Some airline shenanigans still demonstrate contradictory incentives.
On each of the ~20 jetblue flights I've been on in the last few years. They ask for volunteers to gate check carry on bags to the final destination for free because there isn't enough overhead space. But they're the ones that force us to try to get into a carry on by charging for normally checked bags. I've tried asking outside security if I can check my carry on since I'll eventually be asked to voluntarily gate check it, and they don't let me. Instead we make boarding this competitive experience that takes longer than it needs to as passengers fight for overhead bin space.
That sounds like good old-fashioned market segmentation to me. People who aren't price sensitive will pay to check their bags. People who would rather save their money and have more hassle will cart it through security and then gate check it when the bins fill up.
I am puzzled by the various choices that airlines make that seem to dramatically increase their aircraft's turnaround time at the gate. I can only assume that either it doesn't do as much harm as it seems to, or short turnaround isn't as valuable as I think it is.
The TSA restrictions on carry-on luggage caused me to quit checking my main bag even though I use a bag that is designed for the typical domestic overhead bin.
Relevant to what seems to be your local optimization, if you are trying to get your bag checked for free, you are combining all the possible inconveniences: carry the bag to the gate, have its contents qualify as carry-on contents, and wait for it at the carousel when you land.
It does seem like a better idea to waive the fee at times, in order to streamline operations. But I pay the fee 24 hours in advance (when online checkin opens). How would they implement a waiver fairly?
On each of the ~20 jetblue flights I've been on in the last few years. They ask for volunteers to gate check carry on bags to the final destination for free because there isn't enough overhead space. But they're the ones that force us to try to get into a carry on by charging for normally checked bags. I've tried asking outside security if I can check my carry on since I'll eventually be asked to voluntarily gate check it, and they don't let me. Instead we make boarding this competitive experience that takes longer than it needs to as passengers fight for overhead bin space.