United Airlines is extending a test pilot program that allows passengers to drop off their luggage a day early.
The “Twilight Bag Drop,” will make chaotic travel days easier for passengers flying with the Chicago-based airline, the company said.
The major U.S. carrier began testing its program at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in March, offering select passengers with an early flight the option to check their luggage curbside the night before.
An airline spokesperson told The Independent that Twilight Bag Drop allows passengers departing before 10 a.m. to check their bags from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the night before.
Feedback on the test pilot has been “overwhelmingly positive,” with passengers who participated in the program reporting that it was “easy and convenient,” the spokesperson said.
After months of the pilot stage, United debuted the program at O’Hare over the busy Fourth of July weekend, according to NBC 5 Chicago.
A record-breaking 1.62 million passengers were expected to travel through O’Hare and Chicago Midway International Airport from last Wednesday to Monday, CBS News Chicago reported, citing the city’s Department of Aviation.
NBC 5’s traffic and transportation reporter Kye Martin explained the new program in a video shared on social media last Wednesday.
“Maybe it’s a golf trip, a family trip,” Martin said outside United’s luggage drop-off at O’Hare. “Did you know that one person with United can check up to nine bags? So maybe you’re a planner in the family, a type A or a classic airport dad — you can get it done,” Martin said.
Some Instagram users were on board with the program.
“I’d do this for a ski trip where I can drive my stuff in my suv and then just take an uber to the airport the next day without having to worry,” one person commented on Martin’s video.
“Yes, I would do this. My husband works in the loop and I would send the luggage with him in the morning. Quick pit stop at ORD would save us some time in the morning,” another said.
But others weren’t too thrilled about the idea of going to the airport twice — once to drop off the luggage and again to take their flight.
“Now why would I travel to the airport twice,” one Instagram user commented.
“Yeah cuz anytime I go to Ohare I think, how can I come here even more,” another quipped.
Nearly 1,600 bags have been checked through the program so far, according to the United spokesperson.
While Twilight Bag Drop is currently only available for United passengers at O’Hare and Guam International Airport, the spokesperson said the program may be expanded to additional hubs.
United advises passengers on its website that if their flight leaves Guam before 9:30 a.m., they can check their bags between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. the night before.
Eligible travelers moving through participating airports who would like to try out the program should check their email.
The spokesperson said qualified passengers receive an email the day before their flight with details.
“Fly through the airport in the morning without stressing about bag drop, just head straight to security,” a copy of the email obtained by The Independent read.
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