Baggage build takes place on the airside ramp, right next to the aircraft. Once bags arrive sorted and stored in the make-up area, ground staff or baggage handlers physically carry (or roll) them to the plane. Each flight usually has its own dedicated loading zone on the tarmac.
The bags are either loaded by hand or using conveyor loaders. Conveyor loaders are belt devices that move bags up to the cargo door. Within the aircraft’s cargo hold, handlers stack the suitcases, often placing them license-plate forward (the side with the barcode visible) for easy scanning. If the plane has multiple compartments, bags might be directed to different holds (forward or aft).
During build, each bag’s tag is usually matched against the flight’s flight number. If a bag’s tag doesn’t match, it is pulled aside. Some airlines use handheld scanners at the plane to verify the stack before closing.
It’s worth noting that priority baggage (like for first-class passengers or urgent cargo) is often loaded first and given prime position (near the door). Regular baggage is then added. Once all checked baggage is inside and secured, the cargo door closes and the plane is ready to push back.
Because this happens very close to departure time, timing is tight. A quick and accurate build is essential to meet flight schedules. Baggage handlers work with the loading crew, and often with flight crew, to ensure the final checklist is correct.
