How to Get Your Luggage Quickly at the Airport: Tips from Airport Staff
Waiting for your luggage at the baggage claim might be one of the most annoying parts of flying travel. However, experienced airport staff have given the quickest and easiest ways to retrieve your luggage without having to wait long. You can use these professional methods to quickly retrieve your bags and save time at the airport.
1. Check-in Late (But Not Too Late)
One of the best-kept secrets is that bags checked in last are frequently loaded onto the plane later, so they are among the first to be unloaded at baggage claim.
How to Do It: Arrive on schedule at the airport, but check in your luggage near the conclusion of the check-in window. Avoid arriving too late, as your luggage may end up on a later flight.
2. Request a ‘Fragile’ Tag on Your Bag
Bags labeled as delicate are often handled with greater care and placed on top of other luggage in the cargo hold, so they are frequently among the first to be unloaded.
How to Do It: Approach the check-in desk politely and request a delicate tag. Even if your bag isn’t fragile, this approach will help it get out faster.
3. Choose a Non-Stop Flight When Possible
Connecting flights require several baggage transfers, which increases the chance of delays.
How to Do It: Choose direct flights wherever possible. If a layover is inevitable, select flights with lengthier layover hours to lessen the likelihood of baggage mix-ups.
4. Stand Near the Front of the Plane (If Possible)
Passengers who disembark first are more likely to arrive at the baggage claim area before others, lowering wait time.
How to Do It: If your airline allows seat selection, choose a seat toward the front of the plane. Use priority boarding if it is available.
5. Use a Distinctive Luggage Tag or Cover
Standout luggage is simpler to identify and grab quickly.
How to Do It: Use a bright luggage tag, ribbon, or cover to make your suitcase easily identifiable. Avoid black luggage whenever possible, as they are the most prevalent and difficult to recognize.
6. Head Straight to Baggage Claim After Landing
Many passengers make the mistake of stopping first for meals or to use the restroom. The faster you get to the baggage claim area, the less time you’ll spend waiting.
How To Do It: Avoid unnecessary detours and proceed directly to baggage claim. Express immigration lanes, if available, can help you clear customs quickly.
7. Use Priority or VIP Luggage Services
Many airlines provide expedited luggage handling for an extra price or as part of the premium ticket class.
How to Do It: If you’re flying business or first class, your luggage will likely be designated for priority treatment. Some airlines allow economy travelers to buy priority luggage services.
8. Track Your Luggage Using an AirTag or GPS Tracker
Placing a GPS tracker such as Apple AirTag or Tile inside your baggage allows you to track your bag’s location in real-time.
How to Do It: Place a Bluetooth tracker inside your luggage before checking in. Use your phone to see if your bag was unloaded or misplaced.
Final Thoughts
Waiting for luggage does not have to be an unpleasant affair. Following these airport staff-recommended tips will greatly reduce wait time and ensure that your bags arrive swiftly and safely. Next time you fly, try these clever tips to save time at baggage claim!
