From Check-in to Takeoff | A Bag’s Journey at SLC

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) processes thousands of checked bags each day. But how do the airlines ensure that every bag makes it to the correct plane? SLC’s baggage handling system (BHS) is a complex operation featuring conveyor belts, tag readers and X-ray machines.  

“The technical feat required to keep the BHS up and running is mind-blowing,” said Rene Membreno, SLC airport’s aviation services manager. Membreno oversees the BHS, partnering with operations and maintenance contractors as well as the airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  

When a passenger drops of a bag at the check-in counter, it enters the BHS. The system’s nine miles of conveyor belts move luggage from the counters to the aircraft. Most bags travel an average of 2.4 miles, but the journey to the plane takes only about 30 minutes! 

Tag Readers and Security Screening 

As bags travel through the BHS, they are scanned by automatic tag readers, which determine the appropriate lane to send them based on size, airline and destination airport. If a bag is flagged for inspection, it is manually screened by the TSA.  

Loaded for Departure 

Once bags pass screening, they continue along the belts to their airline’s designated pier. A pier functions much like baggage claim carousels. Bags are sorted onto the correct pier, loaded onto luggage tugs and driven to the aircraft, where they are finally loaded onto the plane.  

For arriving flights, it takes an average of 15 minutes for luggage to travel from the aircraft to baggage claim. 

Early Baggage and Oversized Luggage 

The BHS also has a unique feature—an early bag storage system. If a bag is checked more than three hours prior to departure, it is sorted into one of 36 lanes and stored until it is ready to be loaded. The early bag storage system can hold up to 864 bags. 

SLC is also expanding its current BHS to improve oversized luggage handling. The expansion is expected to be complete in early 2027.  

While the BHS is complex, SLC and its airport partners are up to the task.  

“There is never a dull moment with the BHS. There is always a new challenge to tackle to ensure baggage gets where it needs to go as efficiently as possible,” Membreno said. “It’s a team effort—from maintenance to operations to TSA to the airlines. Everyone matters.”