Is the baggage content and its weight/dimensions checked during self-check-in at airports?
I'm new to international travel and I'm trying to understand the general check-in process at airports.
During self-check-in for baggage, does anyone check the baggage contents and measure its weight and dimensions? If I understand correctly, at the self-check-in kiosks one just needs to print the boarding pass and the bag tags (and attach it to their bags). However, I don't understand where the baggage contents would be checked or its weight/dimensions would be measured.
For instance, one might be carrying restricted items in their bag or their baggage might be overweight.
Best Answer
The machines have a scale built in and the bar limits the size of the bag.
Special baggages (overweight, oversize, special items) need to be handled at the staffed counter.
In China specifically (the photo you linked), you would need to wait for a few minutes for the security pre-check. If it passes, you will get the baggage tag (the small one for your use at destination). If not, you will be called to the security office for a manual check of the baggage.
As the warning on the screen indicates, if it contains harmful material and it is found out later (after the pre-check, there can be a more detailed check), the security may removed the relevant items (and you will be responsible for any consequent delay or costs).
Other countries may be different (you may get your receipt immediate but later be called by the announcement to the security).
Pictures about "Is the baggage content and its weight/dimensions checked during self-check-in at airports?"
Do airlines check checked baggage size?
For dimensions, while they don't routinely measure the dimensions of checked bags there is a size limit. If it's a little bit over you may get lucky and the airline won't notice but you're taking a chance with it.Do they weigh check-in baggage?
If you have both checked and carry on luggage, usually both are going to be weighed at the check-in/luggage drop. If you only have a carry on and check-in online you have small chances to have your luggage weighed, however it might not be true if you apparently struggle with it.What Happens to Your Checked Luggage at the Airport
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Answer 2
This really depends on the machine as they are a relatively new development. I have heard of some that do measure size but never seen one. All of them measure weight and they will show the weight as the baggage is placed on the platform. You also scan you boarding pass to activate the platform which makes is possible to check against your baggage allowance.
In fact, if you scan your boarding pass with more pieces the machine shows an error and does not carry away the luggage. This can happen accidentally when travelling with a family when at a check-in counter, they often label all pieces with one passenger's name but the machine requires each one to use their allowance.
The one time my luggage exceeded the weight limit, the machine printed me a sticker instead of the usual tag. I had to bring it to the check-in, pay the excess fee and get back to the machine that printed the tag and labelled it as excess weight, perhaps to warn baggage handlers.
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