New folks: NEVER gate check your bag on a 135
I try to be nice and gate check my bag when flying a 135, but a few recent events have forever changed my mind. Per the FOM you can store a crew bag in an empty galley cart (grab it before catering does!), the front closet, under 14B, or *an overhead compartment.* I will now always use an overhead compartment, sorry folks, I know some FAs dont like it but I like having fresh socks.
Why you ask?
1. HSV turn on a 135. 10 min after takeoff we get an ACARS message telling us to call the station ops, who inform us a crew bag accidentally went to bag claim. It was on the jetway for loading with the other gate checks, but they somehow missed the blue tag (thought it was from the inbound flight) and sent it to bag claim.
2. Coming back into IAH, my bag is unloaded with the rest and sitting on the jetway (I can see it). I take longer than usual to get out of the plane (we had a mx issue to deal with) and a ramper thinks its an unclaimed gate check, and sends it to bag service. Apparently the large yellow crew tag was invisible.
3. Arrival at Saltillo, they announce that all gate checks can be picked up inside the terminal. After immigration. Which does me no good when my passport stays in an organizer in my overnight bag. Thanks guys. This also got a few passengers.
Rant over.
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