Traveling is a joyful experience, but the process of flying can often be anxiety-inducing and nerve-wracking. Upon landing, one of the least desired scenarios is being stuck at the baggage claim area, anxiously waiting for your checked luggage to appear on the conveyor belt.
Air travel involves a series of steps. From leaving home to arriving at the airport, going through a series of tedious boarding procedures, and finally boarding a plane for hours to reach your destination. At the baggage claim area, watching dozens of luggage circling around while yours is nowhere to be seen can be a frustrating waiting game.
Airlines handle a staggering amount of luggage every day. Delta Air Lines processed 1.45 billion checked bags last year, averaging nearly 400,000 pieces daily. Fortunately, there are ways to expedite the luggage retrieval process and increase the chances of your luggage arriving first.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, an airport staff member in a certain region of the United States shared a practical tip on Quora, explaining why checking in your luggage last is crucial.
He said, “Luggage is always loaded from front to back on the baggage cart, so if you check in last, your luggage will be placed on the last baggage cart.”
Jesse Neugarten, the founder of the Dollar Flight Club, also told Travel + Leisure magazine that a common misconception is that checking in early improves luggage service.
However, the reality often differs. Neugarten stated, “The earlier you check your luggage, the earlier it gets loaded – meaning it’s more likely to come out last at the baggage claim area.”
Nevertheless, opting to check in luggage last may pose the risk of missing the flight boarding deadline. Many airlines now require luggage to be checked in at least 45 minutes before takeoff.
Neugarten emphasized that when it comes to swift luggage check-in, airport size and efficiency are paramount.
“Larger hub airports tend to have longer luggage handling times due to the volume of bags,” he explained, “Smaller or newer airports, if they have upgraded systems, can often deliver luggage quicker.”
Therefore, if possible, selecting a smaller or more modern airport can help speed up the luggage retrieval process.
One method to ensure your luggage is among the first to be retrieved is by flying first class.
Neugarten explained, “First-class passengers’ luggage is usually placed on separate carts and sorted for expedited delivery.”
“This is one of the few ongoing perks that airlines still prioritize – and it’s usually quite effective,” he added.
Katy Nastro, a travel expert at the Going website, mentioned in the Daily Mail report that becoming a frequent flier with airlines and accumulating membership levels helps ensure your luggage is among the first to be retrieved.
Nastro explained that some airlines label checked bags of elite passengers differently for clear identification by the system and staff.
Another suggestion is to have airport staff or baggage handlers affix priority or fragile tags to your luggage during check-in.
Luggage marked as fragile tends to be checked in last and placed on top of other bags. They are typically the first bags to be retrieved after the plane lands. However, this method may involve additional fees.