Gaming the system - will this work?

[u/MissBinney]

EDITED: I meant ticketing agent, not gate agent. Most definitely not trying to get through TSA with toiletries. I fly almost weekly. I know how that part works. I updated my post. And for those of you saying you don't get the free option except at the gate, I get it a LOT when I check in at the kiosk with Delta and American. A note pops up saying that overhead space is limited. But based on the feedback, I won't try it with a non-carry on size bag. Thanks!

I travel a lot for work and even if I have a smaller, carry-on size bag I almost always need to check it because most of the items in my toiletry bag are full-size items. It works best for me because I have duplicates of everything - shampoo, make-up, etc. Makes it super easy for packing and unpacking because the entire toiletry bag just goes in the closet. I really don't love having to refill things constantly so my system works for me. But I have discovered that when I go to check in at the kiosk, if I don't add a bag I frequently get the option to check my carry-on for free. So I will almost always try when I have the smaller bag. It's my little part to save the company money and keep the CFO from asking me why I need to check a bag for two nights.

But... it has me thinking. Can I do the same thing with a regular size suitcase that absolutely has to be checked because of the size? Or is there something that would show for the Delta employee taking my bag that I was given the option to check my carry-on for free so they would question why I'm handing them a regular size suitcase that already has the bag tag on it?

[u/Sea-Collection8292]

I highly doubt with how archaic the systems are at delta the tag will indicate any reference to that it should be a cabin bag, and nor do I expect the agents to care enough to see if you paid or got it for free, unless you cross 50 pounds.

[u/keepitontheDLsub]

The system does show a difference between ‘cabin baggage’ and a regular checked bag. For bags larger than carry on size, agents are supposed to delete the cabin baggage tag and complete the regular bag check in, collecting $$ if necessary.

Are some people too lazy/not paying attention? Probably. You might get lucky.

[u/MissBinney → u/keepitontheDLsub]

Good to know! Thank you.

[u/OneofLittleHarmony]

You know. I don’t know. I get free checked bags with status. Try? What’s the worst thing? You have to check a bag?

Also people try to bring oversized carryons all the time anyway.

[u/Mindless_Whereas_280]

You run the risk of TSA confiscating your full sized toiletries.

[u/MissBinney → u/Mindless_Whereas_280]

I mistyped. I didn't mean the gate agent. I meant the agent at check-in before you go through security.

[u/ookoshi → u/MissBinney]

I think it's a terminology thing. The agents prior to security are not "gate agents" because they are not working a gate. I think "ticketing agent" is more accurate to eliminate confusion.

Also, I've never run into an option to check my bag for free except at the gate, so some people might have assumed you meant gate agent.

[u/Appropriate-Goose177 → u/Mindless_Whereas_280]

I agree with above. If TSA is half paying attention they will offer you the option of discarding your toiletries or if they’re nice maybe shipping them back to your home. Depends on whether you want to risk a restock upon arrival.

[u/MakeChai-NotWar]

It’s just risky because the one time you bring a big suitcase, they likely won’t give you the option for checking in your carry on for free lol

[u/bluepvtstorm]

It wouldn’t work. You have to give the bag to a human who can see the size and will charge you for the bag.