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Preparing your hold baggage

Make sure your bag gets where it needs to go

Every checked bag travels through a sophisticated and complex baggage system before it reaches your flight. A few simple checks before you hand over your luggage can help prevent delays, reduce the risk of damage, and make sure your bag is correctly identified throughout its journey.

Passenger using self service bag drop

Three easy steps before you check in your baggage

1. Remove old baggage tags and stickers

Your newest baggage tag is the one that tells the system where your bag needs to go.

Remove:

  • Old baggage tags
  • Previous airline stickers
  • Old barcode labels

This helps ensure scanners only read the correct tag.

2. Fully close and secure your bag

Check that all:

  • Zips are completely closed
  • Clasps are fastened
  • Pockets are secured
  • Any handles are stowed and locked into position

A properly closed bag is less likely to be damaged during its journey.

3. Remove loose items

Anything hanging from your luggage can catch in the baggage system.

Remove items such as:

  • Straps
  • Scarves
  • Ribbons
  • Bag covers
  • Loose accessories

These items can be trapped in machinery, potentially causing delays or damage.

Never place valuables such as passports, travel documents, or mobile phones on your luggage as they may be dispatched together.

POV: You're a bag at London Gatwick

We attached a 360-camera to a suitcase and send it through our baggage system. Watch our viral video on the platform of your choice to see its epic journey from check-in to take-off:


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How to prepare your baggage for check-in video