Things have changed slightly. Now when you travel standby, you have to check your case in when you list for the flight. As you know, onceover you took your case through with you to the gate. Not sure what happens if you don't get on the flight though. Be warned, from February BA will only allow one case in the hold (max weight 23kg I believe), and one small cabin bag, or they will charge. The guy at the desk explained this to me. On one occasion they didn't allow my crew bag on board (it's only small), and the guy said it would cost me if I put that in the hold too.