Can you check luggage by itself

Use automated bag-drop kiosks with a printed or mobile boarding pass and government ID at hand. Most carriers will only accept baggage for transport when the passenger on the booking is physically present and ID matches the reservation; unattended parcels at passenger counters are normally refused and must be shipped via airline cargo or courier with advance documentation.

Key numeric limits: common weight allowances are 23 kg / 50 lb for standard economy items and up to 32 kg / 70 lb for oversized or premium-checked pieces; combined dimensions (length + width + height) commonly must not exceed 158 cm / 62 in. Typical domestic US first-item fees run about $30–35, second-item $40–45; overweight or oversize surcharges frequently range $100–200 depending on carrier and route. Verify the carrier’s published table for precise values before travel.

Procedure for kiosk processing: complete online passenger registration through the carrier app or website, select the item count, generate a tag (mobile or printed), attach the tag to the bag, place the bag on the scale/roller so the kiosk registers weight and dimensions, then send the item to the conveyor. If the system flags excess weight/dimensions or prohibited contents, the unit will be routed to a staffed counter for resolution.

Security and fragile-item guidance: keep passports, medications, cash, high-value electronics and spare battery packs in the cabin. Spare lithium batteries must travel in carry-on only; cells up to 100 Wh are normally allowed in cabin, units between 100–160 Wh require airline approval, and above 160 Wh are typically prohibited. Sharp tools, flammable liquids and other restricted articles must not be placed in items handed for transport.

Timing and exceptions: automated bag-drop often closes earlier than general boarding–common cutoffs are about 60 minutes before domestic departures and 90–120 minutes before international departures; carriers publish exact deadlines. Oversize, overweight or special handling pieces, plus unaccompanied parcels, require counter processing or cargo booking and may need customs forms and 24–72 hours lead time.

Operational tips: remove old tags and secure with a TSA-recognized lock, label with full contact details, photograph the tag and contents list, and keep tracking or receipt information until arrival at the destination. For any doubt, contact the airline’s baggage service desk or cargo division prior to travel to avoid delays or refusal at the airport.

Use an airline self-service bag drop: step-by-step checklist

Use the self-service bag drop at least 45–60 minutes before domestic departure and 60–90 minutes before international departure; arrive earlier for peak travel days and major hubs.

Preparation (before arrival)

Confirm booking and fare allowance for hold bags via the airline app or website; standard economy allowance commonly 23 kg (50 lb) per bag, premium fares often permit 32 kg (70 lb). Measure linear dimensions (length + width + height) – typical maximum 158 cm (62 in).

Weigh suitcases at home on a scale; target 20–23 kg (44–50 lb) to avoid overweight fees. Typical overweight charges range $50–$200 depending on carrier and weight tier.

Place spare lithium batteries in carry-on only; declare firearms and follow airline and local law for transport permits. Prohibited and restricted items must follow airline hazmat rules – consult the carrier’s hazardous materials page for specifics.

Prepare a mobile boarding pass or print one at the airport kiosk; have payment card ready for any excess-baggage or overweight fees.

At the kiosk and drop point

1) Scan the mobile or printed boarding pass at the self-service kiosk to retrieve the reservation. Select number of hold bags and confirm passenger name and flight number displayed on the screen.

2) Pay any bag fees or overweight charges at the kiosk with card; keep the transaction receipt. If e-tagging is offered, accept the electronic tag option to skip manual printing.

3) Place the bag on the conveyor scale. Verify the displayed weight; if the display exceeds allowance, remove items or reassign to carry-on before accepting the fee. Airline kiosks typically reject bags above the airline’s maximum (usually 32 kg / 70 lb).

4) Attach printed bag tag to the main handle so barcode and destination airport code remain visible. If the kiosk prints an adhesive tag, secure it fully and confirm the tag number on the receipt matches the on-screen reference.

5) Slide the bag into the intake chute and wait until the conveyor fully accepts the item. Retain the bag receipt and keep the claim number until arrival at the destination; this receipt is required for any tracking or recovery requests.

6) If tag printing fails, scale malfunctions, or the kiosk indicates an exception, proceed to the staffed counter or nearby agent desk for assisted processing; note agent name and ticket number for reference.

7) Use the airline app to track hold-bag status via tag number or reservation code; many carriers display transit status and carousel assignment after offloading at destination.

Print and attach home baggage tags: accepted formats and placement

Print tags as PDF at 100% scale on A4 or Letter with a minimum 300 DPI; target final tag dimensions ~4 × 3 inches (10 × 7.5 cm) and avoid any “fit to page” scaling.

Accepted file formats and technical settings

Preferred formats: PDF (vector barcodes), PNG (lossless bitmap) or TIFF. JPEG acceptable only at maximum quality with no heavy compression.

Resolution and color: 300 DPI minimum; monochrome or high-contrast black-on-white for barcode areas. Ensure at least 80% black density for reliable scanning.

Barcode size and layout: Barcode height ≥ 25 mm (1 in); horizontal quiet zones ≥ 4–5 mm each side. Place human-readable reservation code beneath the barcode in 12–14 pt sans-serif (e.g., Arial or Helvetica). Maintain a 5 mm margin around the entire tag artwork.

Print settings: Select “Actual size” / 100% scale; disable page scaling and “shrink oversized pages.” Use plain matte paper 80–120 gsm or adhesive label stock; avoid glossy finishes that create reflections on the barcode.

Attachment and exact placement on the bag

Primary placement: Fasten the tag to the main top handle or reinforced side handle so the barcode faces outward and is fully visible while the bag stands upright. Position the tag at least 2 cm above handle stitching and at least 5 cm from wheels or bottom seams.

Fastening method: Use the supplied plastic loop or a non-metallic zip tie threaded through the tag slot; pull tight to prevent rotation. If using adhesive label stock, apply on flat, unobstructed fabric panel near the handle and smooth out air bubbles.

Backups and extras: Insert a duplicate printed tag inside an outer pocket or inside the main compartment in a clear plastic sleeve. Remove all previous carrier tags and securely trim any torn tag remnants that could confuse handlers.

Final check: Photograph the attached tag (barcode visible) before arriving at the bag drop and keep the printed receipt/stub with travel documents until arrival at destination.

Mobile app baggage processing: scanning tags and confirming drop-off

Generate the mobile bag tag in the airline app, open the barcode at full-screen with maximum brightness, present it to the self-service drop scanner or agent handheld reader, accept the green OK and the printed or digital drop receipt, and retain that confirmation until the final collection point.

Scanner acceptance criteria and preparation

Supported barcode formats: 2D (QR, PDF417, Aztec) and some 1D types; apps usually indicate the format on the tag screen. For printed tags use 300 dpi or higher; for on-screen presentation set device brightness to 100%, disable dark mode and auto-dimming, remove screen protector if reflective, keep barcode centered and uncropped.

Visual/print specs to meet: 2D symbol minimum quiet zone 4 mm, recommended min module/pixel size ~0.25 mm; 1D bar width at least 40 mm. Contrast should be high (≥60% black on white). Avoid glossy paper, smudges, and thermal ribbon underexposure. If barcode looks pixelated, request reprint or export a higher-resolution PDF from the app.

Timing and validity: mobile tags include a timestamp and PNR link; some airlines embed a short validity window (typically hours before departure). Save a screenshot plus the app PDF to offline storage to provide tag data if the device loses connectivity at the airport.

Troubleshooting and agent escalation

If the kiosk repeatedly rejects the barcode: switch to the app’s PDF export, show a saved screenshot, or ask staff to scan the screen with a handheld reader. If the tag prints but the weight differs, request a scale readout and an official payment receipt; retain both documents. If the tag does not show final destination for a connecting itinerary, request manual reissue at the desk to ensure correct routing.

When app connectivity fails, use airplane mode screenshot or the PDF stored offline. If a printed tag is unreadable because of smearing or low contrast, request an immediate reprint at the airline counter. Always keep the drop confirmation (printed slip or confirmation email/screenshot) until collection; that receipt contains the tag number needed for tracing or damage claims.

Dropping bags for another passenger: required IDs and authorization process

Present the passenger’s government-issued photo ID, booking confirmation (PNR/e‑ticket), and a signed authorization letter at the airline counter or bag-drop desk.

Required documents

• Primary photo ID of the traveler: passport (international), national ID card, or REAL ID‑compliant driver’s license (domestic U.S.). Military ID accepted by most carriers.
• Printed or mobile boarding pass / PNR / e‑ticket reference for the specific flight and date.
• Signed authorization letter from the traveler naming the agent who will hand over the items; attach a photocopy/photo of the traveler’s ID to the letter.
• Payment proof when fees apply: presenting the card used for payment speeds processing. If that cardholder is absent, bring a stamped receipt or signed authorization plus a photocopy of the card (mask the long number except last four digits).
• For minors/unaccompanied minors: airline unaccompanied‑minor form, guardian ID, birth certificate or passport as required by carrier rules; some airlines require the guardian who originally booked to be present or provide notarized consent.
• For international departures: valid passport and any required visas for the traveler; some airports or countries prohibit third‑party drop procedures at immigration checkpoints.

Authorization letter template and formatting

1. Use a single page, typed or clearly handwritten. Include: traveler full name, date of birth, booking reference (PNR), flight number and date, number/description of items being handed over.
2. Include agent full name, relationship to traveler, agent ID type and ID number (driver’s license or passport), and contact phone/email for both traveler and agent.
3. End with traveler signature and date. If payment card is used by a third party, add a line authorizing card use and attach card copy (mask digits except last four).
4. Attach a clear photocopy or photo of the traveler’s photo ID and the travel itinerary/boarding pass. If requested by the carrier, supply a scanned copy via email ahead of arrival.

Airline policies differ: notify the carrier 24–72 hours before departure, confirm acceptance of third‑party handover, and ask whether notarization or additional forms are required. Allocate an extra 30–60 minutes at the airport for verification and processing when acting as an agent.

When automated bag drop rejects your suitcase: quick fixes and documentation

Request a staffed agent for a manual tag and a written refusal receipt immediately.

Fast mechanical fixes: If the kiosk shows a barcode error, smooth the tag, wipe moisture, flatten wrinkles and rescan; if barcode is damaged, ask agent to reprint a tag. For weight alerts, redistribute contents, move items to carry items or another suitcase, close external pockets and reweigh; if a zipper or lock prevents proper sealing, secure with a cable tie or replace the lock and retry. For prohibited-item holds (loose batteries, aerosols, large liquids), remove offending items, place them in carry items if allowed, then return to the kiosk. For shape/size sensor rejects, rotate the case or position it squarely on the scale platform and try again. If the machine shows a software or payment error, switch to a different kiosk or restart the session, then present the boarding pass and PNR to an agent for manual processing.

What to collect for proof: photo of the kiosk screen showing the exact error message with visible timestamp; photo of the suitcase tag/barcode and its placement; photo of the scale display showing weight; any paper receipts from the kiosk; the agent’s name and badge/employee ID (take a photo of the badge if offered); written refusal slip, incident number or manual tag number; boarding pass/itinerary and PNR; photos of the suitcase exterior (zippers, locks, damage) and of removed items if a prohibited-item issue occurred.

Agent requests to make: ask for a manual acceptance slip if agent accepts after intervention; request a written reason code or short note on company letterhead when rejected; obtain an incident reference number and the name/contact extension of the agent handling the case; request a stamped time/date receipt showing refusal or manual processing.

Short incident email template (attach photos): Subject: “Drop refusal – Airline Flight [##] [Date] PNR [ABC123]”. Body: “Flight: [number], Date/time: [dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm], PNR: [code], Suitcase tag/manual number: [#], Kiosk error text (exact): ‘[message]’. Actions taken at airport: [reprints, agent name/ID, manual tag or refusal]. Attached: photos of kiosk, scale, tag, suitcase, boarding pass. Requested action: manual acceptance or formal incident number for claims.” Include contact phone and preferred email, send to the airline’s baggage/claims address within 24–48 hours and retain originals until resolution.

Track a deposited bag and file a lost or damaged report at the airport

Report a missing or damaged bag at the airline counter immediately and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a written reference and the barcode/tag number from the stub.

Immediate steps at the airport

Present boarding pass, government ID, the bag tag receipt and any photos of the item or exterior damage. Insist on a printed PIR containing: airline file reference, tag number, flight number, date/time, agent name and contact. Keep the original damaged item for inspection; refuse instructions to dispose of contents until the carrier issues a written release.

For delayed delivery, record the expected delivery window and request an arrival confirmation method (SMS/email). Track progress using the airline’s baggage tracing page or SITA WorldTracer using the PIR or tag number; most systems post status updates within 24–72 hours.

Documentation and deadlines

File a damage report within 7 days of receiving a damaged bag; file a missing-bag claim immediately and pursue a formal loss claim after 21 days for international itineraries (carrier policies vary). Submit an itemized contents list, purchase receipts, serial numbers, repair estimates and photos. Retain receipts for emergency purchases (toiletries, clothing) for delayed-bag reimbursement.

Carrier liability for international travel is typically expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDR); many airlines cite a limit around 1,288 SDR (approximately USD 1,700–2,000 depending on exchange rates). Check the airline’s contract of carriage for exact caps and required claim forms.

When contents require specialist documentation (for example compressed-air equipment or items filled to a pressure specification), include service records and fill documentation – see step by step guide how to fill a paintball tank with an air compressor for the type of proof carriers may request for pressurized gear.

For repair or replacement claims, obtain a written repair estimate from an approved shop and submit original repair invoices. For replaced items such as a courier-bought messenger or emergency umbrella, include receipts; example sources: best messenger bag manufacturers and best movable patio umbrella.

If no satisfactory resolution appears after the airline’s initial response, escalate via the carrier’s formal baggage-claims email (attach PIR and documentation), then file a complaint with the national aviation authority or pursue recovery under the Montreal Convention or applicable domestic rules. Consider parallel claims to travel insurance or the credit-card provider used to purchase the trip; include the airline reference and timestamps in all correspondence.

Log every contact (date, time, agent name, phone/email) and check the airline’s online case portal every 48–72 hours until final disposition. Maintain originals of all documents until the claim closes.