When traveling by air, one of the most important moments is the baggage claim. This is the area of the airport where passengers retrieve their checked luggage after a flight. The process of baggage claim can be stressful or even frustrating, especially if luggage is lost or delayed. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of baggage claim, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Baggage claim can be defined as the process of retrieving or collecting luggage from the airport after a flight. It is the area of the airport where passengers go to pick up their checked baggage. This process involves identifying one’s luggage, which is usually done by matching the luggage tag with the corresponding baggage receipt.
Origin
The origin of baggage claim can be traced back to the early days of air travel. In the early 20th century, passengers would often carry their own luggage onto the plane. However, as air travel became more popular, airlines began to offer the service of checking luggage. This meant that passengers could now travel without the burden of carrying their own bags. The baggage claim area was then created to facilitate the process of retrieving checked luggage.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, baggage claim is defined as “an area in an airport where arriving passengers can collect their checked luggage.” The Cambridge dictionary defines it as “the place in an airport where you go to get your bags after you have flown.”
Associations
Baggage claim is often associated with the end of a journey and the beginning of a new one. It can be a source of excitement or relief, as passengers finally get to retrieve their belongings and continue their travels. However, it can also be a source of stress and frustration, especially if luggage is lost or delayed.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of baggage claim include luggage retrieval, baggage reclaim, and baggage pickup.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of baggage claim, but some related terms include baggage check-in and luggage drop-off.
The same root words
The root words of baggage claim are baggage and claim. Baggage refers to the personal belongings that a passenger brings with them on a trip, while claim means to demand or assert one’s rights to something.
Example Sentences
- After a long flight, I was relieved to finally reach the baggage claim and retrieve my luggage.
- The baggage claim area was crowded with passengers waiting for their bags.
- Unfortunately, my luggage was lost and I had to file a claim at the baggage claim office.
- The airline apologized for the delay in delivering our luggage to the baggage claim area.
- The baggage claim process was quick and efficient, and I was able to leave the airport in no time.