How to make sure your luggage is the first to arrive at baggage claim

It’s the last thing you want to do after a long trip, when you are stuck at baggage claim and watch dozens suitcases go by without yours. We’ve all been there—and it’s never fun. There are ways to speed the process up and increase your bag’s chances of being first.

Each day, airlines handle massive volumes of luggage. For context, Delta handled 145 million checked bags last year; that breaks down to nearly 400,000 per day on average—an enormous number highlighting how complex and automated modern baggage systems are.

Dollar Flight Club’s founder Jesse Neugarten explains that there are several smart strategies you can use to improve your odds. Before we get into the strategies, let’s debunk a common myth. “A lot travelers believe that paying through an airline for checked baggage is the best way to ensure it arrives on time,” says Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club. basic economy ticket Neugarten explains that “somehow deprioritizes the bag.” In reality, this is not true. “Once the bag is in the system, how it’s handled depends much more on when and how it’s checked—not the fare class you booked.”

We’ve compiled a list of expert-approved tactics to help your bag be the first bag on the carousel.

Become a frequent traveler. 

Katy Nastro explains that many people do not realize the complexity of the body of the checked baggage beast. In some of the largest airports in the world, complex conveyor belts are controlled by sophisticated systems that ensure that passengers receive their bags and, in some instances, their bags before anyone else. Nastro says that while there is no guarantee of being first in line at baggage claim you can be the first if you are a frequent flyer or have elite status. According to the pro, airlines will often label these bags differently so that the baggage handlers and system can easily separate them. “And for loyalty members, this can be a nice perk—you don’t always have to book a premium seat to benefit.”

Gate check your bag.

Full flight? Take the opportunity to gate-check your carry-on Nastro calls this a “golden chance” to avoid waiting for your luggage at the carousel. Remember that jet bridge pickups with gate checks are typically reserved for smaller domestic flights, which have limited overhead storage. When your bag is sent to baggage claim after being rerouted, gate-checking before takeoff does not necessarily make it faster.

Fly First Class

He said that there is no difference in the way bags are handled for those who have basic economy tickets and those who hold economy tickets. Neugarten says that passengers who fly in premium cabins have their bags marked as “priority.” That means the bags are usually loaded last, and they’re among the first unloaded after landing. “Baggage of first-class passengers is usually transported in a separate cart that’s been sorted and arranged for quick delivery,” says Neugarten. “It’s one of the few consistent perks airlines still prioritize—and yes, it often works.”

Ask for “priority”, “fragile”, or “sensitive” tags.

“Even if you’re flying economy, asking for a ‘priority’ tag—sometimes available at check-in for a fee or through certain credit cards—or a ‘fragile’ label can help,” says Neugarten. He says Travel + Leisure Bags marked fragile will often be placed on top and last of other luggage, meaning they are among the first unloaded at landing. Neugarten says that while it is not a guaranteed way to get ahead of the queue at baggage claim, it can be done with minimal effort.

Check in later—but not too late!

Neugarten: “A common myth is that checking in early will get you better service with your bags.” However, the opposite is often true: “The earlier you check your luggage, the sooner it gets loaded—meaning it’s more likely to come out last at baggage claim.” The bags that are checked nearer to departure will be loaded last, and then removed first. Just don’t cut it too close—or you might miss your flight; many airlines require bags to be checked at least 45 minutes before departure now.

Choose smaller airports. 

When it comes to getting your bag quickly, airport size and efficiency definitely matter, says Neugarten—and the reasoning makes sense. He explains that larger hub airports have slower baggage processing times because of their volume. Smaller or newer airports tend to have upgraded systems that deliver bags quicker. You can speed up baggage claims by choosing a modern or smaller airport.