Airports are full of quirks, but there’s one habit that stands out as the ultimate annoyance for fellow travellers. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated at baggage claim, you’ve likely seen—or maybe even committed—this common airport faux pas. Let’s dive into the most hated airport habit that’s driving everyone crazy.
The scene is all too familiar: the flight has just landed, and before the seatbelt sign is even off, there’s a flurry of passengers standing up, eager to grab their overhead luggage. But that’s not the habit that’s causing the most frustration. It’s what happens at the baggage claim area that’s really grinding gears.
A Melbourne local recently took to social media to vent about this particular airport annoyance, and it struck a chord with many. The issue at hand? People crowding around the baggage carousel, completely disregarding the clearly marked yellow line that’s meant to keep the area clear.
The social media user’s post paints a picture of the chaos: ‘Despite the clear signs instructing passengers to stay behind the yellow line at baggage collection, many ignored them, standing right in front of it.’ For those not blessed with towering height, this creates an unnecessary obstacle, making it difficult to spot their luggage as it makes its rounds.
The frustration is palpable as the poster recounts their experience, ‘After taking this photo, two more people stood directly in front of me. At that point, I firmly said in a loud voice, ‘Stand behind the yellow line; it’s there for a reason’. Thankfully, they moved.’
This habit isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s seen as downright rude and selfish. Commenters echoed the sentiment, with one noting the domino effect of one person’s inconsiderate behaviour leading to a crowd of people jostling for a view of the carousel.
But why do people do it? Some speculate it’s a fear of missing out on their luggage, or perhaps a misguided belief that they’re more important than their fellow travellers. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that this habit is not only annoying but also unnecessary.
For those who find themselves getting worked up over this airport habit, there’s advice to be had. One commenter suggested standing on the less crowded side of the carousel, while another recommended using a tracker like an AirTag to monitor when your luggage is approaching.
And for those who may unknowingly contribute to this behaviour, the message is simple: just stand back. There’s no need to crowd the carousel. Your luggage will come to you in due time, and by keeping the area clear, you’re showing respect and consideration for your fellow travellers.
As you travel through the airport, consider how small actions can help make the process smoother for everyone. A little respect for the space and fellow travellers can go a long way.
Have you ever been caught in the chaos at baggage claim? What’s your take on this airport pet peeve? Or do you have other airport habits that drive you crazy? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going and help make travel a little more pleasant for everyone!
Also read: Red flags airport security look for: Are you making these mistakes?
As a frequent O/S traveller, I find this annoying, rude and selfish behaviour is not confined to Australia. However, as I am fairly tall I can stand back and watch until I see our bags coming further down the conveyor, which then gives me time to push through the throng.