Ah, I see! That makes much more sense. Thank you for the explanation. I'm very reluctant to consider checking baggage again, even seeing the increased level

Ah, I see! That makes much more sense. Thank you for the explanation. I'm very reluctant to consider checking baggage again, even seeing the increased level of concern a company might give my bags. I hear so many horror stories, and as an individual traveler, checking baggage is extremely time-consuming. A few months ago, I waited with my mother at baggage claim for 3 hours before they finally determined that her bags were in a different state. Even when things are running as expected, it takes an order of magnitude more time to get in and out with your bags.