Was watching the 10p.m. local news in Chicago last night and saw where O'Hare began urbside check in again yesterday. Apparently now if the airport meets stringent new standards for curbside check in including ensuring every single bag whether checked at the counter or the curb is X-rayed they can proceed. From the interview, it looked like only a percentage of curbside luggage had been X-rayed in the past. Also, IL National Guard has been called up to stand post and help out at O'Hare. This Sunday will be my first flight since the disaster, O'HAre to JFK, can't wait to see how it goes.

I wonder if that will be only at the busier airports where they have more security or at all?

Now I'm really confused. This just doesn't make sense to me.

I understood that the risks associated with curbside check-in were that it was easy to have an unattended bag remain unattended, and people could leave explosives in their car.

Now they're saying that they'll X-ray curb-side bags. That doesn't seem to address the security concerns I was aware of.

Also, if Beth and I know this, then the terrorists know it. So they could still plant a bomb in the luggage of someone not using curb-side check-in. Indeed, if they are X-raying all curb-side luggage, and if the capacity to X-ray luggage hasn't increased, then that means less non-curbside luggage is being X-rayed, so a terrorist's chances of getting a bomb through in non-curbside just increased.

Somehow, I don't think this move enhances security.

ALREADY!?!!!

YaHoo, Hooray, Yippee, I sure as hell hope this is true.

What is so great about curbside checkin anyway? Don't all of you with tickets still have to stand in line to check in as well? WHAT is the convenience?!?

Why curb side check in is good: Before there was 1000 people checking in for flights at any given time. One third used curb side check in, one third checked in at the counter and a third checked in at one of the machines (they had no bag).

Now 500 people are checking in but everyone has to check in at front and the number of lines to wait in has dropped because of all the people fired by the airlines. Each line takes five times as long to get through and flying has become quite a ordeal. Next time I will drive.

That's funny. I always wondered why people would suffer through counter check-in (shuffling along in a huge line, pushing and kicking mounds of luggage along with them) when curbside is so much easier.

Curbside, there are usually only a few people ahead of you. The lines at the gate are usually not too long, either. If they are, I sit down and read the paper until the line is gone. Curbside check-in costs you a tip, but it is more than worth it to me.

Yes its back!!! Alleluia! Now I want to fly again. There was no way I was going to waste my time getting to the airport 2-3 hours ahead of time. Get rid of my bags when I get out of the car and walk to my gate. No time wasted! I know there are long lines at the security gate so noone has to write to tell me this.

I must be lost here and living in the dark ages! Assuming I simply have a carry-on bag, will walking straight to the gate for check-in really save me that much time? What if the line is as long as in the main lobby, or does that not happen? Or what if the gate for your flight is closed until just a few minutes before boarding? Hmmm -- now I'm wondering if I've been wasting a lot of time over the years!!

This surprises me - in fact, when I visited the US in June it surprised me then. We don't have this in Europe, even for domestic or European flights, precisely because of the security issue. Even where there is "off airport" check-in - eg at Victoria station in London for Gatwick, and Paddington for Heathrow - it is the airlines who process the check-in and ensure luggage is secure in its transport to the airport. Personally, I would rather allow a bit extra for check-in than risk lower security. In any case, why can't the airlines or airports just open more check-in desks???

What difference does it make who checks in your bags, someone out front or in the terminal? Just as long as they are Xrayed before they go on the plane and bags are compared with who is really going on the flight.

With increasing passenger loads we need as many people checking in bags as possible, either inside or outside the terminal. Otherwise it will take less time driving.

The way I understand it, only certain airports have re-instated curb-side check-in (enough hyphens for you?). I also understand that the airlines have put A LOT of pressure on officials to have it re-instated (to help get people to fly because we Americans don't like inconvenience.) I also understand that curb-side check-in has been allowed IF the airport has the X-Ray machines and heavier security to warrant it and a few other security items not being openly discussed. (Sshhh, it's a secret!) I'm willing to bet that barring any other calamities, curb-side will be back by the Holidays.
Yes, I too wonder why the airlines don't hire more counter help. I don't mind standing in a line if it moves.

Just delivered my parents to the airport in Ft. Myers Florida and used curb side check in. It must be back. It was the same process as in the past.

The only reason it stopped was so officials could run thorough background checks on the skycaps. Also, it will never resume for airlines that don't use a computer database tagging system.

The reason I am so against curbside check-in is that when airports are so busy, especially a popular time when people like to leave an area, the place is like Grand Central Station and baggage and people are flying all over the place. It is impossible for the curbside people to keep track of all the luggage. It seems people have short attention spans and Sept. 11th is becoming a history lesson - nothing special.

I'm glad curbside check-in is back! People who do not travel often or stay longer might not appreciate the luxury of curbside checkin, but it's especially handy especially when you have large suitcases, etc. This is a plus for international travellers whose visits could be lengthy.