Baggage handler warns against common suitcase habit which could see luggage crushed
A baggage handler has warned passengers to avoid making one particular mistake which could see their suitcase 'collapse.'
Who doesn't love going on vacation? Personally, nothing energizes me more than remembering I've got an exciting trip lined up.
And while exploring another country is incredible, the lead-up can bring on a whole load of hassle.
Between actually packing your suitcase, navigating airport security and then beating jet lag, it can take a while to truly feel like you're on holiday.
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And our baggage can be a major source of stress.
Suitcases aren't exactly cheap, and we're trusting them to keep our clothes and other precious vacation items safe.
I'm always terrified of my luggage going missing and having to spend my entire holiday with only one change of clothes.
But dealing with a broken suitcase can also be frustrating, especially when you're raring to get checked in and officially begin vacation.
Fortunately, one ramp agent has advised on how to minimize the chances of your suitcase getting damaged.
Taking to Reddit, the airport worker shared their wisdom in the R/AmericanAirlines thread.
Use 'normal shaped' suitcases
This might seem obvious, but apparently it's not.
"Luggage is designed to protect your stuff," they wrote. "A reusable shopping bag stuffed to the bursting point with 50+ lbs of stuff and held shut/together with duct tape does not."
They continued: "Likewise, avoid oddly shaped/curved suitcases. These do not stack well, and frequently result in 'baggage avalanches' in the bag room, on the ramp, and in flight." They added: "Duffle bags are not ideal, but decent."
She advised avoiding hard shell plastic suitcases as 'these are incredibly slick and prone to sliding off the bag cart while turning'.
Don't under-pack your suitcase
Now, if you're heading to a destination famed for its fashion and shopping districts - perhaps New York or Japan - you might be tempted to under-pack.
Taking a large suitcase but only half packing it, leaving room for your new finds, seems a pretty savvy way of dodging those annoying excess baggage charges, right?
Wrong. This particular mistake will fast track you to a crushed suitcase, according to our airport insider.
They warned: "Use an appropriately sized suit case. If you only have 10 lbs of stuff, do not use an oversized suitcase.
"The suitcase will collapse if insufficiently full, leading to a baggage avalanche when bags are stacked on top of it."
Pack light if possible
On the flip side, don't go over-stuffing those suitcases either.
The ramp worker explained: "Pack light. Heavier bags, once they start moving, have more inertia.
"As a result, they're more liable to accidentally get banged up while handling."
It's all about finding that sweet spot, then.
Other top tips include to place AirTags in your luggage, use clothing to cushion more fragile items, and to make sure to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes early so your suitcase actually makes it onto the flight.
Ellie Kemp