I've checked in on-line with Southwest plenty of times but never checked baggage. On Sunday, I'm flying United and I have to check my bags so my question is this--if I check in on-line where do I get my bag tags? The ticket counter? If so, what's the purpose of checking in on-line? I don't see what the net-gain might be if I have to stand in line for the ticket counter. Can someone enlighten me? Thank you!

My mom just did the Southwest online check-in. I didn't understand why she would do that since she had baggage this time. She said there is only one reason she does so, and only on Southwest. It is so she can get the "A" boarding pass and be able to pick her seat before all the "B" and "C" checkin passengers. She still has to go to the desk/counter once she gets to the airport to check her luggage and get tags.

1. It's still going to save a little of time. The time they need to tag and take your bags will be less than if they have to check you in and print your BP.

2. If you run late but have already checked-in, you still have a chance to make it to the plane. But if you're not checked-in 30 minutes prior, you won't be getting on. The bags may not make it, but at least you will.

3. Some airlines may still offer bonus FF miles for OLCI.

4. There should be an express baggage check line for people who've checked in online or at a kiosk, so you won't have to wait behind all those people checking in. (I said "should be"--I won't guarantee that there always is one.)

Thank you! Sounds like the difference between filling out info for a rental car on-line prior to picking up the car versus doing it at the counter which definitely saves time! And of course the prospect of bonus miles is always enticing. Will give it a go!

I just used Easy Chicken Online at United for tomorrow. Was able to get on the waitlist for an earlier flight. So I had two documents print out: the boarding pass for the scheduled flight and a departure management card for the waitlisted flight.

The BP says that if checking bags go to the kiosk or use curbside baggage service.

Here is what the website says about checked bags with ECOL.

Can I check bags when using EasyCheck-in Online?
If you are traveling on a U.S. domestic itinerary or on a domestic itinerary that includes Alaska; Hawaii; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas or the U.S. Virgin Islands you may use Check & Go to avoid ticket counter lines or print your baggage tags at the airport kiosk. For international travel, you can print your baggage tags at the EasyCheck-in Kiosk or see a United representative at the ticket counter.

You need to register to get the bonus miles:
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51433,00.html

United has a list of about 20 airports where they require checkin 45 minutes prior to departure.

It is BAGGAGE checkin that is required 45 minutes before the flight for some airports.

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51146,00.html

5) you have the opportunity to select your seat way in advance of others. One time I got assigned a less desirable seat but eas able to change it online. My orignal seat got taken by a guy who almost certainly got to the airport before me (but checked in after me).

One time when checking in online I moved from a full row to one where the middle seat was empty. The seat stayed empty during the flight.

Ideally you would want to move yourself to a seat where the seat in front and the seat next to you are both empty.

&quot;Easy <b>Chicken</b> Online&quot;

New meal service? LOL

All the UA regulars call its system Easy Chicken.

I have no idea how that came about, as other airlines' customers don't call it that. Only UA.

Slang is part of any culture.Like, well, you know...non elites...the &quot;unwashed&quot; and most assuredly, the &quot;unwanted&quot;

The kiosk is &quot;Mr. Easy Chicken&quot; at flyertalk, so perhaps I should use that formal appellation when referring to ECOL. But ECOL comes to my home, so I think it is ok to drop the Mr. in that most definitely informal setting.