I guess we can all agree that there’s nothing better than witnessing your bag coming out first on the luggage belt. It actually feels like the most unexpected surprise that is a bit too good that you start doubting if what you see is truly happening.
You’ll be thrilled to know that there’s a way to make this happen more often without depending on luck or paying extra money. You should simply learn some tricks that will help you fasten the process, especially for when you’re in a total rush.
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#1 – Check in Last
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Believe it or not, checking in last can help you get your luggage off the belt first!
Thomas Lo Sciuto, a gate agent, revealed that the bags loaded last are the ones to be unloaded first simply because that’s how the process is!
In case you’re carrying a small bag, head to the counter and politely ask the airline staff if you can gate check your bag after getting through security. This is the best way to avoid waiting at the luggage belt and get your bag as you exit the plane.
Although this limits what you can take through, it can be very helpful in a rush.
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#2 – Get Your Bag a “Fragile” Sticker
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To boost your chances of getting your luggage off the belt first, you can inform the staff that your bag contains something extremely fragile so they’ll put a free “fragile” sticker on it. As stated by Travel+Leisure, bags with “fragile” stickers are loaded last and therefore unloaded first.
It should be noted that even though the previous tactics are worth trying, different airlines have different processes, meaning that you can’t use the same tricks everywhere.
For instance, certain airlines align the luggage according to loading sequence, while others rush it out in the airplane to distribute the weight. So checking in last isn’t useful here!
But there’s always another way to game the system. Continue reading for the last strategy.
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#3 – Be Elite
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Another great way to guarantee that you’ll get your luggage off the belt first is to fly first class or business class. Certain airline frequent flier mile programs have special offers for individuals with elite status to board first, and of course, have their bag come out first.
So why not consider signing up for travelers’ credit cards or loyalty programs that offer such incentives. In case you’re truly in a rush and your connections depend on it, the best, guaranteed way to speed up is to have only a carry-on.
You’ll also want to pack small and limit yourself to the necessities to save time, never lose luggage, and save some valuable cash.
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