When we check-in online we can print our boarding pass, why not do the same for any bags?

Because most people don't have the super sticky baggage label strips at home, and considering how stupid the average person is, they'd probably spend more time checking it was done properly at the airport (they'd still need to weigh, etc anyway) than it currently takes to do it.

Security.

And they need to know the weight - the biggest issue on many flights: not just people trying to carry as much luggage as possible but also to ensure the fuel is adequate for the payload. And they certainly cannot rely on a weight reported by the passenger.

Lot of airlines have a station in the airport before the check in where you can print out your boarding cards and luggage tags. I remember jet star in Australia being one, you then deposited the bags at the bag drop with very minimal interaction - perhaps something similar can be introduced

When you can print your own luggage label at the airport, in what respect does not being able to print a label at home enhance security?

As already noted, it is a matter of weighing the bag and having the super-tough label available.

I think the key point is covered here. The average person is very, very stupid.

Qatar Airways has a print at home system. You do need the special holder though.
https://www.qatarairways.com/en-qa/s...n/my-qtag.html

British airways has a digital version, but it's £80 for the tag.
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...igital-bag-tag

I guess you're around the same age as me. ..... I regret that it took me nearly this long in life to fully appreciate that "the world is full of idiots", and the implications of that.

There are some key performance indicators that point to this quite well. Consider activities that require a large input pool and then make a qualitative judgement on the outcome.

Things that include printed instructions warning not to do things you would not have done even at 3 years old, suggest a significant cohort less skilled.

"Less skilled"

Indeed, my own daughter, who is all of thirteen years old, will often say, on hearing a news item or anecdote, "why would anyone do that!". Good question.

Check em out!

https://darwinawards.com/

Thanks Fezzer,
Given that the powers that be a looking to cut passenger number, this might be something of a criteria. If you can't weigh a bag and operate a printer you can't fly. My primary reason for having posed this question stems from my failure to understand why check-in at passenger terminals are clogged up with what appears to me to be air freight.

Many of us can operate a printer but do not own one. Buying one just for a very occasional bagtag would seem a little excessive! Similarly I do not own a set of scales!

I would ordinarily have suggested the office or a friend or possible pronto print. However given your spartan approach to personal possessions, I don't the need for hold luggage is likely to trouble you.