Baggage Claim Made Easy: 5 Tricks to Get Your Suitcase Fast
Let's face it: there's nothing more frustrating than waiting endlessly for your suitcase at the baggage carousel after a long flight. Luckily, with a few clever tricks, you can boost the chances of your luggage being among the first to appear. These five practical tips (plus bonus tips) can help ensure a quick reunion with your bag and a smooth start (or end) to your vacation.
1. Check in Your Luggage Last
One of the most well-known tricks to get your luggage back first is to check it in last. Although this may seem counterintuitive, luggage that is checked in later often ends up on top in the cargo hold of the airplane. Upon arrival, the top luggage is unloaded first, meaning your suitcase is likely to appear first on the baggage carousel.
This doesn’t mean you should wait until the very last moment to check in. A good strategy is to delay check-in until just before the check-in counters close. However, be aware that this comes with risks: if it’s very busy at passport control or security, you may have less flexibility and risk missing your flight.
2. Get a Priority Tag
Many airlines, including KLM and Lufthansa, offer the option to add a priority tag to your luggage. This is often included with business class tickets or frequent flyer programs. This gives your luggage priority when being loaded and unloaded, meaning it usually appears first on the baggage carousel. Especially at busy airports like Schiphol and Frankfurt, this can save you a significant amount of time, especially if you’re in a rush to continue your travels.
3. Ask for a 'Fragile' Sticker
A handy and lesser-known trick is asking for a 'Fragile' sticker for your luggage. At many airports, bags with this label receive extra attention. These are (hopefully) placed on top of other luggage to avoid damage, which means they are unloaded first and end up on the baggage carousel first. Although this doesn’t always guarantee it, it can help shorten your wait time.
4. Avoid Oversized or Bulky Luggage
Larger items, such as bicycles, sports equipment, musical instruments, or large suitcases, are often handled separately at airports because they don’t fit on standard baggage carousels. These items are usually unloaded last and taken to a separate counter or special area for oversized luggage. This process can take additional time, especially at busy airports where more steps and coordination are required. As a result, you may have to wait longer for this luggage. The advantage is that your luggage doesn’t get mixed up with the regular bags.
5. Prefer a Direct Flight
Sometimes luggage gets lost or delayed during layovers. By opting for a direct flight, you not only reduce the chances of luggage issues but also increase the likelihood that your luggage will appear first on the baggage carousel. This is because the luggage is sent directly to the final destination without additional handling steps, which shortens the processing time.
Bonus Tips
In addition to the above tips, here are some other strategies you can consider to further enhance your travel experience and potentially get your luggage faster on the carousel:
- Remove old baggage stickers. Old baggage labels and stickers can cause confusion for ground staff, especially at busy airports like Schiphol. Remove these stickers to ensure your luggage is processed correctly and appears on the carousel faster.
- Use eye-catching baggage tags or bright suitcases. By adding a brightly colored or distinctive tag to your luggage, you make it easier to spot your suitcase, so you’re not endlessly staring at those black Samsonites, wondering if it’s yours... It’s also not uncommon for someone to pick up the wrong bag, thinking it’s their own. With neon colors or at least a recognizable ribbon, you can quickly find your luggage and avoid it going home with someone else.
- Use a baggage tracker. Although a baggage tracker like an Apple AirTag or Tile doesn’t guarantee your luggage will arrive faster, it’s reassuring to know that your luggage is traveling with you and where it is. Find baggage trackers too cumbersome? Schiphol also offers travelers the option to track their baggage in real time through their app when it appears on the carousel.
- Double-check the baggage carousel number. Check again when you arrive at the baggage carousel to confirm which one your flight is assigned to, as this can change between the time you land and when you reach the carousel.
- Avoid peak hours. If you're flexible with your travel time, try to fly during less busy periods at airports. Less congestion means fewer bags to process, which increases the chance your suitcase will appear faster on the carousel.
- Check your claim tag number. Make sure you carefully check the baggage receipt when you check in your luggage to verify that the final destination is correct. If you self-check your luggage at a kiosk, you’ll find a row of barcode stickers at the end of the baggage label. Tear one off and stick it on your ticket, then keep the claim tag number safe. This code corresponds with the code on your suitcase’s baggage tag. If your luggage is lost, you'll have the baggage reference handy to track it down. Don't forget to add your contact details, such as your phone number or email address, to your luggage but leave out your home address, so they can contact you if necessary.
- Take your stroller all the way to the gate. Especially for parents with young children: did you know that in many cases you can take your stroller all the way to the gate? Large strollers are checked in at the gate. Upon arrival, you’ll find them at the baggage carousel or in the oversized baggage area. Alternatively, a travel buggy small enough to check in as hand luggage can be stored in the aircraft’s overhead bins, so your child can be back in the buggy right after arrival. Examples include the Babyzen YOYO and the Deryan Buggy Easy. Be aware: some airlines are stricter about this, so make sure to check the rules for each airline.
Although there is no foolproof method to ensure your luggage always appears first on the carousel, by planning smartly and using the right strategies, you can significantly reduce your wait time. Every airline and airport is different, so these tricks may not always work, but they’re definitely worth trying. Do you have any tips that have worked for you? Share them below!
