When packing for a flight, the bag is just as important as the contents, according to American Airlines flight attendant Megan Homme. The intrepid business traveler has detailed how to choose the perfect suitcase so all their belongings stay safe and secure in the cargo hold.
First tip: avoid soft bags. In a viral video posted on TikTok, the crew member explained that all carriers must be “one-sided or waterproof” to protect against potential spills caused by other bags leaking during the flight.
“You never know what’s going to be in someone else’s bag, or what’s going to be underneath the plane and what might leak into your bag,” Homme warned.
Baggage handlers have claimed that drainage is a major problem in the skies.
“Please do not pack food or drink in your bag,” said an anonymous poster on Reddit. “They rot, break, leak, open. It smells. Especially alcohol. Then I smell all day after getting a leaky bag.”
They added, “The same goes for cologne and perfume. Please wrap it well so it doesn’t spoil!”