Airport staff reveal the fastest and easy way to pick up their luggage right away

Airport Staff Reveal the Fastest and Easiest Way to Pick Up Your Luggage Right Away

Traveling can be an exciting experience, but one aspect that can test your patience is waiting at the baggage claim carousel. After a long flight, all you want to do is grab your luggage quickly and head to your next destination. However, many passengers often find themselves stuck waiting for what feels like an eternity, watching the conveyor belt spin without their bags in sight.

Airport staff, the unsung heroes of travel, have some insider tips on how to make the process of picking up your luggage faster and smoother. With a few helpful strategies, you can avoid the long waits and get your bags in no time. Here’s what the experts have to say:

1. Check Your Bag’s Location Before You Land

One of the most effective ways to speed up your luggage retrieval is to track your bag’s location before you even land. Many airlines now offer real-time baggage tracking through their mobile apps. By checking your app while in-flight or after you land, you can see which carousel your luggage will arrive at, saving you time by heading directly to the right spot. Some airports even display this information on screens as you exit the jet bridge.

2. Choose the Right Seat on the Plane

Believe it or not, where you sit on the plane can affect how quickly you get to your luggage. Choosing a seat near the front of the plane may seem like an obvious choice for faster deplaning, but it can also give you an edge in getting to baggage claim faster. Once the plane lands and passengers start making their way to baggage claim, people in the back of the plane typically have to wait for the front passengers to disembark first. Sitting in the front allows you to be among the first to get off the plane, giving you a head start in the race to the baggage claim.

3. Head Straight to the Baggage Claim Area

Airport staff often recommend heading straight to baggage claim as soon as you step off the plane. Even if you’re traveling with a carry-on bag and don’t need to pick up checked luggage, heading to the baggage area first can give you a few minutes to get ahead of the crowd. Often, passengers linger in other parts of the airport or take their time walking to baggage claim. Getting there early increases your chances of securing an easier spot closer to the carousel.

4. Avoid the Crowds—Look for a Smaller Carousel

At busy airports, especially those with multiple flights landing at once, it’s not uncommon for travelers to crowd around the same carousel. If you’re traveling on a less crowded flight, head to a carousel that might not be as full. The staff recommends using your own judgment to spot which carousels seem less crowded, and you’ll find your luggage much quicker without the hassle of pushing through throngs of people.

5. Know When Your Flight Arrives

Most passengers tend to wait for the carou