It’s no secret that each time we travel by plane, we have the impression of living a long journey strewn with expectation and impatience. For most travelers, the most annoying moment is probably when you have to pick up your suitcase. Often even distressing, because by dint of watching her in vain on the famous baggage carousel, we even end up wondering if she has arrived safely. What a relief to finally be able to get it back after long minutes of waiting!
Tired of having to hang around the airport? Do you dream of quickly intercepting your suitcase so that you can finally complete this obstacle course? What if we told you that there was a trick to save time? So that your suitcase arrives first when you get off the plane, follow the advice of a specialist in the field.
Airport suitcase mat – Source: spm
When you travel by plane, there is a whole ritual to follow: you have to make sure that the suitcases do not exceed the authorized weight, check the list of prohibited objects, arrive at the airport a few hours before take-off in order to carry out all the steps up to boarding… In other words, it’s a long marathon before you can finally arrive at your destination. But, if the wait seems interminable, we are not yet off the hook once we get off the plane, since we still have to be patient to get our suitcase back. Want to say goodbye to long waits at the airport? On social networks, the tips continue to swarm daily. To make life easier for travellers, some flight attendants try their best to guide them by providing them with a multitude of practical advice. So, a flight attendant recently explained what you should do to ensure that your luggage always arrives first when you get off the plane. Here is the procedure to follow to put all the chances on your side.
Read also: Why do we have to put the suitcases in the bathtub when we enter a hotel room?
-
The best tricks to collect your suitcase first
First, she advises against rushing to register. It is true that most travelers want to quickly get rid of this registration phase. Except that, contrary to popular belief, by registering among the first passengers on the list, be sure to receive your suitcase last. While if you delay things, your suitcase will arrive in the hold with the last trolley, that is to say, it will be among the first pieces of luggage to leave the plane.
Another tip to take into account: the “Fragile” tag often affixed in certain luggage is very useful to save you time on arrival. Beyond the fact that these suitcases are treated with much more care, know that they are also the last ones airport employees put in the hold. Therefore, they will be unloaded at the front of the queue in the baggage carousel. Do not hesitate to ask for the “Fragile” label at the check-in counter.
-
What size suitcase is allowed to take on the plane?
Of course, these restrictions vary from one company to another, but most airlines allow the check-in of one suitcase in the hold and one piece of hand luggage in the cabin. As far as weight and size limits are concerned, generally you are allowed to take a 23 kg suitcase in the hold with a maximum size of 158 cm (height + length + width), as is the case in particular with Air France.
Air carriers allow overweight or oversized baggage for an additional fee. These can be quite expensive and companies are generally very strict in enforcing this policy. To avoid unpleasant surprises and above all unnecessary costs, make sure you know the exact details of your airline’s checked baggage restrictions.
Cabin baggage – Source: spm
As a precaution, you should never rush to buy your hand luggage. This choice must be made very carefully. Go to the store in question to try the different brands of carry-on bags. Heights and trolley handles vary, so carefully choose the luggage that best suits your body type. Check especially that it is easy to lift it using the top and side handles. Select a fairly light model: if it is already heavy enough when empty, it will be heavier when you fill it. And finally, don’t forget to carefully observe the size and weight restrictions of the airline you plan to travel with.
Read also: What flight attendants do so their clothes don’t wrinkle in their suitcases. What is their secret ?
What is prohibited in cabin and checked baggage?
As they say, prevention is better. So as not to be frustrated or have a bad time at the airport, here is the list of items that are not allowed to be taken with you on a plane, whether in the cabin or in the hold:
- Alcoholic beverages over 140 degrees: any drink containing more than 70% alcohol cannot be checked in or accepted in your hand luggage.
- Flammable items: fuel, aerosols (with the exception of limited quantities of personal care items of 100ml or less), gasoline, flammable paints and the like may not be carried on passenger airlines under any circumstances.
- Explosive materials: you are also not allowed to take on board certain objects considered “harmful” such as fireworks, flares, hand grenades, detonators, dynamite or certain replica explosive materials.
- Chemical products : chlorine, bleach, spillable batteries, spray paint, fertilizers, tear gas or even fire extinguishers are considered “dangerous” and are strictly prohibited on commercial aircraft.
Read also: WhatsApp for seniors: how to set up the app for your parents or grandparents?