Baggage Reclaim: How Long Does It Take?
When flying alone or with children for the first time, things can often get hectic. A particular challenge: the baggage reclaim. How long does it take, and what should you watch out for? What dangers lurk at the luggage carousel? We answer these questions for you here.
How does baggage reclaim work at the airport?
Here is the typical process to get your luggage: You get off the plane, check the displays to see which carousel your luggage will arrive on, make your way to your luggage, and wait at the carousel for your suitcase to come around. Usually, the suitcase arrives quite quickly, so you don’t have to wait long at the baggage reclaim.
You don’t have control over which suitcases appear first on the carousel. Different airlines use different methods to load and unload the plane. Most holiday flights use the last in, first out method. This means the suitcase loaded last onto the plane is the first to appear on the luggage carousel. Other airlines use containers to store travel luggage, which are then loaded onto the plane. With this method, it’s hard to predict exactly when your suitcase will come around.
Some airlines use apps that allow you to track your luggage. This not only greatly increases security but also lets you accurately estimate when your suitcase is on its way to you.
How long does baggage reclaim take?
It’s difficult to generalize how long baggage reclaim takes. Times vary greatly depending on the airport, airline, and time of day.
4 safety tips at the luggage carousel for travelling with kids
- Keep kids close: Since the baggage hall can be very crowded and many people gather, always keep your kids near you.
- Beware of danger zones: Suitcases are lifted off the carousel very quickly. Small, running children can easily be overlooked. Therefore, children should not be closer than one meter to the carousel. The same applies to running and playing near the carousel.
- Do not stand or sit on the carousel: This applies to both adults and kids. A stationary carousel can suddenly start moving, and if you don’t get off in time, it can be life-threatening!
- Don’t wait in the crowd: The carousel is long, and most passengers wait at the beginning to get their suitcase as quickly as possible. It’s best to stand with your kids at the far end of the carousel. It may take a little longer for your suitcase to come around, but the overall situation is much clearer.