People only just realising how to make sure your suitcase is first off the plane

02 July 2023 , 16:47

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There are clever hacks to ensure your luggage is first off the plane (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images)

Travelling can sometimes feel rather stressful. You'll likely be worried about going through security, praying that your suitcase makes it to your destination in one piece, all whilst hoping that your seatmates are going to be lovely and polite as well.

But holiday-makers needn't worry about their luggage any longer, as they're being urged to follow some simple steps to ensure that their suitcase is the first off the carousel this summer after landing - because you'll want to head off to your glorious hotel as soon as possible.

And whilst it may seem natural for plenty of people to get to the airport as soon as possible, one of the suggestions was to arrive as late as possible to the check-in desk.

It can sometimes feel like you're waiting forever for your case (Stock Image) (Getty Images)

If you check in last, in theory, because your bags were loaded last onto the plane, they should be first off when you reach your destination, Escape.com shared.

Thomas Lo Sciuto, a ramp worker and gate agent at a regional airport in the US, told Quora: "Bags will always be loaded front to back on the bag carts so if you check in last your bags will be in the last bag cart."

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However, the more organised amongst us may be panicking at the thought of leaving checking in until the last minute, hence why this has been dubbed as a "high-risk strategy."

Another less stressful suggestion is to "gate-check" your bag, which means handing it over at check-in to put in the cargo hold, but it typically sees it left beside the access door ready for swift unloading upon landing.

If you're in a rush, you'll do anything to get out of the airport faster (Stock Image) (Getty Images)

This may mean additional security checks for your luggage, and sometimes carries an extra charge, but will mean your case will be one of the first to be freed at the other end - which is ideal if you're in a rush.

Some airlines will also allow passengers to pay extra to get their luggage delivered first, especially if you're travelling business class or you've signed up for a loyalty scheme - sometimes, it will even mean you have a separate luggage carousel.

Another crafty hack, according to news.com.au, is asking for a "fragile" sticker for your luggage, as this could speed up your wait time when it comes to the baggage carousel, as the sticker will affect the order in which your bags are packed onto the plane.

Baggage tagged as being fragile will go into the plane last, which means it comes out the other side first, which equals less time to wait at the dreaded carousel.

And, it could also be a good idea to remove any old tags from luggage, as well as opting for suitcases that stand out from the crowd.

Have you got any airport hacks to share? Email: danielle.wroe@reachplc.com

Danielle Kate Wroe