After a long flight with a transfer to catch at the other end, there’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of standing at baggage claim as every suitcase but your own passes by.
This is only compounded by the fact that this festive season, airports across the country are bracing for some of the busiest days in December due to new passport gates in the EU.
However, according to luxury airport transfer experts at SCS Chauffeurs there’s a simple way to skip the luggage carousel wait – and it doesn’t cost a penny.
The transfer specialists recommend that travellers add a fragile sticker to their checked bag or request one from staff at check-in.
Though intended for items like glassware or ceramics, bags marked ‘fragile’ are often loaded last onto the aircraft, meaning they’re among the first to be offloaded on arrival.
‘Clients regularly tell us that the difference between a good travel day and a stressful one often starts with baggage reclaim,’ said Hadleigh Diamond of SCS Chauffeurs.
‘If you’re standing waiting for 30 minutes while the carousel clunks out someone else’s bags, your trip can feel so much longer. But the fragile sticker trick is a game-changer — and it often works.’
‘We’ve heard this tip from both airport ground staff and frequent flyers.
Baggage claim is a painful part of travelling for many – but it doesn’t have to be
‘You don’t need to lie or explain — just politely ask the check-in agent to add a fragile sticker to your suitcase.
‘It’s not guaranteed, but more often than not, your bag is among the first out. We’ve seen it work time and time again.’
The tip relies on the fact that airport baggage handler typically load ‘fragile’ items last into the aircraft’s hold to avoid being crushed and first off to avoid sitting under heavier loads.
That could mean, even if you’re in row 32 at the back of the plane, your bag might beat you to arrivals.
However, not all travellers are convinced that the ‘fragile’ sticker will hold any weight to carriers.
One Reddit user wrote: ‘I was a baggage handler for two years. The good ones of us will mind the fragile bags and treat them nicely.
‘However, our kind treatment will be outweighed by the airports automated baggage handling system which will not differentiate between fragile and non fragile bags – it will not be kind
‘Bags can get bumped around big time up there. For this reason I would say no, it realistically doesn’t mean anything.’
The tip is for travellers to add a ‘fragile’ tag to their luggage so that – with any luck – it will be the first to be unloaded off the plane
Of course, for some, there is the option of paying to ensure your bag is ready first.
Previously, travel expert Katy Nastro, from website Going, shared that becoming a frequent flier and earning status with an airline can help ensure your bag is one of the first to be offloaded.
Katy explained how some airlines tag checked bags of elite passengers differently, making it clear to the system and staff to separate them.
Jesse Neugarten, an airline expert from Dollar Flight Club, said the guaranteed way to ensure your bag is the first off is to travel in First Class.
He simply explains: ‘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 prioritise – and yes, it often works.’
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