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Sometimes you need to pack more than just what will fit in a carry-on bag. Luckily, if you need to check a bag, it’s possible that your airline status, ticket type or credit card may waive your checked bag fees.
Still, dragging the bags you intend to check through the ticket lobby can be a hassle and a time suck — especially during busy travel periods such as holidays, high tourist seasons and major sports events.
Related: Which credit cards cover baggage delays?
This is why travelers love it when airports provide places to check bags before reaching the terminal. These drop-off locations might be in parking garages and remote lots, at rental car return centers or even, in some cases, at convention centers and on cruise ships.
This week, as it braces for crowds traveling for spring break and spring training, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) joins the remote bag check club with the introduction of Early Bag Check.
The free and convenient service is operated by Bags, the same company that provides this amenity at a handful of other airports. Passengers may leave their bags at the PHX Rental Car Center or the East Economy Parking lot, print any needed boarding passes, hop on the PHX Sky Train and skip the airline ticket lobby entirely.
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Related: Airline baggage fees: How much it costs to check a bag on major US airlines
There are, of course, some rules and restrictions:
- While the early check-in service is free, any required airline bag fees will still apply
- Service is currently restricted to passengers flying on five airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines
- Each passenger may only check two bags remotely
- Remote bag check-in counters are open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., including holidays
- Bags must be checked in at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure and no more than four hours before the flight (per airline policy)
Which other airports offer remote bag check services?
Passengers can skip the ticket lobby bag drop lines by using curbside bag check (where available for select airlines) or concierge services such as Clear.
Below are a few other airports around the country currently offering some form of remote bag check options. Be sure to check with the airport for participating airlines, location and hours of operation, as these may change:
- Charleston International Airport (CHS): A free Check ‘N Go bag check program is available in the daily parking garage and the Rental Car Center
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas: The LAS Curbside Concierge offers remote bag service at the airport’s Rent-A-Car Center and at the Terminal 3 departures curb
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): There’s a Check ‘N Fly remote bag check service at the Park MSY Express economy garage
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World and flying on Southwest Airlines can check bags at their hotels
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Remote bag check at SFO is offered in the long-term parking garage (before the AirTrain station) and at the Rental Car Center
- Tampa International Airport (TPA): Passengers may check bags at the TPA Rental Car Center
Related: Quick Points: Get bonus miles if your checked bag arrives late
Cruise passengers will also find remote bag check opportunities for many airlines when arriving at ports that feed into Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
