Can I opt out of checking carry-on at the gate?
The other day I was one of the last passengers to board a (domestic US) flight, and my carry-on bag was checked at the gate without asking. I suppose this was due to lack of space in overhead bins (however there was room right above my seat). What if my carry-on consisted entirely of fragile items? For example some kind of neatly packed set of wine glasses or something similar? Could I refuse to check the bag?
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How do I stop checking my bags at the gate?
Your best bet for avoiding a last-minute gate check is to avoid boarding last. Make that possible by not booking a restrictive basic economy ticket or \u2014 if you do book these tickets \u2014 holding elite status or certain cobranded credit cards.Can an airline force you to check your carry-on?
You can also be sure to carry a shopping bag, purse or messenger bag that is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Airlines won't ask you to check a bag that small, and you can keep essentials (wallets, passports, laptops and medications) in it.Does gate check count as carry-on?
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.Are gate check bags necessary?
Do you need a bag to gate check a stroller? No, you don't need a bag to gate check or protect your stroller or buggy (and many prams and pushchairs are transported from A to B quite safely), however, you may want one.AskTSA: Preparing Carry-on Bags for Security Screening
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