Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Helen Hatzis
Helen Hatzis
January 31, 2025 ·  4 min read

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval

Ah, the joys of air travel—speeding through the clouds at 900 km/h, only to be brought back to Earth by the sluggish, nerve-wracking wait at the baggage carousel. You stand there, watching other passengers gleefully retrieve their bags while yours is MIA. In some International airports post-COVID, baggage delays have become an Olympic sport of patience.

So, what can you do if you’re not flying business class and don’t have airline status? Buckle up—we’ve got some clever hacks to help you reclaim your luggage faster than ever.

1. Timing is Everything

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: Timur Weber

Ever noticed how some bags come out first while others take an eternity? That’s no accident. If you check in early, your bag goes into the hold first and will likely come out last. Instead, aim for the last-minute (but not too last-minute) check-in. The later your bag is loaded, the sooner it’s likely to appear on the carousel.

2. The ‘Fragile’ Sticker Trick

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: RDNE

Rumour has it that bags labelled as “Fragile” are placed on top of other luggage in the hold and are among the first to be unloaded. Will this work 100% of the time? Not necessarily. But it’s worth a shot, especially if it means avoiding an extra 30 minutes of staring into the baggage abyss.

3. The Oddly Shaped Luggage Advantage

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: Bonnie Henderson

If you’re still using that plain black suitcase that looks like everyone else’s, you might be doing yourself a disservice. Airlines often send oversized or oddly shaped bags (like duffel bags or backpacks) to a separate claim area or load them last, meaning they appear first. A uniquely shaped bag might just be your fast pass.

4. Strategic Bag Tagging

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: Sergei Starostin

Most airlines sort luggage by class and priority, but within that, the placement of your tag can influence its journey. Baggage handlers typically grab bags by the tag—so having yours placed in an easy-to-spot location could increase its chances of being handled sooner. Don’t forget to remove old baggage tags!

5. Fly Hand Luggage Only (If You Can)

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: Jeshoots

We know, we know—this isn’t always possible. But if you can squeeze your life into a carry-on, you’ll never have to play the luggage waiting game again. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of breezing past those poor souls glued to the carousel with desperation in their eyes.

6. Use Smart Luggage Trackers

Apple AirTags, Samsung SmartTags, and Tile trackers can’t make your bag come out first, but they can tell you if your bag is even on the plane. If your suitcase is still chilling in another country while you’re anxiously waiting, at least you’ll know what’s up before wasting an hour at the carousel.

7. The ‘First Out’ Hack (If You Have a Choice)

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: Gustavo Fringe

Some airlines allow you to request that your bag be tagged with a special “First Off” tag for a small fee (or even for free if you ask nicely). Check with your airline before your flight—sometimes, just asking can work wonders.

8. Pick the Right Carousel Spot

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: Clickerhappy

If you position yourself near where the bags are first coming onto the belt, you’ll have the best chance of grabbing yours the moment it appears. This eliminates the awkward shuffle of squeezing through crowds when you finally spot your suitcase lumbering towards you.

9. The ‘Hidden’ Priority Trick

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: Frank Wang

If you’re flying with a partner who does have priority status, check your bag under their name. Most airlines allow status-holders to extend baggage benefits to companions on the same reservation. Enjoy your pseudo-priority!

10. Know When to Expect Chaos

Where’s My Bag?! The Art of Luggage Retrieval
Photo Credit: Tony Prats

Holidays, long weekends, and major flight disruptions all spell disaster for luggage handling. If you’re flying during peak times, expect delays and consider options like delayed baggage delivery (offered by some airlines) to have your bags sent directly to your hotel or home.

At the end of the day, some luggage delays are inevitable, especially in high-traffic airports like Toronto Pearson. The best backup plan? Pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on so that if your bag decides to take an extended vacation without you, you won’t be left in yesterday’s travel outfit.

So, next time you’re standing at the carousel, watching everyone else’s bags roll out first, take a deep breath. And remember—there’s always another trick to try next time!

Safe travels and speedy baggage claims!