Tag: Luggage

This Type Of Luggage Is Most Likely To Be Thrown Around By Baggage Handlers

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Last Updated 19 mins ago

Checking a bag (or two, or three) is sometimes an inevitable part of travel. And when it is a situation where you have to travel with extra luggage, you drop your bags off at your airline’s check-in, pay any necessary baggage fees, put your information on those little luggage tags, and hope for the best.

That being said, dealing with lost or even damaged baggage is one stressful part of the travel experience. But, this doesn’t have to be your reality. What if you could do something about preventing your precious cargo from being mishandled or damaged while it’s en route?

Your Checked Luggage Should Have More Wheels, Says Ramp Agent Rachel

Ramp agent Rachel Bacha, who posts videos to her TikTok account rachel.bacha, shared some great tips in this video. For starters, travel with checked luggage that has four wheels as opposed to two.

In her video series on TikTok titled “Everything you need to know about a suitcase coming from a luggage handler,” Rachel shared one major travel tip when it comes to checking luggage:

“Any time you are purchasing a suitcase, get a bag with four wheels for a couple of different reasons.”

TikToker Shares Tips For Checked Luggage

This baggage handler on TikTok recently revealed in one of her videos the type of luggage that is most likely to be thrown around and mishandled by baggage handlers. Given that she is professional and all, you might want to check out what she has to say so that the luggage on your next trip doesn’t meet the same fate as others.

Her reasoning, she said, is because more wheels can make loading a piece of luggage easier for baggage handlers who are often doing the luggage loading and unloading on a time crunch.

“There are people loading your bags on the planes and some of the planes have really long cargo bins, and at some airports, they don’t have a machine that takes all of the bags into the bin to you,” Rachel explained in her video.

Large Airplane Holds Means Luggage Can Get Thrown Around

Rachel also explained that because some airplane holds are really big, it makes moving passengers’ luggage very hard for the two baggage handlers on the job.

“So there are two people, one throwing the bag and one stacking the bag (into the airport hold).”

She continued, “I hesitate to use the word ‘throw’ but that is what it is, we throw bags. Some of those planes have bins that are 20 feet long. Your bag has to start from here (at the front of the hold) and go all the way back there…and the way it gets there is by being rolled, slid, or tossed.”

4-Wheeled Suitcases Will Get Rolled Onto Plane

From her experience, Rachel said that bags with two wheels are going to get tossed, and alternatively, a bag with four wheels is going to get rolled. This means that a wheeled piece of luggage will be less likely to come out of that plane hold with any signs of damage.

While there are handling guidelines in place by airlines and baggage companies, getting a bag onto a plane is another story in practice, and some handlers may have to use some pressure to get that bag on board. On that subject, Rachel commented that “this is going to make some people not very happy, but that’s just how it is.”

“Now you can be prepared. How do you expect your bag to get from one destination to another in the same amount of time that you do?” She added.

At the end of the day, it’s best to travel with a piece of luggage that is easier to take from point A to point B, whether it be for the baggage handler or yourself as an individual passenger. Any little thing that you can do to make the whole travel experience as trouble-free and simple as possible is always a safe bet.

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This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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September 5, 2022
These U.S. Airlines Were The Worst For Mishandled Luggage Amid Travel Chaos
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Last Updated 39 mins ago

Air travel has been a significant source of frustration for those looking to get away after years of restrictions kept them at home. Delays, cancellations, and lost luggage have plagued travelers this summer and will likely continue into the fall.

Knowing which airline to fly with, which airports to fly from, and tips for navigating the chaos may help travelers get through unscathed. But what about their bags? Recent data from The Department of Transportation (DOT) shed light on which U.S. airlines were the worst for mishandling luggage amid this year’s travel chaos.

Major airlines considered were; American Airlines Network, Alaska Airlines Network, Allegiant Air, Delta Airlines Network, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Jetblue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines Network. “Networks” include the operator’s self-branded planes and its branded codeshare partners. (For example, Envoy Air, or American Eagle, is a branded codeshare partner of American Airlines.)

2019 Vs. 2022: Surprising Results

To get an idea of how bad 2022 has been, we’ll compare it to the last pre-pandemic year’s data, 2019. This year saw a massive increase in travel demand as the world reopened its borders after years of restrictions. Unfortunately, the aviation industry as a whole is wildly understaffed compared to before the pandemic. This led to the chaos we all witnessed this summer.

Data Source: Department of Transportation

Surprisingly, several airlines performed better this year than they did in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Allegiant, Hawaiian, Frontier, and United all performed better this June than they did during the same period in 2019. This is based on mishandled bags per 1,000 bags enplaned. American, JetBlue, Delta, Spirit, and Southwest performed worse this June than in June 2019.

Top 6 Worst Performers For June 2022
1. American Airlines – 11.3 Bags Per 1,000 Mishandled & 108,095 Total Bags Mishandled
2. JetBlue Airways – 7.5 Bags Per 1,000 Mishandled & 9,672 Total Bags Mishandled
3. United Airlines – 6.9 Bags Per 1,000 Mishandled & 42,689 Total Bags Mishandled
4. Delta Airlines – 5.6 Bags Per 1,000 Mishandled & 47,502 Total Bags Mishandled
5. Spirit Airlines – 5.6 Bags Per 1,000 Mishandled & 6,737 Total Bags Mishandled
6. Southwest Airlines – 5.5 Bags Per 1,000 Mishandled & 62,337 Total Bags Mishandled
Another surprising result of this comparison is how close the rates were between June 2019 and 2022. Of the airlines that performed worse in 2022, several were very close to their 2019 metrics. With the headlines practically screaming about lost luggage this summer, it’s surprising that the rates were nearly the same for many major airlines. At first glance, this doesn’t seem to add up. However, when you dig into the totals for mishandled bags, it becomes more apparent.

Mishandled Luggage Totals – Why Was This Year Worse?

In total, June 2022 was only about 3.9% worse than June 2019 regarding mishandled luggage. So what was all the fuss about this summer? Less than 4% may not sound like much, but that equates to an additional 10,655 mishandled bags for June 2022. Again, 10,655 may not sound like a large number compared to 283,713 pieces of mishandled luggage. However, the additional thousands of people affected this year by the increase probably feel differently.

Another factor to consider when comparing June 2022 to 2019 is the definition of mishandled luggage per the Department of Transportation; “The number of mishandled bags displayed in these tables represents the number of check bags that are lost, damaged, delayed, and pilfered, as reported by or on behalf of the passenger, that were in the airline’s custody for its reportable domestic nonstop scheduled passenger flights.”

Considering this, we can see a few reasons for this year’s significant increase in chaos and negative sentiment due to a relatively small increase in mishandled luggage. While the total number of mishandled bags may not be overwhelmingly large, this metric doesn’t consider how long travelers are waiting for their luggage to turn up. Piles of lost luggage, luggage turning up in dumpsters, and luggage ending up in cities that the owners have never been to have all been reported occurrences this summer.

The aftermath of lost luggage is much worse this year than in 2019. Thus, creating a massive difference in the perception of the problem. Even though the actual numbers have not increased exponentially, the issues travelers face due to lost luggage are worse than in 2019. If there was ever a year to avoid checking a bag, it’s this one. If travelers must check a bag, they should minimize the chances it will make it onto the DOT’s next report. As the summer season comes to an end, we can all hope that the aviation industry will improve the travel experience as it continues to recover from the pandemic.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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August 30, 2022
Lost Luggage? Here Is What You Need To Do
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Last Updated 34 mins ago

As the summer continues to shed light on how chaotic the airline sector has become, it’s more important than ever that travelers minimize their chances of losing a checked bag. If possible, it would be better not to check a bag at all. However, it isn’t always possible to travel without checked luggage, and no matter how much you minimize the chances, it is always possible for luggage to end up lost.

So, what should you do if you receive the unfortunate news that your bag has gone missing? Below are several actions you should take; the quicker, the better.

Act Fast
- This step is first because it is the most important. As soon as you know your luggage is missing, head straight to the airline’s assistance or baggage counter and open up a lost/delayed luggage claim. You will need your ID and baggage claim tag, so be sure to place it somewhere you will remember it!
- A common culprit of lost luggage is an error in sorting, and your bag probably wound up on the wrong flight. Once found, luggage is rerouted back to you, ideally within a few days. As a precaution, always pack a few days of essentials in your carry-on bag. Make sure to get a copy of a report for the missing luggage, as this can come in handy later if your bag stays lost for longer than expected.
Get Some Money Back
- If you paid a fee to check your luggage, you are entitled to a refund in most cases. While filing your report for your lost luggage, ask that you receive a refund of the fee paid for checking the bag. It is better to ask for this immediately, as obtaining a refund can be more challenging if you wait too long.
Check Coverage And Track Expenses
- Some airlines will reimburse money spent on essentials such as clothing, toiletries, and other travel requirements in the case of a lost bag. Be sure to ask the desk agent what is covered and how much they will reimburse.
- When purchasing essentials, keep receipts so that you are ready if the airline asks for proof after a claim.
Send It To Your Final Destination
- If the agent doesn’t offer to have your luggage delivered to your home or hotel, make sure you ask them to do this. There is no reason you should go back to the airport to get your luggage, which can be especially helpful if your hotel is a long distance from the airport.
Keep Your Credit Card In Mind
- Many credit cards offer travel benefits that cover lost or delayed luggage. This is another area where keeping track of receipts and getting copies of reports from the airline will come in handy.
- Take a look at your credit card’s benefits guide to know what they cover, when you need to notify them, and how to submit claims. They usually have this information available online, or you can call the number on the back of your card.
Travel Insurance
- Perhaps one of the best things you can do to prepare for lost luggage, travel insurance will help cover any costs or losses incurred. Typically, travel insurance will cover any expenses after taking into account how much the airline compensates you.
- Some travel insurance will cover expenses that may occur on a per diem rate, while others have a flat coverage amount. Bring up your policy and double-check it, and contact your insurance right away. To make this easy, check if your insurance provider has an app or a live chat you can use instead of calling or emailing.
Inspect Upon Delivery
- Once your luggage (hopefully!) makes it back to you, make sure to inspect for any damage or missing items. Airlines will reimburse you for damage, as compensation for damaged luggage is a requirement set by the Department of Transportation.
- In the event of a missing item, you may be able to track it down through the airline or be reimbursed. If the airline doesn’t follow through on reimbursement, this is where it will be handy to have a travel insurance plan.
If The Worst Occurs
- Hopefully, after trying everything above, your luggage will have found its way back to you. However, if your luggage is officially declared lost by the airline, it’s time to submit a claim for everything you lost.
- List everything that was in your bag with estimated values. If you have original receipts, that will be even better. Anything that helps the airline assess your luggage’s worth will be beneficial. Depending on the country, airlines will have limits on how much they are held liable for. For more details, see your passenger rights.
- Of course, a new level of coverage may kick in from your credit card provider or travel insurance if the bag is officially ‘lost’ and not just delayed, so double-check those coverages too.
An Important Reminder

Throughout the entire process, it is helpful to stay positive and calm. This will benefit you by keeping your trip enjoyable and getting airline staff on your side. Airline staff are dealing with a lot lately, and being someone easy to work with will go a long way. It can be challenging, especially when so many personal items are missing, but the airline staff will do their best to help you. Traveling is stressful sometimes, so try not to let a missing bag ruin a trip. Pack a great carry-on, stay upbeat, and the rest will work itself out.

Read More:

These 4 Airlines Are Your Best Bet For Avoiding Flight Delays

Checking A Bag? How To Minimize The Chances Of Lost Luggage

Don’t Check A Bag Right Now! Here’s What You Can Bring In Your Carry-On

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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July 11, 2022
Checking A Bag? How To Minimize The Chances Of Lost Luggage
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Last Updated 56 mins ago

It’s been a chaotic summer travel season, and it doesn’t look like that will change any time soon. Travelers are seeing delays, cancellations, and disruptions on a massive scale. One way to get through the chaos a bit easier is to avoid checking a bag. However, this isn’t always possible when trip requirements call for more luggage. So, below are some of the best things you can do to minimize your chances of losing checked bags. Some are familiar tried-and-true tips, some make use of newer technology, and some are simple but often overlooked.

Luggage Basics
- Stand out! Unless you’re rocking some unique bags, luggage tends to blend together. Make your bag stand out by adding some character to it. Brightly colored tags, tape, bandanas, or other items can all help make sure your luggage isn’t confused with another passenger’s.
- Tag your Bag. Be sure to put luggage tags on checked bags, and level up your tags by avoiding the paper ones that airlines provide. Instead, invest in some strong tags that become a permanent fixture on your luggage. For added security, buy tags that keep more detailed information (like addresses) hidden until removed from the bag.
Leveling Up Your Luggage
- Add a Luggage Sticker. Similar to a luggage tag, consider adding a large sticker on the side of your bag with details like; Name, Phone Number, Whatsapp Details, Email, etc. This will make it much easier to locate your bag and acts as a backup in case your luggage tag comes off. Be sure to leave off more personal details like your address, as it will be on display for all to see.
- Lock it Up. Lost luggage doesn’t always mean the whole bag, so consider adding a lock to your luggage. Not only will it help deter opportunistic luggage thieves, but it could also help keep things zipped up when your bag is full. However, make sure whatever lock you add is TSA-approved.
Add Some Tech To Your Bag
- GPS Tags. As airlines and airports add new technology to the mix, passengers should feel free to do the same. Consider adding a GPS tracker to your luggage, such as Apple AirTags, LugLoc Trackers, or Tile Pros. There are many options, and most only require a smartphone and an app to work.
If equipped with a GPS tag, you’ll be able to check on your luggage as soon as it leaves check-in. Once on board for your flight, you’ll be able to watch your bag approach the plane and know that it is safely on board with you as you head to your destination.

Simple But Overlooked

Not all tips have to be major or complicated, and sometimes the simplest things are the ones that get forgotten. Here are a few simple tips that may go unnoticed.
- The Earlier, The Better. Try to check your bags as early as possible before your flight. If security isn’t crazy, you will likely make it to your plane before your bags do. Give them a fighting chance by allowing for plenty of handling time.
- Smooth Sailing. Luggage moves around a lot after the check-in counter. Straps and loose hanging items attached to your luggage can get caught in the process, lowering your chances of greeting your bag at landing.
- Old Tags Lose Bags. Make sure to remove any old luggage tags (the ones with the barcode). The last thing you want is for your bag to get sent to your previous vacation spot without you.
Minimizing Damage If The Worst Occurs

Even if you follow all the tips above, there is still always a chance your luggage will be lost. However, you can still do some things to help minimize the effects of a lost bag.
- Keep Valuables Close. Laptops, jewelry, medications, smartphones, and other valuables should be left at home or come with you in the cabin. Try to avoid putting anything you can’t live without in your checked bag.
- Travel Insurance. Many travel insurance companies include coverage for lost luggage. If possible, try to have receipts and photos of your items available in case you need to file a claim.
- Back-Up Info. Keep a copy of your personal details inside your bag. A copy of your trip plans and where you will be are helpful for the airport when they are trying to find out where to send your bag.
- Pack a Smart Carry-On. Don’t pack everything you need for your trip in your checked bag. Make sure you have enough clothing and essentials to get by for a few days in case of a delayed or lost bag.
While it is impossible to guarantee that you won’t lose your bag, the tips above will certainly help your chances. In the event of lost luggage, it is essential to know your passenger rights and start locating your baggage as soon as possible. With new technology like GPS tags, you may even be able to help the airline find your luggage more quickly.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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July 8, 2022