Three Simple Luggage Mistakes Can Cause Major Delays While Boarding a Flight

Travel experts at Wild Packs are warning airline passengers that three simple luggage mistakes can cause big delays and frustration when boarding. 

2 out of 3 (65%) Brits find the airport to be one of the most stressful parts of their trip, according to a Co-op survey, with 36% of travellers attributing this to delays and 41% stating that the entire security process, including weighing luggage, as the most stress-inducing.

Travel Expert Jamie Fraser from Wild Packs American summer camp reveals the top three mistakes that you are making with your luggage that slows down the boarding process. 

1. Improperly using the overhead compartments: “One of the most common mistakes people make when boarding their plane is using the overhead compartments incorrectly. With airlines charging more for checked luggage, more passengers are bringing carry-on bags, which puts pressure on limited overhead space. Many people ignore size restrictions or fail to store their bags properly, placing small personal items in the overhead bin instead of under the seat. Some travellers also assume they have sole rights to the bin above their seat, even if it’s already full. This can lead to frustration, delays, and, in some cases, flight attendants having to check bags into the hold at the last minute, causing departures to take longer. Instead you should store your main bag first, and once everyone is settled on the plane, should you use any remaining space for smaller items like coats, backpacks or souvenirs.”
2. Grabbing your bag from rows behind you when deplaning: “Grabbing your luggage from rows behind you when getting off a plane can cause delays. It forces other passengers to stop while you try to reach your bag, clogging up the aisle and slowing down the whole process. If your bag is stored further back, the best thing to do is wait until the aisle is clear or until most passengers have left. For example, if you’re sitting in row 15 but your bag is in row 20, it’s better to wait until the passengers in row 15 and 20 have exited before going back for it. If you’re in an aisle seat, step aside into another row so the people in the middle and window seats can get out easily.”
3. Being unaware of your surroundings: “A surprising reason for delays during boarding a plane is people not being aware of their surroundings. While rushing to get their seat, passengers will swing their bags without realising they’re knocking into others, or they stop suddenly in the aisle, creating a bottleneck for other passengers when getting on the plane. Struggling with oversized hand luggage also adds to the hold-ups. Because plane cabins are so narrow, these small actions quickly add up, slowing the boarding process down for everyone. The best way to avoid this is to keep your bags close to your body and be mindful of those around you before moving.”

4 simple tips for a smooth and quick boarding process

1. Pack smarter to reduce boarding time: “If you can, avoid bringing a wheeled cabin bag. These take up a lot of space and often mean people have to hunt for a free spot, causing hold-ups in the aisle. Travelling lighter with a backpack or duffel bag, that fits under the seat in front of you, means you won’t have to struggle for overhead space, and you’ll be able to get to your seat and settled much faster.”
2. Buy your toiletries at your destination: “Instead of struggling to fit your toiletries into your suitcase, buy them once you arrive at your destination. This saves you space and helps avoid any delays at security with liquid restrictions. If you’re travelling to see family over the holidays, you could also leave a few essentials at their place for future visits. These small changes to your luggage can make a big difference.”
3. Follow boarding instructions to keep the process moving: “When you get to your gate, wait until your boarding group is called rather than rushing to queue up early. It might feel like this will help you get on the plane faster, but it can slow things down. Airlines have a set boarding process designed to keep things moving efficiently, and crowding the gate too soon can cause unnecessary hold-ups. Staying seated until it’s your turn helps you board smoothly and without hassle.”
4. Follow the boarding procedures: “The boarding process runs smoothly when passengers follow the airline’s procedures for boarding a flight. If passengers bring too much hand luggage, rush to queue too early, or take too long sorting their bags, it can cause hold-ups that slow things down for everyone.”