The Underused Airport Service For Quicker Luggage Check-Ins

The past couple of years have seen a massive surge in travel. With travelers to the U.S. contributing a whopping $2.36 trillion to the economy through travel and tourism spending in 2023 (per Business Standard), it's safe to say that airports are busier than ever. However, beyond the economic impact — and as passenger numbers continue to climb — there's one major detail that's also increasing: travel-related stress.

From navigating crowded airport terminals to never-ending wait times, getting through airport security without getting flagged by TSA, and dealing with pesky excess baggage fees, travel has become a little tougher to deal with. That said, it's also no surprise that the check-in process, particularly luggage drop-off, can be a major bottleneck, adding unnecessary tension to the start of a journey. Luckily, there's a surprising solution for faster luggage check-in that doesn't require you to sign up for yet another airline loyalty program or rack up a bunch of miles quickly.

Enter: skycaps. A convenient alternative to the traditional indoor check-in counters, skycaps are porters who work as a curbside baggage check-in service. Skycap service is currently available at many airports for most major U.S. airlines. Put simply, it allows you to drop off your checked bags right outside the terminal — ultimately bypassing the long lines inside — and is generally free from crowds and wait times because not many people actually use it. All this while, at the same time, saving you time and reducing the hassle of working your way through hordes of stressed-out travelers with heavy luggage in tow.

Using an airport's skycap service — also referred to as curbside check-in by certain airlines — is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is keep your eyes peeled for the stand outside your airline's terminal, show the worker there your ID and flight information, and then let them take care of the rest. Some attendants will even take care of printing out your boarding passes — all so you can head directly to security. Nowadays, many major U.S. airlines offer this service at various airports across the country — including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, and others.

In terms of costs, some airlines may charge a fee of roughly $3 per bag, on top of any outstanding baggage costs. With that in mind, it's always best to check directly with your airline to have a clear understanding of the service's availability and any associated costs. In line with this, make sure you always tip your skycap concierge — especially if you're traveling with more than one checked (or overweight) bag. Most of these workers generally operate under demanding and challenging conditions — including unpredictable weather, long and inconsistent hours, and sometimes stressful situations. Plus, they're also typically the first point of contact with plenty of frustrated travelers — which is a challenge of its own.

And if you simply can't be bothered to deal with any of the hassle or costs, there's an even easier solution to consider: Ditch the checked bags and make your life easier by traveling with just a carry-on — trust us, you'll never go back to checked luggage again.