Hoping some of you can give me advice based on first hand experience. I'm traveling in by bus on Fri evening for Swan Lake and staying overnight at my daughter's apt (on the other side of town) in order to go to the Sat mat Swan Lake then directly to the bus to head home. So my question is, can I check a small bag at the Met coat check? I'm going to try to stuff a mid-size nice looking backpack with all I'll need. What I would really like is to simply take the bag to my seat. I honestly think it's the same size or smaller than some handbags you see today. Do you think security will let me take my bag to my seat? If not, will they give me any trouble at coat check? Thanks in advance.

you should have no problem putting it under your seat

Someone on your way in past the ticket check will ask you to open the backpack and give the contents a look-over (usually cursory), but you should be fine with a small bag or backpack.

It will depend on the purse/bag checker immediately inside the ticket gates. Look for a gate with an older man. They are the more experienced and, generally, the more courteous.

If they do decide you need to check the backpack, I believe they take your bag upstairs (stair landing right, on entering to the orchestra) and bring it to the coat check downstairs and you pick up downstairs afterward.

What a resource! When confronted by this very problem a few weeks back it did not enter my mind to ask here at BT. What about a small carry-on suitcase? Could one fly in, check a bag and go to the ballet? Just wondering for the next time round!

I have seen people come through with wheelies. I believe they must be checked at that table on the right at the landing between the stairs to the orchestra.

Should you encounter difficulty, explain that your plane was delayed. The house managers are generally sympathetic.

That is so true -- they are used to hearing about the trials and tribulations of transportation snafus.

Thanks to everyone for your input. When I decide not to drive but to take the bus and stay overnight w/daughter I usually travel with a much larger/heavier bag. Don't want to lug that around this time so I thought the smaller backpack would suffice but still worried that it wouldn't be welcomed at the Met. You've convinced me to go for it and taken that worry away - thanks again! Yes, BT is an endless resource.