Baggage handler shares which type of suitcase is least least likely to get 'damaged'

On the online forum Reddit, a traveller asked: "Any tips for avoiding being lost or destroyed? And best/worst types of suitcases/bags?"

Reddit user Adam, who claimed to be a baggage handler, recommended always using personalised tags as they "see a lot of bags that look exactly identical to one another going on the same flight".

He explained: "One good way I've seen is to put your own tag on the bag with your name and address so that you can read this and make sure it's yours. Other ways include using unique straps that wrap around the bags."

To stop suitcases getting damaged, he suggested travellers should buy a bag that has "four good wheels, with soft lining on the inside and a hard outer shell," which is the best type of suitcase according to the travel expert.

He explained that the wheels are important because "we tend to throw those bags less when inside the hold of an aircraft, and the other features help keep your stuff cushioned".

Another worker and former baggage handler shared his advice and recommended passengers to always "air tag your suitcase".

He said: "You can generally bet that someone nearby has an iPhone, and your bag will update its position.

"Handy to see if your bag made it to the destination and it's on its way to the carousel, got left behind, went to the wrong city, or in my case recently: left in the hold and got sent straight back to the city I came from..."

All airlines have their own hand luggage allowance rules, and these vary depending on which airline you are flying with. Most airlines allow one piece of hand luggage for free - but the measurements and weight of this ranges widely from one airline to another. Some airlines allow passengers a second larger piece of hand luggage - but this often comes with a price tag.

Ryanair hand luggage allowance

All Ryanair fares include one small personal bag which can be brought onboard, such as a handbag or laptop bag. This must measure no more than 40 x 20 x 25cm and must fit under the seat in front.

If , passengers can purchase Priority and two cabin bags. This allows you to carry a small personal bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you and a 10kg bag (55x40x20cm) onboard, to be stored in the overhead locker. It also allows you to board the plane first using the Priority Boarding queue at the gate.

British Airways hand luggage allowance

All British Airways tickets are entitled to one handbag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15cm and weighing up to 23kg. This must be placed under the seat in front. They can also take a cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, however on buys flights this may need to go into the hold (though you will not be charged in this event).

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easyJet hand luggage allowance

All easyJet passengers can bring one small under-seat cabin bag per person on board for free. It can be a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including any handles and wheels) and must be kept under the seat in front of you. The bag can weigh no more than 15kg.

If you'd also like to bring a large cabin bag on board measuring up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including any handles and wheels, you have the option to book a large cabin bag for your flight. Every customer who books a large cabin bag can also enjoy the benefit of Speedy Boarding.

easyJet Plus members and those who have a FLEXI fare can also bring a large cabin bag on board.

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Jet2 hand luggage allowance

Jet2 customers can bring one piece of hand luggage free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including any wheels and handles.

Passengers can also bring a small, personal item on board (such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase), as long as it is placed underneath the seat in front.

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TUI hand luggage allowance

The maximum dimensions for a piece of hand luggage on TUI Airways flights are 55 x 40 x 20 cm, and it can weigh up to 10 kg. You must be able to lift your hand luggage into the overhead storage compartments yourself.

In addition to your hand luggage, you can bring a small personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you. This could be a handbag, laptop bag, or purse.

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On the online forum, a traveller asked: "Hard case bags or cloth bags? Which is better?" and a former airline worker explained: "If you don't mind your stuff being compressed, then soft case will do you fine, these tend to be more space efficient in the hold.

"If you have anything kinda fragile, you want a hard case to keep that stuff protected."

Others wanted to know how hot it is in the cargo hold while loading baggage. A former pilot said that generally, "it can get 5°C hotter inside than out".

He continued: "Last summer, it hit 40°C outside, making the temperature in some holds exceed 50°C. The key for us is finessing technique, as well as drinking a whole lotta water. In that 50°C hold, the guy I was with drank an entire 2l bottle of water to himself."