4 days.
Would NEVER leave a suitcase unattended at an airport. I think this is a joke thread….
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I travel a lot and the only time I travel with more than a carry on is if I require formal clothes (which is very rare).
Since it is a secure area, and has already gone through x-rays, there isn't the concern that it would be if it hadn't passed security.
Quote: billryanIt's not a joke. With the increase in baggage fees, it's becoming an issue.
Since it is a secure area, and has already gone through x-rays, there isn't the concern that it would be if it hadn't passed security.
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I disagree with that. There is a reason many airports have announcements to report any unattended luggage. It is not to help a person missing it it is a fear of terrorism. I assume "illegal" items get through security every single day.
Also, I believe (in the U.S.) they only have to deliver lost luggage to your home of record (not your trip destination), so even if you succeed, they will probably just store it at your local airport, and have their courier bring it to your house after your trip. So why even bother bringing it? And, then the risk that it gets stolen, or the airline or airport legit loses it after seizing the bag. You are risking a total loss, for the gain of maybe just getting the bag to where it started (your house?) Why? I just don't see how this is worth it in any scenario.
-And, I believe the mandate to deliver lost luggage only applies to checked bags in possession of the airline, so you may be on your own for carry-on bags left in the airport, or depending on the airport, you may just totally lose it, this would not be covered (per my interpretation) of lost or delayed luggage-
https://www.transportation.gov/lost-delayed-or-damaged-baggage
So actually reading more, the most likely outcome in this scenario (if you do not claim your bag when called) is the bag will be seized by airport security if left unattended in the terminal, and you will be lucky to see it again, but they certainly will not be shipping it to you (they will not even deliver it to your home when you return....)
Quote: GandlerAt that point (boarding at the gate), many airlines would just check the bag for you for free anyway to avoid the hassle.
Also, I believe (in the U.S.) they only have to deliver lost luggage to your home of record (not your trip destination), so even if you succeed, they will probably just store it at your local airport, and have their courier bring it to your house after your trip. So why even bother bringing it? And, then the risk that it gets stolen, or the airline or airport legit loses it after seizing the bag. You are risking a total loss, for the gain of maybe just getting the bag to where it started (your house?) Why? I just don't see how this is worth it in any scenario.
-And, I believe the mandate to deliver lost luggage only applies to checked bags in possession of the airline, so you may be on your own for carry-on bags left in the airport, or depending on the airport, you may just totally lose it, this would not be covered (per my interpretation) of lost or delayed luggage-
https://www.transportation.gov/lost-delayed-or-damaged-baggage
So actually reading more, the most likely outcome in this scenario (if you do not claim your bag when called) is the bag will be seized by airport security if left unattended in the terminal, and you will be lucky to see it again, but they certainly will not be shipping it to you (they will not even deliver it to your home when you return....)
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Okay. you are right. This doesn't work. Don't try it. Jet Blue is making it all up.
Quote: billryanQuote: GandlerAt that point (boarding at the gate), many airlines would just check the bag for you for free anyway to avoid the hassle.
Also, I believe (in the U.S.) they only have to deliver lost luggage to your home of record (not your trip destination), so even if you succeed, they will probably just store it at your local airport, and have their courier bring it to your house after your trip. So why even bother bringing it? And, then the risk that it gets stolen, or the airline or airport legit loses it after seizing the bag. You are risking a total loss, for the gain of maybe just getting the bag to where it started (your house?) Why? I just don't see how this is worth it in any scenario.
-And, I believe the mandate to deliver lost luggage only applies to checked bags in possession of the airline, so you may be on your own for carry-on bags left in the airport, or depending on the airport, you may just totally lose it, this would not be covered (per my interpretation) of lost or delayed luggage-
https://www.transportation.gov/lost-delayed-or-damaged-baggage
So actually reading more, the most likely outcome in this scenario (if you do not claim your bag when called) is the bag will be seized by airport security if left unattended in the terminal, and you will be lucky to see it again, but they certainly will not be shipping it to you (they will not even deliver it to your home when you return....)
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Okay. you are right. This doesn't work. Don't try it. Jet Blue is making it all up.
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What does JetBlue say?
Quote: AxelWolfDon't they assume abandoned luggage could have something nefarious in it?
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It's already been screened. Airports go nuts over abandoned bags in non-secure areas.
Quote: billryan
Okay. you are right. This doesn't work. Don't try it. Jet Blue is making it all up.
Jetblue is all New Yorker's, it is hard to get the truth out of them.
Seems like a flaw in the system. I would treat all abandoned bags the same regardless of their location.Quote: billryanQuote: AxelWolfDon't they assume abandoned luggage could have something nefarious in it?
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It's already been screened. Airports go nuts over abandoned bags in non-secure areas.
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Quote: billryanAn interesting loophole to avoiding overweight or excess baggage fees.
Joe X shows up at the airport with two bags. One weighs 23 pounds and is a carryon, but the other needs to be checked and at 87 pounds, it will cost him $100. Joe declines and says he'll sort some stuff out, walking away with the bag. He goes to the gate , and has a seat. When his flight is called, he dawdles and is one of the last people to board. As he passes the gate attendant, he notifies them that there is an abandoned bag in the waiting area. The flight leaves. The next day, the airline calls and says they found your bag and they'll deliver it for free.
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Why not check the light bag and carry on the heavy one? I’ve never had my carry one weighed as long as it looks like a carryon bag. And it it’s too big then I don’t see how Joe X gets the bag through security.
Quote: unJonQuote: billryanAn interesting loophole to avoiding overweight or excess baggage fees.
Joe X shows up at the airport with two bags. One weighs 23 pounds and is a carryon-, but the other needs to be checked, and at 87 pounds, it will cost him $100. Joe declines and says he'll sort some stuff out, walking away with the bag. He goes to the gate and has a seat. When his flight is called, he dawdles and is among the last to board. As he passed the gate attendant, he notified them that an abandoned bag was in the waiting area. The flight leaves. The next day, the airline calls and says they found your bag and deliver it for free.
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Why not check the light bag and carry on the heavy one? I've never had my carry-on weighed as long as it looks like a carry-on bag. And if it's too big, I don't see how Joe X gets the bag through security.
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Jet Blue has a twenty-five-pound carryon limit. It's not always enforced, but it usually is on packed flights. Jet Blue flights from Vegas sometimes need to stop for fuel, depending on their weight and wind.
Quote: billryanQuote: unJonQuote: billryanAn interesting loophole to avoiding overweight or excess baggage fees.
Joe X shows up at the airport with two bags. One weighs 23 pounds and is a carryon-, but the other needs to be checked, and at 87 pounds, it will cost him $100. Joe declines and says he'll sort some stuff out, walking away with the bag. He goes to the gate and has a seat. When his flight is called, he dawdles and is among the last to board. As he passed the gate attendant, he notified them that an abandoned bag was in the waiting area. The flight leaves. The next day, the airline calls and says they found your bag and deliver it for free.
link to original post
Why not check the light bag and carry on the heavy one? I've never had my carry-on weighed as long as it looks like a carry-on bag. And if it's too big, I don't see how Joe X gets the bag through security.
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Jet Blue has a twenty-five-pound carryon limit. It's not always enforced, but it usually is on packed flights. Jet Blue flights from Vegas sometimes need to stop for fuel, depending on their weight and wind.
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Thank you. There is a thread on this site where people argued over what is an AP move vs what is theft, fraud, etc. This one falls on the wrong side of that line for me. YMMV.
Quote: unJonQuote: billryanQuote: unJonQuote: billryanAn interesting loophole to avoiding overweight or excess baggage fees.
Joe X shows up at the airport with two bags. One weighs 23 pounds and is a carryon-, but the other needs to be checked, and at 87 pounds, it will cost him $100. Joe declines and says he'll sort some stuff out, walking away with the bag. He goes to the gate and has a seat. When his flight is called, he dawdles and is among the last to board. As he passed the gate attendant, he notified them that an abandoned bag was in the waiting area. The flight leaves. The next day, the airline calls and says they found your bag and deliver it for free.
link to original post
Why not check the light bag and carry on the heavy one? I've never had my carry-on weighed as long as it looks like a carry-on bag. And if it's too big, I don't see how Joe X gets the bag through security.
link to original post
Jet Blue has a twenty-five-pound carryon limit. It's not always enforced, but it usually is on packed flights. Jet Blue flights from Vegas sometimes need to stop for fuel, depending on their weight and wind.
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Thank you. There is a thread on this site where people argued over what is an AP move vs what is theft, fraud, etc. This one falls on the wrong side of that line for me. YMMV.
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I agree 100%.
Quote: unJonQuote: billryanQuote: unJonQuote: billryanAn interesting loophole to avoiding overweight or excess baggage fees.
Joe X shows up at the airport with two bags. One weighs 23 pounds and is a carryon-, but the other needs to be checked, and at 87 pounds, it will cost him $100. Joe declines and says he'll sort some stuff out, walking away with the bag. He goes to the gate and has a seat. When his flight is called, he dawdles and is among the last to board. As he passed the gate attendant, he notified them that an abandoned bag was in the waiting area. The flight leaves. The next day, the airline calls and says they found your bag and deliver it for free.
link to original post
Why not check the light bag and carry on the heavy one? I've never had my carry-on weighed as long as it looks like a carry-on bag. And if it's too big, I don't see how Joe X gets the bag through security.
link to original post
Jet Blue has a twenty-five-pound carryon limit. It's not always enforced, but it usually is on packed flights. Jet Blue flights from Vegas sometimes need to stop for fuel, depending on their weight and wind.
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Thank you. There is a thread on this site where people argued over what is an AP move vs what is theft, fraud, etc. This one falls on the wrong side of that line for me. YMMV.
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It’s not just on the wrong side of the line; it isn’t even an AP move. As I understand it, an AP move is where the reward outweighs the risk. This is nothing of the kind. The reward is $100, and the risk is losing your luggage, with a minimum risk of it not showing up for an extended period… which is fine if you are at your final destination, and not so cool if you are on vacation and get the call to go to the airport and collect it on the same day you have planned to visit the waterfalls (or whatever).
Use your AP knowledge to get an extra $100 somewhere else and pay the bag fee. That’s the AP move here. Your bag is never going to show up (the only proper assumption, unless you have faith in the airlines’ stellar reputation for handling lost luggage). You can’t replace a suitcase full of underwear for $100 these days.
Long story short, this lady tried this, got removed from the flight, refused to leave airport, arrested, charged with assault (and I think some kind of intoxication charge? not sure I followed that part, but does not really matter for the purpose here), and received a lifetime ban from JetBlue.
But, this video looks like the passenger (or no longer passenger) was attempting exactly what was recommended in OP, she somehow got a far too large bag behind TSA, and left it in the terminal area.
(Language warning including multiple various racial slurs.)
https://youtu.be/h4h--ICcscw?t=1959
Also, the airline agent seemed to say to the police officer what I suspected above that they only have to return your luggage to your home address. So the only way this could be worth it is if you have a one way ticket to your home. But, how often are you flying somewhere with a one way ticket home? Maybe as a college student (if you are visiting parents, and their address is still legal home of record?) But, normally you have a round trip ticket that ends at your home (so you would not have your luggage all trip anyway.) So, even in the niche circumstances that this could be feasible, is it really worth the risk?
Even forget the criminal charges (since that was more related to her actions against the police and refusing to leave, not for the act of attempting this,) you get removed from your flight, and likely banned from the airline, with potentially no other airline alternatives if caught (IE you will not be flying there,) this does not seem worth it. You are risking quite a lot, for saving 100.00 - 150.00 in the very select circumstances where this could maybe work. I just don't see it....
If you are willing to go full Karen to avoid baggage fees, just call when you get your tickets, and keep escalating until you find a manager that is tired of hearing you, and waives the fee just to make you stop. This also may not work, but the risk is (almost) zero -sure they technically can ban you, but the calls would have to be extreme for this to happen- and only costs your time (and maybe a bit of internal reputation.) [I don't advise this either, but this seems safer than the above method.]
