A baggage handler has revealed the “number one thing” travelers should have to keep their bags safe from damage.
These are airport crew member Zack’s top tips on how to ensure your belongings are well looked after.
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A LOWER HANDLE
Zack, who works for a company that provides ground baggage services at major U.S. airports, says this advice should be prioritized by travelers.
He said Conde Nast: “The first thing a bag can have to help me in my work is a handle at the bottom, between the wheels.
“I grab it and the top handle and I can easily put the bag in the bag carrier or in the hold.
“Not only is it better for your bag treatment; movement is easier on my back.”
PACKAGING AND CLOSING
Since suitcases are “tight and stuffed,” says Zack, it’s important to stack your suitcase.
It’s also recommended not to put liquids like shampoo in the outer pockets – there will likely be luggage piled on top, causing it to spill everywhere.
Zack says: “Baggage holds are not glamorous. Luggage gets crushed and piled up, and full suitcases survive better.”
And while it may seem obvious to zip your bag securely, Zack says it’s normal to receive luggage with the pockets open.
“I can’t tell you how many times luggage comes to me with the pockets open, throwing everything away the moment I pick it up.”
AVOID ‘WET NOODLES’
Don’t be fooled by luggage brands that consider their products super light, warns Zack.
He says that it is advisable, instead, to opt for study luggage that is well structured and made to last.
“It’s super light… but it’s so light because it’s like a tent.
“There is no structure and anything in them is more likely to be crushed/damaged.
“Your bag should be cheap and you should be willing to replace it frequently, or very well constructed and made to last.”
FOUR-WHEEL BUSINESS
Passengers with four-wheeled luggage are more likely to take care of it, says Zack.
This is because two-wheeled alternatives are often thrown in without much care for your belongings.
Zack added, “Four-wheeled luggage is easy because I can put it on the floor and push it to my coworker or the luggage cart and it just slides there.
“Two-wheeled luggage can be thrown or dragged to where it needs to be if we’re rushing to catch a plane.”
HAND BAGGAGE RULES
Passengers face restrictions on what they can take on board as carry-on luggage.
Airport personnel have the authority to seize anything they consider dangerous.
BELOW
The weight and number of bags you can take vary depending on the airline.
It also varies depending on the fare you’ve chosen, so read the details carefully when booking your flight.
ELECTRONICS
Different rules may apply depending on the country you are traveling to or from.
But the government has a Item list on their website to help inform what can and cannot be packed in carry-on luggage versus checked luggage.
LIQUIDS
The government recommends that passengers carry liquids in checked luggage, as there are restrictions on hand luggage.
At most airports, the rules are:
- containers must not contain more than 100ml
- Containers must be in a single transparent, reusable plastic bag, with a capacity of no more than one liter and measuring approximately 20 cm x 20 cm
- the contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
- the bag should not have knots or ties at the top
- you are limited to 1 plastic bag per person
- you must show your suitcase at airport security points
LIGHTERS
Only one lighter can be taken on board.
It is expected to be placed in a resealable plastic bag – and you should keep it on hand during the flight, not in a bag.
FOOD AND POWDER
To minimize delays, travelers are encouraged to pack them in checked luggage.
If they make it through airport screening, they will likely cause mishaps because these items obstruct X-ray images, the government says.
FROZEN ITEMS
These are prohibited.
However, there may be exceptions for medications, dietary needs or baby food.
LOUIS VUITTON – LOOK AWAY NOW
An expensive suitcase does not mean extra care from the luggage guys.
Zack warned: “I see a lot of Louis Vuitton bags, but having an expensive bag doesn’t mean I’m going to treat it with kid gloves.
“Don’t complain if your bag gets dirty; a bag is designed to protect the contents, not itself.”
WRAP YOUR CARTS
Zack says a shocking number of car seats and strollers arrive in poor condition.
Therefore, if you send them wrapped, there is a much better chance that they will be handled with care.
Zack said: “Car seat straps are the most annoying and get caught in everything.
“If it’s bagged and has all the straps inside, it’s more likely to be handled well.”
FORGET THE TAGS
Luggage zippers and tags can be classified as “foreign object debris,” it warns.
Zack says: “Huge, hard plastic tags are the worst. They are easily destroyed and difficult to clean.
“Those clear business card-style sleeves that attach to bags are the best.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
