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Travel Hacks That’ll Ensure Your Suitcase Comes Out First

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The only thing that’s worse than impatiently sitting at the baggage carousel and watching everyone else head out before you — even that loud-mouthed man who thought it was okay to cough right in your direction — is waiting in the taxi line outside. If you’re trying to find a quick way to beat the line and get your bag first, you might want to try these simple tricks.

Attach a “fragile” sticker to your luggage.

While you’re checking in, ask the flight rep to stick a “fragile” sticker on your luggage. According to Travel and Leisure, suitcases with these stickers are less likely to end up last on the baggage carousel. This is because they’re loaded later to protect whatever “fragile” materials you have inside. Although this method isn’t foolproof (airport personnel could easily miss the sticker or simply just not care about your goods at all), it’s worth a shot.

Be the last to check-in.

Okay, so checking in last isn’t ideal, but many airlines allow you to check-in via mobile — meaning all you’d have to do is drop your luggage off last.

“Bags will always be loaded front to back on the bag carts, so if you check in last, your bags will be in the last bag cart, which will make them the last on the aircraft, and the first off the aircraft at your destination,” ramp worker and gate agent Thomas Lo Sciuto wrote on Quora. “If they are the first off the aircraft, they will most likely be the first on the bag carts and then the first to be unloaded at baggage claim.”

We’re not saying this method is any better, but if you’re willing to take the risk, we say go for it. The only ways to guarantee your bag will pop up first? Book a first or business class flight or sign up to be a part of the airline’s frequent flier club. This way, your bag with be embellished with a “priority” tag, meaning your bag is of utmost importance (along with all the other frequent fliers).

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