Yahoo News Baggage handler reveals which suitcases get thrown around the most
Imagine this - you're off on the holiday of a lifetime. You've landed at your dream destination and are eagerly waiting for your luggage to appear on the carousel.
But as your bag comes into view, it's clear it's been mishandled. It's dented, perhaps the zip is broken, and you have a sinking feeling that any fragile items inside will be beyond repair.
It's every traveller's nightmare - but thankfully, there are measures you can take to prevent your luggage from being manhandled by airport staff. A baggage handler took to Reddit to offer advice and answer questions about their job, reports the Express.
The solution is simple - it's all about the wheels. If your suitcase has at least two, ideally four functioning wheels, it means handlers can roll it into the hold, keeping your belongings safe.
Without wheels, your bag is likely to be thrown into the hold, increasing the risk of damage. The baggage handler revealed that their "absolute least favourite" bags to load were those with jammed wheels.
The airport worker continued: "We try to roll it down, but it just falls over after moving six inches."
To protect your possessions, they recommend investing in a high-quality suitcase with four working wheels, a soft interior lining and a hard outer shell to cushion your belongings.
They divulged that protective 'fragile' stickers may actually attract more rough handling rather than less, although ultimately they don't change how bags are treated. "Some of us are tempted to treat them worse, but we never do. Having a fragile tag doesn't really make a difference," they said candidly.
The handler also revealed the astonishing lengths some bags can travel when being thrown by staff, noting: "about five metres or so" as the furthest he's seen for those without wheels.
