25th March 2023 – (Hong Kong) Have you ever found yourself waiting for your luggage at the airport, feeling exhausted and famished after a long-haul flight? You’re not alone. Many passengers experience the same baggage reclaim blues, which can be exacerbated by the frustration of seeing someone else grab their bag before you. But did you know that airports use a secret trick to make you spend more?
According to U.S. baggage handler Thomas Lo Sciuto, your best bet for getting your luggage out first is to check in your bags as one of the last passengers. This is because bags are typically loaded onto the aircraft front to back, which means that the last bag cart will be loaded with the last bags to be checked in. As a result, these bags will be the first to come off the aircraft at your destination.
Of course, this trick isn’t foolproof, and there are many factors that can impact when and how quickly your bags are retrieved. But if you’re looking for an edge in the baggage reclaim game, this could be a strategy worth trying.
Another tip to improve your chances of getting your bags out early is to be kind to the counter and gate agents. According to Lo Sciuto, the friendlier you are to these staff members, the more likely they are to go out of their way to help you. This could mean anything from ensuring your bags are loaded onto the plane first to making sure they’re given special attention when they come off the aircraft.
Remember, these staff members are often dealing with stressed and tired passengers all day long, so a little bit of kindness can go a long way. Plus, it’s just a nice thing to do!
If you’re really desperate to get your bags out early, you could try asking the check-in agent to put a ‘fragile’ sticker on your luggage. This is because fragile bags are often loaded onto the aircraft last and given extra care and attention. Of course, this is a bit of a cheat, and you should only use it if you really need your bags urgently.
It’s worth noting that this strategy isn’t foolproof either, and there’s always a risk that your bag could still get lost or delayed. However, if you’re willing to take the risk, it could be worth a shot.