fc/jc staff travel checkin

[afcwxm]

Ok here goes
I was travelling on SRC ticket Y ugsa to J
So I get my boarding card delivered to my mobile at 1am for a 330am departure J class.
I go to the check-in desk and am told by the staff that I should have gone to the staff travel place to drop my suitcase?

I have never done this in the last 22 years ?? has there been any change to the policy?
How do you guys do it?

Thanks in advance for your info.