The harder, the better.
When packing for a flight, the bag is just as important as the contents, according to American Airlines flight attendant Megan Homme. The intrepid work traveler has detailed how to select the perfect suitcase so all their belongings stay safe and secure in the cargo hold.
Tip one: avoid soft bags. In a viral video posted on TikTok, the canny crewmember explained that all carriers should be “hard-sided or waterproof” to protect from potential spills caused by other bags leaking inflight.
“You never know what is going to be in someone else’s bag, or what is going to be underneath the plane and what could leak on your bag,” Homme warned.
Baggage handlers have claimed that seepage is a huge problem in the sky.
“Please don’t pack food or drinks in your bag,” said an anonymous case tosser on Reddit. “They rot, break, leak, open. It smells. Especially alcohol. Then I smell all day after picking up a bag that leaked on me.”
They added, “Same goes for cologne and perfume. Please wrap it well so it doesn’t break!”
During one incident two years ago, a passenger was apoplectic after her bag was mangled — and its contents ruined during a flight with Delta.
Choosing the right color is also essential, per Homme, who urged travelers to opt for darker-hued suitcases, to help conceal any scratches they might sustain during the trip.
“If your bag is going under the plane, it is going to be scuffed up very quickly. I learned that the hard way,” the pro declared.
She also advised getting four wheels as two-wheelers are a pain to drag through the airport after a while.
Not to mention the fact that four-wheeled rollaways are easily rolled into the hold by baggage handlers, thereby protecting one’s stuff, while non-rollers are more likely to be tossed in.
Lastly, Homme suggested making sure you always buy “expandable” luggage.
“You never know what you’re going to pick up on a trip and want to fit into your suitcase home,” she explained.
