Have had exactly the same process (though it’s a bit different for a man), but even so, when there are several sketchy looking dudes on a dark street, you’re at a disadvantage should they come after you. 

Have a similar process when boarding a flight with a bag I know they want me to check. “I own this plane, I’m your boss, I’m the person you will get in trouble for asking to check his bag.”

Impossible to say how much of a difference it’s made, but I definitely walk right by them more often than not, while other people are getting their bags tagged (and required to wait at baggage claim.)