Former American Airlines CEO's top tip: Skip checked bags
Doug Parker, the former CEO of American Airlines, shared a tip with the internet to make every plane trip less stressful. He no longer worries about lost or delayed luggage.
Doug Parker, who served as CEO of American Airlines from 2001 to 2023, shared his key advice for travelers. He admits there's no golden rule for making a flight comfortable, but this simple tip can enhance the travel experience. As the New York Post reported, Doug Parker recommends avoiding checking in 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. "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 could be easily purchased at our destination, emphasizing that bringing bulky suitcases isn't necessary.
The former American Airlines employee emphasizes 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 tourists flying with checked suitcases, fearing their loss, place small tracking devices—airtags—inside. These gadgets help locate luggage that might, for example, fly to other countries or remain at the departure airport due to airport staff errors.
