Airline boarding delays are increasingly being blamed not on airlines, but on passengers themselves, according to travel experts at Wild Packs, who say that simple luggage habits are slowing the process for everyone.
The warning comes amid growing frustration with airport experiences. A recent survey by Co-op found that 65% of Britons consider airports one of the most stressful parts of travel, with delays cited by 36% of respondents and the security process, including weighing and managing luggage, identified by 41% as the most anxiety-inducing stage.
Jamie Fraser, travel expert at Wild Packs, says that as airlines continue to charge extra for checked bags, pressure on cabin space has increased, and poor hand-luggage etiquette is now a leading cause of slow boarding.
The three luggage mistakes causing hold-ups
Misusing overhead lockers
“One of the most common issues is passengers using overhead bins incorrectly,” Fraser explains. “With more people travelling carry-on only, overhead space is at a premium. Problems arise when travellers ignore size restrictions, place small personal items in the bins instead of under the seat, or assume the locker above their seat is reserved solely for them.”
This often results in flight attendants having to reassign or gate-check bags at the last minute, delaying departure. Fraser advises storing larger bags first and using any remaining space later for coats or smaller items.
Retrieving bags from rows behind when disembarking
Delays don’t stop once the plane has landed. Passengers who rush to grab bags stored several rows behind them can bring the entire aisle to a standstill.
“If your bag is behind you, it’s better to wait until the aisle clears,” Fraser says. “Trying to push backwards forces others to stop and slows down the whole exit process.” He also suggests aisle-seat passengers step briefly into another row to allow window and middle-seat travellers to exit smoothly.
Lack of spatial awareness
A surprisingly common cause of disruption, Fraser notes, is simple inattention. Swinging bags, sudden stops in the aisle and struggling with oversized cabin luggage quickly create bottlenecks in the narrow aircraft cabin.
“Keeping bags close to your body and being aware of those around you can make boarding significantly faster for everyone,” he says.
Four practical tips for smoother boarding
To reduce delays and stress, Fraser recommends a few straightforward changes:
• Pack lighter where possible: Avoid wheeled cabin bags if you can. Backpacks or soft duffel bags that fit under the seat eliminate the need to hunt for overhead space.
• Buy toiletries at your destination: This frees up luggage space and reduces delays at security caused by liquid restrictions.
• Wait for your boarding group: Boarding early does not guarantee speed. Following airline boarding groups helps keep the process orderly and efficient.
• Stick to airline procedures: Overpacking hand luggage or lingering in the aisle to reorganise bags causes knock-on delays for the entire aircraft.
As airlines continue to streamline operations, Fraser says passenger behaviour is becoming an increasingly important factor. “Small actions add up,” he notes. “A little consideration with luggage can mean the difference between a smooth departure and a delayed one.”