Navigate baggage claim swiftly with these 7 helpful tips

Baggage claim areas are universally disliked. They tend to be crowded, often sprawling spaces filled with travelers either eager to embark on their journey or exhausted from a long flight, trying to get home.

The simplest way to bypass baggage claim is to travel with only carry-on luggage. However, that isn't always possible; there are times when you may want or need to check a bag.

If you find yourself needing to check a bag, you’ll likely end up in the baggage claim area, which is seldom the highlight of your travels. Fortunately, there are strategies to make this experience more bearable.

Here are our recommendations for navigating the baggage carousel and retrieving your bag swiftly. Following these tips can significantly enhance your baggage claim experience.

Ensure your bag is properly labeled

The key to expediting your baggage claim experience starts even before your flight: Confirm that your bag is correctly tagged when you check it in.

At this moment, it's easy to let your thoughts drift as you eagerly anticipate reaching the nearest lounge. However, it's crucial to ensure that the airline (or you, if self-tagging) has accurately labeled your bag for its final destination.

Additionally, remember to remove any previous tags before heading to the airport. Old tags can create confusion for baggage handlers. If you're entitled to any priority or elite tags, make sure the airline staff attaches them; if they overlook it, kindly remind them.

While you're at it, ensure that your name and phone number are attached to your bag in at least two different spots, just to be safe.

Place an AirTag or similar luggage tracker inside your bag.

Being aware of the location of your checked luggage not only eases your mind but also cuts down your waiting time at baggage claim. The simplest way to monitor your bags is by placing an AirTag or any tracker in your checked luggage before handing it to the airline. This will help you confirm if it reached the correct destination and may even assist in locating it if it doesn't appear on the anticipated carousel at baggage claim.

An AirTag proved invaluable at the end of a hectic holiday travel season when bags were haphazardly stacked in the baggage claim area of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Thanks to my reliable AirTag, I managed to locate my suitcase across the terminal at a carousel where I least expected to find it.

Invest $24 in an AirTag, and you'll be thankful for your decision down the line.

Avoid blending in with the crowd

Making a statement with your style isn't just for show; it benefits your luggage as well.

Don’t be the twentieth ordinary black suitcase at the airport. If your bag resembles many others, find a way to make it stand out. Think about attaching a vibrant ribbon, a distinctive bag tag, or another unique embellishment.

When shopping for a new suitcase, opt for a striking, bright, or limited-edition design instead of the typical black roller. With distinctive luggage, the likelihood of someone mistakenly taking your bag is significantly reduced (trust us, this happens more often than you think). Plus, you'll easily spot it from afar and can swiftly grab it once it appears on the conveyor belt.

Double-check that you're at the correct carousel — seriously

Finding the right baggage carousel may seem like an obvious tip. However, when you need to consult a screen in a busy baggage claim area (and confirm that your assigned carousel hasn’t changed), it’s easy to accidentally go to the wrong one.

Stay vigilant for any updates regarding where the luggage will arrive. These changes aren’t always announced, so if nothing has appeared after a few minutes, ensure you’re in the right location.

In the event of a luggage crisis with bags overflowing, pay close attention to the announcements. Keep an eye on the display indicating where bags are being delivered, as the airport might redirect some bags from your flight to a different carousel to alleviate congestion. Be prepared to look around if your bag doesn’t show up promptly — and ideally, check those AirTags.

Position yourself where you can view the bags as they arrive

Mistakes happen, and sometimes people mistakenly pick up the wrong luggage. By standing in a location where you can observe the bags for your flight as they come down the conveyor, you’ll save time and avoid frustration — especially if you’ve followed our previous advice of choosing a vibrant and eye-catching bag.

This doesn’t mean you have to fight for a position right at the front of the chute like a lineman protecting a quarterback. Just ensure you choose a spot where you can keep an eye out for your luggage, like the keen bag spotter you are. This way, you can swiftly grab your bag as it arrives.

Make sure to confirm that it’s actually your bag before you leave the airport. It’s far easier to resolve a mix-up there than to have to retrace your steps later.

Start the timer

Nobody enjoys lingering in the baggage claim area. However, many planes lack sufficient room for everyone to bring a carry-on.

To tackle this issue, some airlines offer a fun incentive for checking a bag. Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines will reward you with 2,500 bonus miles if your checked luggage isn’t retrieved from the carousel within 20 minutes after the aircraft door opens.

There are a few conditions attached to that guarantee, but generally, it’s quite simple to earn some extra points if the bags take longer than 20 minutes to appear with those airlines.

You can learn more about the policies on Delta's website and Alaska's website.

Keep searching (and don't leave without your luggage)

Sometimes, despite following all these tips, you might still find yourself frustrated at the baggage claim. Before throwing in the towel, take one last look around all the carousels and any potential piles of luggage nearby. Don’t forget to check the area where larger items, like car seats and skis, are unloaded.

If you have an AirTag, check the last known location of your bag. If it indicates that it’s still in the baggage claim area, keep searching.

Once you’ve exhausted all other options, approach your airline's baggage claim office or an attendant. They may be able to track your bag using your boarding pass and baggage claim tags. If your bag is truly missing, begin the process of filing a report before you leave.

The airline might provide you with essentials like a car seat if necessary. Additionally, this is the moment when you may be eligible for delayed or lost baggage compensation from the airline or even through your credit cards.

In summary

If you prefer to avoid long waits at baggage claim, follow these tips to ensure your visit is as swift and hassle-free as possible during your journey.

With this knowledge, you can efficiently get in and out of baggage claim, allowing you to spend less time stressing about checked bags and more time enjoying other aspects of your trip, like remembering where you parked your car or figuring out where to pick up a rental in the airport garage.