American Airlines is expanding its AAdvance Bag Check program, a service that allows passengers to check in and drop off their luggage for American Airlines flights at remote locations. The service is currently available onboard ships for several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as at hotels and various convention centers throughout the United States. Travelers can check in and drop off their luggage for their American, American Eagle and AmericanConnections airline domestic flight up to 24 hours in advance at the AAdvance Bag Check station. Baggage is then transported directly to the departure airport and passengers do not have to deal with their luggage until they land at their final destination. In addition to checking in their luggage, passengers also receive their boarding passes, allowing them to go directly to security screening when they arrive at the airport. The development of the AAdvance Bag Check program started in spring 2005, when American tested this service with the cruise lines. But now the program will be available at more than 34 new locations, including 19 Disney resorts and hotels in Orlando, FL; McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL; Moscone Center in San Francisco; the Hilton Grand Vacation Club in Honolulu; and the Hyatt Regency in Dallas. AAdvance Bag Check service is provided by Baggage Airline Guest Services, Inc. (BAGS), an Orlando-based hospitality company. The cost for cruise-goers to use AAdvance Bag Check service varies from $10 to $20, depending on the cruise line. For passengers checking in at a hotel or convention center, the cost for the service is $10 per person. For a full list of locations and details on the AAdvance Bag Check program, log on to [www.aa.com/aadvancebagcheck].
