We had the same experience December 2014, and this after we had already checked with JB in advance regarding their check-in windows. It's all in the way you use your words it would seem. We asked what time we could check in but DID NOT KNOW we needed to ask if we could check our bags at the same time. That day they were only allowing checked bags two hours before departure.

It seems some carriers, but in particular JB, had different rules for Saturday check-ins of luggage, due to what they called holding space or lack there of. This last trip, returning home midweek, we had no issues with both checking in and checking bags several hours before our flight.

I don't know if these changes are airline or airport changes, or even changes imposed for high season weekend travel, but in the past we had usually flown AA and they allowed early check-ins (with luggage being accepted) as soon as the first morning flight out had started their boarding process. I'd suggest checking with your carrier being very SPECIFIC in how you ask the question. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />