I’m a baggage handler and these are my five top tips to keep your bags safe amid travel chaos
A BAGGAGE handler has revealed his top tips to keep your luggage safe amid travel chaos.
The travel industry has been plunged into turmoil in recent weeks due to staff shortages, staff strikes and a soaring demand for holidays.
Passengers have been devastated by last-minute flight cancellations, huge queues and lost baggage as airports struggle to cope.
Photos from airports up and down the country have been showing the disarray passengers are attempting to navigate, with thousands of suitcases deserted at both arrivals and departures.
Mountains of luggage have been seen cordoned off in no particular order - making travellers fear they may not see their belongings again for weeks.
And last week footage emerged of a frustrated pilot loaded baggage onto his plane after suitcases piled up at Heathrow.
With thousands of Brits still due to take off on holidays this summer, a baggage handler has shared tips that should make passengers' lives easier.
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The anonymous baggage handler, who has worked in the industry for more than a decade says the chaos enfolding is the worst he has ever seen.
But he thinks if Brit’s follow these rules he shared with , things would run a lot smoother.
Hand luggage
The baggage handler suggests that travellers bring hand luggage only.
This trick means passengers can eliminate the chance of their luggage being lost.
It also means they will completely avoid the pandemonium currently happening at baggage reclaims.
Packing
If you can’t avoid checking in a bag, he suggests you pay special attention when packing your luggage.
If you’re travelling with family or friends you group should put clothes for each person in every suitcase in case one gets lost.
This means you’ll avoid being stuck in one outfit.
Photos
Brits heading on holiday this summer should take photos of their case so it can be identified by airport staff.
Currently luggage is being piled up high at baggage claim, meaning many are struggling to find their belongings.
This tip means if you can’t see your case, airport workers will be able to help you find it.
Holidaymakers should also take photos of the contents of their bags for any insurance claims.
ID
Most holidaymakers put tags with their names and contact details on their suitcases.
However, the baggage handlers says you should take a more drastic measure.
He says travellers should write their name and number in permanent marker on their bags in case the tags come off.
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Wheels
The baggage handler says that when buying a suitcase, to make his and his colleague’s lives easier, you should pick a bag with four wheels.
Picking one with four wheels, not two, means workers can easily slide it across the luggage hold into the plane.