BAGGAGE Claim (or Baltimore Harbor)
Everyone lines up 2 inches from the conveyor belt...crowding each other out and making it next to impossible see bags or for the person who's bag does arrive to retrieve it without hitting those crammed together. BACK UP. Yes, you really can see from a foot away, and yes you won't get hit, and yes you'll have room to get your bag.
Got twelve people in your group? Do all twelve of you need to be there? NO! Station a few people to get the luggage and others well back to watch over the luggage as you get it. Particularly if you have children in the mix. Kids at the edge getting fingers caught trying to grab luggage not smart. Kids sitting on the lip of the conveyor belt........really not smart. Wake up parents.
How many people have black luggage? THOUSANDS and then some. Attach ribbons, bows, colorful something to your bag so you can spot it easier. And while they...(airport officials) always tell people to look at the address label that should be on luggage, 9 out of 10 people don't look. I've lost track of the number of times I see someone grab and go and minutes later someone finds out their luggage was taken by someone else. Pay attention, yes it takes a few minutes; but far less time then filing a claim and going to the hotel empty handed or returning home waiting on the jerk to realize he or she has your luggage.
Travel isn't very civilized, but YOU can make it nicer. Breath and take a few minutes, everyone will feel better if you do.
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