Insider Tips: How to Get Your Luggage First off the Plane

Travelling can often be tinged with the stress of airport security and stringent luggage policies, with the worry losing your luggage always on your mind. That sinking feeling persists for many until our bags finally turn up on the carousel, and that's without the vigilance needed to make sure they aren't snatched up by mistake by another passenger. Yet, a straightforward strategy has surfaced that could mean your luggage is among the first off the aircraft, allowing you to dive into your holiday without delay. The Art of Timely Check-In

By checking in later, your bags are likely packed onto the aircraft last, increasing the chance they will arrive first at your destination, according to Thomas Lo Sciuto, an airport ramp worker and gate agent. Thomas explained: "Your best option is to be one of the last passengers to check your bags. This is because bags will always be loaded front to back on the bag carts." But it's not necessarily all about the timing; the packing method also matters. For travellers anxious about checking in too late, SmarterTravel shared with HuffPost that, for example, Delta—operating from Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport (LHR)—separates checked luggage by size for weight distribution, offering another approach to consider. When you drop off your luggage at check-in, it gets sorted into "cans" or large containers that can hold multiple bags and be transported as one unit. SmarterTravel explains: "In other words, how far back your bag ends up depends on the weight of the can and the needs of the plane, not when you check it." Single-aisle aircraft typically "loose-load" bags individually, unlike their wider counterparts that use cans. In such cases, checked luggage is placed in a holding area. The bags are then taken to the aircraft and loaded shortly before departure, meaning the order of loading may hinge on the check-in time. An early check-in could result in your bag being placed at the rear of the storage area, which might make it the last to be loaded onto the plane but possibly the first to come off. The "Fragile" Label Trick

Another tip many people try to get their luggage off the carousel quickly upon arrival is to mark it as "fragile." According tonews.com.au, this clever tactic often results in your baggage being put on the plane last and therefore unloaded first, potentially reducing your wait at the carousel. However, if you're using "fragile" labels, it's important to remove any old tags from your luggage to prevent mix-ups. To easily identify your bags, opt for bright colours, personalised tags, or distinctive ribbons tied securely around them. The most reliable method to speed up your exit from the airport is by travelling with hand luggage only. It's crucial to ensure that this complies with specific airline requirements to avoid having to check in your cabin bag. A personal item, also referred to as a small bag, should be able to fit under the seat in front of you and is typically no larger than 40x30x20cm. Cabin bags must be stored in the overhead locker. They can generally weigh up to 10kg and be no larger than 56x45x25cm. Among UK airlines, British Airways usually provides the most generous free hand luggage allowance on its basic fares. Passengers are allowed to bring one 23kg cabin bag (56x45x25cm) and one smaller personal item (up to 40x30x15cm) free of charge. Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic also permit a free cabin bag (10kg, 56x45x25cm) and a personal item. Be sure to check with individual airlines before you travel.