Myth: Red Bags are Not Loaded First in the Cargo Hold

by Anthony Losanno
Red Bags First

Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links below. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.

A viral TikTok video led to millions questioning whether airlines load checked bags into the cargo hold by the color of the baggage with red allegedly going first. There were several theories as to why this would be done, but they have all been debunked. The video is now popping up once again, so I thought I’d comment on it.

@airportlife_

Boeing 737 loading! 💪🏻✈️ #airport #aviation #aircraft #plane #flight

♬ i like the way you kiss me – Artemas

Bags are loaded based on the order they were received, a passenger’s elite status, and the way that the baggage handlers choose to put them onto the aircraft. This varies by airline, airport, and even those working the flight. Speed and efficiency are key, so sometimes passengers end up waiting for a priority bag based on how the crew unloads them. Some speculated that the red bags would be easier to see when unloading, but this is untrue.

@klm

@AirportLife✈️ Have you been wondering for days why red bags are loaded first? Well, here is the truth! ✈️ #KLM #Royaldutchairlines #redbags #luggage

♬ original sound – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM further denied this claim and created its own video response.

Delta Bag Guarantee

Delta Air Lines guarantees that you’ll get your checked bag within 20 minutes or the carrier will give you 2,500 bonus SkyMiles. You can submit a claim here if your bag has taken longer.

Anthony’s Take: It’s amazing how false information gets out and people believe it to be true. Social media has made this snowball. If you think having a red bag is going to save you time, you’re mistaken. Priority baggage handling that comes with premium cabins and elite status as well as dumb luck will get your bag on the conveyor belt first.

(Image Credits: Delta, KLM, and @airportlife_ via TikTok.)

User Generated Content Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat encourages constructive discussions, comments, and questions. Responses are not provided by or commissioned by any bank advertisers. These responses have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the responsibility of the bank advertiser to respond to comments.

Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.

Leave a Comment

Related Articles