As travellers eagerly await their arrival at their destination, there's only one thing that can dampen the excitement - the frustrating wait for checked luggage.
However, savvy jetsetters have discovered a few tricks to ensure their suitcases are among the first to appear on the carousel.
One strategy, shared by Escape.com, involves checking in last. Thomas Lo Sciuto, a ramp worker and gate agent, revealed on Quora, that bags are loaded onto the bag carts from front to back.
So, if you check in last, your bags are likely to find a spot on the final bag cart, resulting in an early exit upon arrival.
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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", Mirror UK reports.
A less stressful option is to "gate-check" your bag. This entails handing it over at check-in to be placed in the cargo hold, where it will be conveniently positioned near the access door for swift unloading upon landing.
While this method may entail additional security checks and sometimes an extra charge, it guarantees that your luggage will be among the first to bid farewell to the aircraft, perfect for those in a hurry.
For an extra edge, news.com.au suggests requesting a "fragile" sticker for your luggage. This simple trick can influence the order in which bags are loaded onto the plane.
Fragile-tagged baggage is typically loaded last, ensuring it emerges swiftly from the other side, minimising your time spent at the dreaded carousel.
Don't overlook the power of removing old baggage tags and opting for suitcases that stand out from the crowd. These seemingly small details can make a significant difference in spotting your luggage and expediting the retrieval process.
