Hey Diane,
I have a travel pet peeve and I am wondering if this is something you have tackled. I travel for business 80% of the time, and much of it consists of flying from one location to another. Besides the obvious irritants, I have noticed more and more people are oblivious when it comes time to grab their bags from the airport baggage claim area. Do you have any wise counsel for this topic?
John J.
Dear John,
Airports can be stressful at times. Here are my tips for a mannerly baggage claim experience:
Hang On To Your Claim Ticket
Some airports don’t require you to show them, but others check your ticket before letting you out of the baggage claim. Also, in the event of a misplaced bag, your claim check will assist in a more efficient recovery process.
Stand Away From the Belt
Don’t crowd the carousel and block the view of other passengers. When there are multiple of you talking as if you are in a coffee shop, you are disrupting the flow of other people trying to get out and on their way to their next stop.
Steer Clear of the Main Opening
If the bags shoot out of a door before hitting the conveyer belt, wait until the bag is on the conveyer and is traveling around the carousel. Standing at the main entrance is the same thing as blocking a doorway. Everyone WANTS to be the first to get their bags, but they are waiting patiently for the luggage to make contact with the moving belt.
Help Others
If you see someone struggling, and you are able, by all means, reach forward and assist them with their heavy luggage. Pregnant women, the elderly and anyone who seems to be having a hard time will most likely appreciate your goodwill.
Check the Luggage/ID Tag Before Walking Away
All black bags look the same and there will be little distinction between one bag and another. Take a quick glance before you hoist the bag off the conveyer belt.
Don’t Toss Back
If you start to roll off and realize it’s not your bag, don’t recklessly throw it back up on the carousel with complete abandon. It probably won’t hurt the bag, but it appears aggressive and negligent on your part. You are the one who grabbed the wrong bag off the conveyor belt in the first place!
Place a Unique Identifier on Your Luggage
Purchase a colorful luggage tag or mark your bag with a bright ribbon or twine. Put some thought into easily identifying your luggage in a crowd of other black, red or colorful bags. Buying a different color suitcase isn’t enough. Other people have the same idea and are purchasing the same.
Keep an Eye on Your Kids
The moving luggage carousel is not a toy. Young children often don’t know the difference between a theme park ride and a conveyer belt. Teach your kids to keep their hands and feet off the moving machine.
Good luck,
Diane
