5 Tips for Getting Your Luggage First at the Baggage Claim

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Every traveler hopes their luggage will be among the first to appear at baggage claim. While there's no absolute guarantee, several strategies can significantly accelerate the process and increase your chances of quicker retrieval.

Given the immense volume of luggage handled by some airlines, a surefire way to be first on the conveyor belt does not exist. However, Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, notes that many travelers mistakenly believe economy class checked bags are unloaded last.

"Once the bag is in the system, how it’s handled depends much more on when and how it’s checked—not the fare class you booked," he explained, as quoted by Travel+Leisure.

Here are some expert tips to help your luggage be one of the first off the belt:

Tips for Faster Baggage Claim

1. Become a Frequent Flyer

Frequent flyer programs offer loyalty benefits, including expedited baggage handling, for passengers who regularly use a specific airline. Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), states that frequent flyers or those with elite status often have their bags tagged differently, allowing the luggage system and baggage handlers to separate them for earlier delivery.

2. Choose Premium Class

While there is generally no difference in how bags for basic economy and standard economy ticket holders are treated, Neugarten points out that passengers in premium cabins usually have their checked bags marked "priority." This means these bags are loaded last and are typically among the first to be unloaded upon arrival.

"Baggage for first-class passengers often travels on a separate cart and is sorted for fast delivery. It’s one of the few consistent perks airlines still prioritize—and yes, it often works," he confirmed.

3. Request a "Priority" or "Fragile" Tag

Neugarten suggests asking for a priority or fragile tag, even if you are flying economy. Sometimes, these labels are available at check-in for a fee or through specific credit card benefits. Bags marked as "fragile" are often placed on top of other items in the cargo hold and loaded last, meaning they will be among the first to be unloaded.

4. Check In Later

Many people believe checking in early leads to better baggage service. However, the opposite is often true. "The earlier you check your luggage, the sooner it gets loaded—meaning it’s more likely to come out last at baggage claim," said Neugarten.

Bags checked in closer to the flight's departure time are typically loaded last and are therefore among the first to be unloaded. Thomas Lo Sciuto, an employee at a regional airport in the United States, explained that bags are always loaded from front to back on the baggage trolley.

"So if you check in last your bags will be in the last bag cart," Sciuto shared, as reported by Mirror.

If you opt for this method, be cautious not to check in too late. Many airlines require baggage to be checked at least 45 minutes before departure, and arriving too late could also cause you to miss your flight.

5. Choose Smaller Airports

The type of airport can also influence how quickly your baggage is unloaded. According to Neugarten, larger hub airports often have longer baggage processing times due to the sheer volume of passengers.

"Smaller or newer airports with upgraded systems tend to deliver bags faster across the board," he noted. Therefore, selecting smaller or more modern airports can contribute to a quicker baggage claim experience.

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