Gate checking is the process of checking your bag at the gate to be stored in the aircraft's cargo hold. This differs from regularly checking your bag, as the process is normally completed at a check-in desk/ticket counter pre-security rather than at the departure gate before you board your flight.
Gate checking is common on smaller airlines. This is because these airlines don't always have cabin space for all passengers to bring a piece of baggage with them in person.
Some airlines will tell you specifically that you have to check your bag in at the gate at the time that you buy your flight as a rule that applies to all passengers, whereas others might use a first-come-first-serve system.
A first-come-first-serve system means that the airline will allow as many carry-on bags into the cabin as will fit in the overhead lockers, but, once it reaches full capacity, all other bags must be gate checked.
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Gate checking allows you to bring your bag directly to the gate for loading onto the plane instead of checking it at the ticket counter.
Yes, you should receive a baggage claim tag for your gate-checked bag, just like when checking your bags in at the check-in desks.
Unfortunately, once your bag has been gate-checked, you are no longer able to access it. You must remember to take out all the items you may need during your flight before gate-checking your bag.
