Shameless ‘carousel grinding’ act you should avoid doing at airport

We all know there are some unwritten airport etiquette rules everyone should follow when flying - but now, it seems that a new one has emerged.

From wearing an appropriate airport outfit to not reclining your seat too far back, there are some things that go unsaid but pretty much everyone knows to follow.

Nobody wants to end up the subject of an angry TikTok video or social media complaint.

But, as we say, there's one new airport etiquette rule, coined by Metro, that you could be breaking without even realising.

We're talking about 'carousel grinding,' which happens when everyone has disembarked the plane and are waiting to collect their luggage.

It essentially refers to standing too close to the luggage carousel and claiming a spot, meaning that others can't get to their suitcase or even see it coming.

Now, travelling can of course a stressful experience and everyone has that 'what if' fear that your bag may have somehow been displaced and didn't make it to your destination.

A new airport pet peeve has been discovered (Getty Stock Image)

But, hogging the carousel standing space isn't going to make it come any quick.

Speaking about her experience with 'carousel grinding, Josie de Kock, 26, told Metro: "It genuinely fills me with rage. I think it’s just shows how selfish everyone is, as if as long as they’re close and have got their spot by the carousel then they don’t worry about anyone else."

She added: "Also it makes me think they’ve all been born that very day, because how do they not understand that a small tight circle around the carousel means that less people can access it?"

While, Sophie Alcock, 26, a senior surveyor from Kent also told the publication: "Waiting at the carousel won’t make the bags come any faster.

"It’s so annoying then when your bag comes out and you can’t get to it because people don’t want to give up their waiting spot. It’s really bizarre."

However, we do have to have some empathy for the 'carousel grinders' as we have to remember, they just want to get their bag like you do, and they most likely have no idea they're causing an issue.

Are you a 'carousel grinder'? (Getty Stock Image)

Etiquette expert Laura Windsor explained to Metro that while it may be seen as one of Britain’s worst travel habits, the 'reality is that especially after a long flight, all people want is to grab their suitcase and get home'.

She argued: "That’s completely understandable. It’s also human nature to crowd around the carousel to watch for your bag.

"However, when too many people crowd the belt, it makes it harder for everyone to spot their bags."

Winsor explained that it's worse when it's an 'entire family' that gathers at the front, including children, when really, only one or two people need to be there to grab the luggage.

So, there you have it - next time you're at the airport, don't be a 'carousel grinder!'

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