The writer Ana María Matute once said: 'The truth is that airports have seen more true kisses than wedding halls.' And we would add 'and more moments of stress than a surgeon faces during open-heart surgery.' Yes, we are exaggerating, but the reality is that airports are, for many people, places where nerves, rush, and anxiety are part of the everyday experience. And part of the blame for this lies, of course, with luggage.
Beyond the various baggage policies and fees each airline applies, many travelers feel a sense of insecurity when it's time to board, fearing they might have to check luggage (which complies with all regulations) in the hold. To avoid this problem, today we reveal the suitcase trick at the airport so you can board with your belongings without any issues.
The suitcase trick in the cabin
Today we're not going to discuss different tricks to avoid paying for luggage when checking in, nor the airport bag trick. Today is about discovering the formula so that, even if the plane is full, you won't be forced to check your luggage in the hold, leading to the inevitable wait at the baggage claim once you reach your destination.
You have your ticket ready, check-in done, and your carry-on luggage (that meets the size and weight regulations to be in the cabin of the plane) prepared. Suddenly, you receive a text message on your phone from the airline informing you: 'Due to high occupancy on your flight, it is very likely that your carry-on luggage will be checked into the hold. Avoid this by checking it for free.'
This option is great for those who don't have any urgency once they arrive at their destination, while those traveling for work or with any commitments are greatly inconvenienced, as they will lose, at best, and depending on the airport, just over fifteen minutes.
How to ensure that your suitcase doesn't get checked into the hold?
The overhead compartments in the cabins are limited spaces, and therefore, once they are full, there is no suitcase that can fit. The crew on the plane welcomes the travelers while checking available spaces. And when there are no more free spots, they instruct the boarding staff to require all passengers with bags to check them into the hold from that point on. (Of course, without any extra charges).
If you don't want to end up surprised when you're about to enter the jet bridge to the plane, there is a trick that, due to its obviousness, many people overlook. Boarding occurs in groups, and most passengers tend to be in group 4. If as soon as you arrive at the boarding gate you line up in group 4, you might feel a bit silly, as no one will be waiting, but on the flip side, your chances of having space in the cabin for your suitcase will increase significantly.
Many people, since seats are assigned, are in no rush to board. This is the most sensible approach, as later you will need to be seated for the duration of the flight. Now, if after all passengers in groups 1, 2, and 3 have boarded, there are 25 spots left for the luggage of passengers in group 4, the first 25 in line will be fortunate enough not to have to check their bags. The rest will have no choice but to say goodbye to their luggage, as it will end up being checked into the hold.
In summary, if you want to avoid having your luggage checked into the hold, the suitcase trick at the airport is quite simple: as soon as you have an assigned boarding gate, rush to get in line, because if you're among the first, you'll get to travel with your luggage at your side.