Waiting at the baggage carousel can be one of the most frustrating parts of any journey, especially when your suitcase is among the last to arrive. However, an airport worker has revealed a simple yet effective tip to help you get your luggage off the plane faster. The key lies in when you check in your bags – checking in as late as possible usually means your suitcase will be loaded last onto the aircraft, making it one of the first to be unloaded when you land. That said, this approach can be a little risky, as leaving check-in too late might cause you to miss your boarding time, especially if security checks take longer than expected. To balance this, aim to check in as late as possible while still allowing enough time for security and boarding—perhaps arriving earlier than usual but checking your bags closer to the deadline. This way, you increase your chances of having your luggage loaded last without risking a missed flight.
Baggage is typically loaded from the front of the plane to the back, so bags checked in last tend to be placed last on the aircraft and come off first after landing. Another effective method is to ask to gate-check your luggage, which often ensures it will be among the first to appear at baggage claim. Gate-checking means you keep your bag with you until the gate, then hand it over to staff who load it onto the plane. This option is usually available if your bag is too large to carry on but you want it close until boarding. It can vary by airline and aircraft type, so it’s best to ask in advance. Just remember, if you gate-check, any liquids or restricted items must be carried with you through security.
Another handy trick is to request a “fragile” sticker for your suitcase, as these bags are often loaded last and come off first on the carousel. This sticker is usually applied by airport staff to ensure careful handling. However, if you add your own luggage tags, be cautious about including your full home address. Displaying your address openly can alert opportunistic thieves that your home may be empty while you’re away.
Using these simple tips can save you precious time and get your trip off to a smoother start.
