Baggage handler reveals the ‘number one thing’ all passengers need when checking in a bag – or risk it getting broken
A BAGGAGE handler has revealed the “number one thing” travellers should have to keep their bags safe from damage.
These are airport crew member Zack’s top tips on how to ensure your belongings are taken care of.
A BOTTOM HANDLE
Zack, who works for a company providing on-the-ground baggage services at major US airports, says this piece of advice should be prioritised by travellers.
He told Conde Nast: “The number one thing a bag can have to help me do my job is a handle on the bottom, between the wheels.
“I grab it and the top handle and can easily place the bag on the bag loader or in the hold.
“It’s not just nicer for your bag’s treatment; the movement is easier on my back.”
PACK UP AND ZIP UP
Because bags are “squished and stuffed” together, Zack says, it’s important to stack your suitcase.
It’s also recommended not to put any liquids like shampoo on outside pockets – there’ll likely be baggage stacked on top, causing it to splatter everywhere.
Zack says: “The baggage holds are not glamorous. Luggage is squished and stacked, and bags packed full survive this better.”
And while it may seem obvious to securely zip up your bag, Zack says it’s typical to receive luggage with open pockets.
“I cannot tell you how many times luggage comes to me with open pockets, dumping out everything the moment I pick it up.”
AVOID ‘WET NOODLES’
Don’t be fooled by luggage brands billing their products as super lightweight, warns Zack.
He says it’s wise to instead to go for a study, well-structured piece of baggage built to last.
“It’s super lightweight … but it’s so lightweight because it’s like a tent.
“There’s no structure, and anything in them is more likely to be crushed/damaged. It’s a wet noodle.
“Your bag should either be cheap and you willing to frequently replace it, or very well-built and meant to last.”
FOUR-WHEEL DEAL
Passengers with four-wheel luggage are more likely to have it taken care of, says Zack.
This is because the two-wheel alternatives are often hurled around without a great deal of care for your belongings.
Zack added: “Four-wheel luggage is easy because I can set it down and push it off to my coworker or the baggage cart and it just glides there.
“Two-wheel luggage might be thrown or dragged to where it needs to be if we’re rushing to get a plane out.”
HAND LUGGAGE RULES
Passengers face restrictions with what they can take aboard as hand luggage.
Airport staff have the authority to seize anything they can consider dangerous.
ALLOWANCES
The weight and number of bags you can take varies by airline.
It also varies by which fare you’ve chosen, so be sure to read details closely when booking your flight.
ELECTRONICS
Different rules could apply depending on which country you are travelling to – or from.
But the government has a list of items on its website to help inform on what can and can’t be taken on hand luggage compared to hold luggage.
LIQUIDS
The government recommends passengers pack liquids in hold luggage, given there are restrictions for hand luggage.
At most airports, the rules are:
- containers must hold no more than 100ml
- containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
- contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
- the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
- you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
- you must show the bag at the airport security points
LIGHTERS
Only one lighter is allowed to be taken on board.
It is expected to be placed in a resealable plastic bag – and you have to keep it handy during the flight, rather than in a bag.
FOOD AND POWDERS
To minimise delays, travellers are urged to pack these in checked baggage.
If brought through airport screening, it’ll likely cause setbacks because these items obstruct x-ray images, the government says.
FROZEN ITEMS
These are banned.
However, there may be exceptions for medicines, dietary requirements or baby food.
LOUIS VUITTON – LOOK AWAY NOW
An expensive bag doesn’t mean extra care from the baggage lads.
Zack warned: “I see a lot of Louis Vuitton luggage, but having an expensive bag doesn’t mean I’m going to treat it with kid gloves.
“Don’t complain if your bag gets dirt on it; a bag is designed to protect the contents, not itself.”
WRAP UP YOUR STROLLERS
Zack says a shocking number of car seats and strollers come through in horrific condition.
So if you send them wrapped up, they’re a much better chance to be handled with care.
Zack said: “Straps on car seats are the most annoying and they get stuck on everything.
“If it’s bagged and all straps inside, it’s more likely to be handled nicely.”
FORGET THE TAGS
Zippers and luggage tags can all be classified as “foreign object debris”, it’s warned.
Zack says: “Huge, hard plastic tags are the worst. They’re easily destroyed and hard to clean up.
“Those business card-style clear sleeves that are attached to bags are best.”