Unnerving video of baggage handler hurling luggage to increase carry-on as passengers avoid checking in suitcases

A confronting video of baggage handlers slamming luggage is tipped to push up already high rates of passengers choosing to carry on rather than check luggage.

A confronting video of baggage handlers slamming luggage onto conveyor belts at Melbourne Airport is expected to push up already high rates of passengers choosing to carry on rather than check in bags.

Employer Swissport is investigating the video and has stood down the workers involved, while stressing that “disrespectful behaviour to customer luggage and personal effects will not be tolerated”.

Transport Workers Union national secretary Michael Kaine said customers would “understandably have renewed concerns about their luggage when travelling over the holiday period”.

He said the Swissport workers were “under extraordinary pressure” in a low pay and understaffed environment.

“Ultimately, the only way for the travelling public to have peace of mind that they’ll receive quality service at our airports is for the federal government to address the structural issues in this industry,” said Mr Kaine.

“Instead of obscene executive salaries, we need a ‘safe and secure skies commission’ to refocus aviation towards the benefit of customers and workers.”

Qantas condemned the conduct of the workers in the video as “clearly not acceptable” and reassured travellers the airline’s mishandled baggage rate remained steady at six in 1000.

The airline also pointed out the number of checked bags had actually increased 15 per cent compared with pre-Covid rates as leisure travel surged.

Baggage handlers filmed throwing luggage at Melbourne Airport. Picture: Tik Tok

Across all airlines, a recent International Air Transport Association survey revealed a growing reluctance among passengers to check bags in, due to the cost and rising rates of mishandling.

Of more than 10,000 people surveyed, a whopping 40 per cent had experienced mishandled bags in the past year and 81 per cent said they would be more inclined to stow their luggage if tracking was available.

Flight Centre Corporate Traveller managing director Tom Walley said astute travellers were avoiding checking in their bags to help reduce the risk of any issues.

“Business travel is a comprehensive undertaking, usually jam-packed with meetings and events, leaving little to no time to file a baggage claim or purchase new clothing if luggage fails to arrive,” Mr Walley said.

“To navigate the current climate, it’s a smart idea to use carry-on luggage wherever possible.”

In recognition of the shift to travelling with carry on only, a growing number of hotel chains were offering passengers “a suitcase free stay” by providing workout gear and other items.

Travel tech company Amadeus predicted the trend would only grow in the next year, as travellers became more accustomed to packing lighter.

“Multiple trolley-loads of designer luggage are no longer a status symbol – quite the opposite,” said Amadeus vice president of global corporate marketing Daniel Batchelor.

“We expect this trend to grow and evolve.”

Mr Walley said anyone travelling with carry on only should inform themselves of the maximum allowable weight by the airline, and use every last gram.

He recommended avoiding hefty tech items and bulk hard copy files, and wearing bulky clothing items on board.

Other tips included packing “multipurpose clothes” to go from day to light, and omitting items provided by hotels, such as toiletries and hairdryers.

In recent years, airlines have moved to accommodate more carry-on luggage with larger overhead bins and more generous allowances.

British Airways permits passengers to carry up to 23kg of luggage on board, while Qantas allows 14kg across two bags. Most US airlines don’t impose a weight limit on carry on, providing the bag abides with size guidelines.