Debunking the Red Luggage Priority Myth on Airlines

A curious trend surfaced on social media recently, led by a viral TikTok video, questioning whether airlines have a specific protocol for handling red luggage by loading it first onto planes. The claim suggested that red bags serve as a visual cue to signal the end of unloading, purportedly a practice among "some airlines."

Further investigation reveals that this claim lacks credibility. No airline has reported or confirmed sorting luggage by color as part of their operational procedures. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), upon inquiry, confirmed that such practices are unheard of in the industry, emphasizing that the existing baggage systems do not support color-based sorting due to logistical constraints.

KLM, one of the many airlines mentioned in speculative comments online, responded directly on their TikTok channel, labeling the claim as "nonsense." They reassured passengers that luggage color does not impact the speed or order of handling upon arrival. This clarifies that the efficiency of baggage processing is dependent on systematic operations, not the color of the luggage.

Kansai International Airport in Japan, known for its impeccable baggage handling record, also does not use color coding. Their system focuses on meticulous tracking and management of luggage to ensure none is misplaced or lost—a practice that has led to zero lost bags over several years without resorting to sorting by color.

This investigation highlights a broader issue prevalent on platforms like TikTok, where sensational claims can quickly gain traction without factual backing. It serves as a reminder to travelers and consumers to seek information from reliable sources, especially when it pertains to logistics and procedures that could affect their travel plans.