A US-based ramp agent and gate worker named Thomas Lo Sciuto has shared a method to get checked bags off the plane first, according to a Quora post. He explains that luggage is loaded front to back on bag carts, so checking in last means your bags are loaded last and are more likely to be unloaded first at the destination.
However, this approach carries risk, as late check-in could leave insufficient time to clear security. It is best avoided during busy periods.
Luggage size and fragile stickers
For certain aircraft types, luggage dimensions matter. Some airlines, like Delta, organise checked bags by size to balance the load on larger aircraft. In these cases, bags are stored in large containers called 'cans', and the position depends on weight and balance, giving passengers no control over retrieval time.
Another tip circulating among travellers is requesting a 'fragile' sticker at check-in. Some claim that ground staff load fragile items last to prevent crushing, meaning they may be unloaded first.
Priority tags and hand luggage
Airlines such as British Airways offer priority tags for business class passengers, like those in Club class, which signal handlers to unload those bags first. Frequent flyer programme members at the highest tiers may also receive priority luggage handling.
The quickest way to bypass baggage reclaim altogether is to travel with hand luggage only, allowing passengers to go straight to the taxi rank after arrival.
