Air travel…..we all have our stories. Delayed flights, long lines at security, lost luggage…..if you haven’t experienced it yet, you’re also probably not enrolled in a frequent flyer program. But for those of you who are, I believe you might find some humor in my request and possibly find some entertainment for yourself on your next trip.
I travel a lot for work. With all the new security measures, it’s inevitable, I’m checking my bag. A year ago, I only had to check a bag for long trips when 2 or 3 pairs of shoes would not suffice. Now, if I want hairspray and my face wash – I’m checkin’. Because of this, I have found myself spending a great deal more time in an area I was not too familiar with in the past - baggage claim.
Next time you are at the airport, look at the area around the baggage turnstile. Do you see the 4-foot of tile surrounding the baggage carousel, which is then edged with carpet? Ever considered why it’s there? There are about 250 passengers on the average American flight. A turnstile can accommodate less than half, standing shoulder to shoulder around it. Granted, some passengers don’t have luggage, but more than half do, so we all nudge our way in for some prime real-estate to ensure we get our bag as quickly as possible.
I’ve seen whole families occupying this valuable space. Grandparents, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, kids who think it’s the first ride on their way to Disneyland, moms and dads fighting over which black bag is theirs, and the carts used to wheel out their 50 pieces (what happened to the 2 bag limit) all right up against the carousel.
As Bill Mahr would say “New Rule” – Appoint one member of the family to approach the rotating device, when a bag is spotted, while all other family members watch and cheer on the chosen one to retrieve and return their belongings to them.
Another interesting site is the individual who sees their bag, tries to grab it, but wasn’t quite able to secure the transaction. I know, it can be scary because sometimes that bag is headed behind the wall and lord only knows what happens to it back there.
I’m going to end the agony of the unknown – it comes back around! It’s the beauty of the system – the bags actually return. And in my boredom of waiting for my bag to arrive, I’ve timed it. Less than a minute in every airport I’ve tested to date. Less than a minute people!!! No need to push, shove, trip and trample over people; risking bodily injury to yourself or others because in less than a minute, you get to try again.
Next time you are in an airport, try to use the system as it was designed. Wait back at the line where the carpet meets the tile instead of directly up against the turning device which could rip the finger off the small child who is crawling on it. Wait until you see your bag, step up, grab it and return to home base allowing others to do the same. Want to know what will happen? Someone will come and stand directly in front of you like you aren’t even there and wait for their bag…..I guarantee it, it happens every time. People never cease to amaze me and I’m constantly amused.
3 comments:
You are right; I think aviation industry need to do something before it collapse. I've traveling for a while and that’s one of the most annoying times and sometimes stressing moments.
I couldn't agree more! In fact, I usually wait until the crazies leave the baggage claim area then I go grab mine fairly easily. Not many people use Global Bag Tags yet, so my little blue and silver tags are usually pretty easily spotted :)
Oh my gosh Jackie! You nailed it! I wouldn't call myself a frequent traveler...but it is not the frequent travelers who seem to violate these "unwritten bagage claim rules." It is the family traveler...the occasional vacationer. Kudos to you! I hope people read and pass it on! :)
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