With long queues, security checks and the general confusion of finding your gates in the sea of people, it's easy to see why air travel can be stressful.
However, travel experts at Wild Packs warn that one of the most avoidable causes of frustration and delays is the way passengers manage their luggage.
According to a cooperative survey, 65% of British people think that airports are one of the most stressful parts of travel.
Jamie Fraser, travel expert at Wild Packs, highlighted common baggage mistakes that can slow boarding and cause unnecessary fuss.
“One of the most common mistakes people make when riding a plane is using the overhead compartment incorrectly,” Fraser said.
As airlines become more and more charged for checked luggage, more passengers are choosing carry-on baggage.
“Many people ignore size restrictions or store their bags properly and place small personal items in overhead bins rather than under their seats. Some travelers assume they have only one right to the bin, even if it is already full,” explained Fraser.
These actions can lead to delays as flight attendants must check their luggage in the hold at the very end.
Another common mistake is to grab the bag from the row behind you when it disappears.
“This can cause delays,” warned Fraser. “While we are trying to reach our bags, other passengers will stop, clog the aisles, slowing down the entire process.”
He recommends that if your bag is stored further behind you, it's better to wait until the aisles clears or until most passengers leave the plane before collecting it.
Fraser also points out that knowing what you are all around can lead to a bottleneck while you're on board.
“While rushing to get a seat, passengers will either shake their bags without realizing they are knocking on others, or suddenly stop in the aisle, creating a bottleneck for other passengers,” he explained.
The plane's cabins are small and usually packed with other travelers and cabin crew members, so battles against oversized baggage are added to the hold-up.
“The best way to avoid this is to keep your bag close to your body and be aware of the people around you before moving,” advised Fraser.
