Bomb Threats and Dead Animals - The Confessions Of A Baggage Handler

If there's anything that the internet has taught us, it's that the ordinarily mundane can often be pretty bloody fascinating. Airport Baggage Handling it would appear, is no exception to that rule.

Taking part in one of Reddit's famed AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions under the web-name ScaryxBusey, an airport worker managed to keep the rowdy/inquisitive side of the internet absolutely enthralled by his honest answers to their biggest travel questions.

Here are some of our favourite questions and answers.

How many times was it a bomb, and how many times was it a dildo?

via Waskonator

“Its usually a tooth brush but I've seen a few dildos. Had a bomb threat a little while back but it was just some dude on drugs scared he was gonna miss his plane and thought if he called in a bomb threat it would delay it.... hes in jail now.”

I'm often concerned that a cargo loader could overload one section of the craft causing a dangerously imbalanced aircraft. Is this an irrational fear?

via Goldfingerpuppet

“Westjet has people that plan the load accordingly before hand and we load the bags exactly where they tell us. After we load them we call them and confirm weights and everything.”

What's the weirdest piece of luggage you’ve encountered?

via Eggneefia

“A golden eagle.”

A family friend stored a cat in the baggage compartment and it froze to death during the flight. How easily can this happen?

via Ljnr

"I've heard of this happening to a puppy a while back. All animals go into the pit so I dont see how it doesnt happen all the time. The pilots have to be told there is an animal on board though so they may be able to seal the pit better so it doesnt get as cold? Maybe no one told the pilots on that flight."

Do you gently place the luggage or toss it all about?

via Jilly_willy

“Honestly, it gets tossed around a bit."

How often do you actually lose luggage? 

Via Schlewey

"Sometimes a bag will go to the wrong destination unfortunately. Maybe a couple a week."

What kind of advice would you give to someone packing a suitcase?

via Moving2

"Nothing valuable or breakable. Pack light."

[via Reddit]