Airport Baggage Handling Tips

Have you ever watched a baggage handler hurl bags onto a conveyor belt? Most people are quick to scream, "Abuse!" Truthfully though, they are doing exactly what they are supposed to do. Baggage handling is a fast-paced job that requires unloading and loading baggage as quickly as possible. Consider also that many bags are quite heavy, and oftentimes over 50 pounds. If they took the time to gently lift every bag, no plane in the entire world would ever depart on time. Not to mention the fact that the baggage handler would be risking injuring his or her back.

The fact is that baggage handling is YOUR responsibility, not theirs. What I mean is that it is your responsibility to make certain that the contents of your baggage are safe. This means making wise decisions on what to store in checked-in baggage, and what to bring along in your carry-on bag.

Medication

Never cram medication into your baggage. If the airline loses your baggage, you will be screwed. Can you imagine an elderly man losing baggage that contains his heart medicine? Make sure that any liquid medication is clearly marked with a prescription label. Otherwise, airport officials will most likely confiscate it.

Valuables

Don't pack valuables such as money, keys, or passports into your baggage. In fact, avoid packing anything that you can't risk losing. Especially if you are traveling overseas, keep your passport either in your wallet or in your carry-on bag.

Essentials

Always store some extra clothes, deodorant, a toothbrush, and a few other essentials in your carry-on bag. In case your baggage goes missing, it doesn't hurt to have some extra underwear available. Furthermore, if you travel overseas, you may have difficulty locating your usual brand of toothpaste or deodorant.

Toiletries

Store all your soap, shampoo, and sunscreen in your baggage. If you try to bring them along in your carry-on bag, you may be flagged and pulled aside at the security checkpoint. In general though, it would be best to just buy these items when you reach your destination. Although unlikely, your baggage could potentially be flagged for containing liquid shampoo or sunscreen.

Don't Overpack

Don't overpack your luggage. Overpacked baggage is more likely to suffer damage or burst at the seams. Furthermore, most airlines refuse to pay for damaged baggage if they determine that it was overpacked. Not to mention that overpacked luggage makes the job of the baggage handler harder.

Use Uniquely Designed Baggage

Accidental bag switches usually occur because two bags look alike. This is best avoided by purchasing uniquely designed baggage. In case you already have a regular looking bag, then decorate it with some colorful ribbons, bandanas, or even pompoms.