Avoid lost luggage: Former American Airlines CEO's top tip
Doug Parker, a former CEO of American Airlines, shared a tip with the internet to make every plane trip less stressful. He is no longer worried 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 that 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 emphasizes that while airlines always strive to deliver luggage as quickly as possible, the process is complicated and may not always go as planned. "That’s my major tip to anybody — 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.
"Wherever we’re going, you can buy stuff when you get there," he added, reminding us that there's no need to carry large suitcases.
The former American Airlines CEO emphasizes that while packing into a carry-on can be a challenge, it saves potential troubles after arrival.
Fear of luggage
A 2024 report revealed that American Airlines lost more luggage than other airlines. Some tourists flying with checked suitcases, fearing their loss, place small tracking devices — Airtags — inside. These gadgets help locate luggage that might, for example, due to airport staff errors, end up flying to other countries or remaining at the departure airport.
