How to skip luggage woes: Ex‑American Airlines CEO's travel hack
Doug Parker, a former CEO of American Airlines, shared a tip online to make every plane journey less stressful. He no longer worries about lost or delayed luggage.
Doug Parker, who served as CEO at American Airlines from 2001 to 2023, shared his key advice for travellers. He admits there's no golden rule to make a flight comfortable, but this simple tip can enhance the travel experience. As reported by the New York Post, Doug Parker recommends avoiding checking in your luggage.
Avoid baggage issues
Parker emphasises that while airlines always strive to deliver luggage as quickly as possible, the process is complicated and may not always go as planned. "Do not check a bag. It’s not that the airlines don’t know how to get there, but it’s incredibly complex, it makes your experience much more difficult. So anyway that’s my major tip to anybody, is just figure out a way no matter where you’re going to get it into your carry-ons and don’t check a bag," said Parker on the Airlines Confidential podcast.
He mentioned that all essential items can be bought at the destination, emphasizing that bringing large suitcases is unnecessary.
The former American Airlines CEO emphasises that while packing into a carry-on can be challenging, it saves potential troubles after arrival.
Fear of luggage
A 2024 report revealed that American Airlines lost more luggage than other airlines. Some travellers flying with checked suitcases, fearing their loss, place small tracking devices—AirTags—inside. These gadgets help locate luggage that might end up in other countries due to airport staff errors or remain at the departure airport.
