In large airports, passengers often have to navigate multiple complex routes from entering the airport, checking in, going through security, to boarding. During this process, airport luggage carts are one of the most frequently used public amenities. They are crucial to both the passenger experience and the smooth flow of airport operations.

Therefore, choosing or designing a high-efficiency airport luggage cart has become a critical part of airport planning, operations, engineering projects, and procurement.

1. Why does the complexity of airport layouts amplify luggage cart design problems?

Common pain points in large international airports include:

• Numerous turns in corridors → Heavy and difficult-to-maneuver carts

• Passengers have multiple pieces of luggage of varying sizes → Unreasonable cart load capacity

• Shared use with elevators and escalators → Incompatible cart dimensions

• Uneven distribution of cart parking areas → Difficulty finding carts and inconvenient returns

These problems reduce passenger efficiency and increase maintenance and dispatch costs for airport operators. Therefore, airport luggage cart design must address real-world high-traffic scenarios, not simply "providing a cart."

2. What core design features should an airport luggage cart have to improve passenger efficiency?

The following five design features determine whether an airport baggage trolley can effectively improve passenger efficiency.

✅ Lightweight and smooth handling experience

If the cart itself is too heavy, it will severely impact efficiency when passengers are carrying 20–40kg of luggage.

An excellent airport luggage cart should have:

• Aluminum alloy or high-strength lightweight steel structure

• Industrial-grade silent casters (≥125mm)

• 360° rotating front wheels, directional rear wheels for more stable straight-line movement

• Ultra-low rolling resistance

This allows passengers to easily turn, go uphill, and transition through complex routes. ✅ Scientific Tray Size: Accommodating Large and Multiple Pieces of Luggage

A good airport luggage trolley must be able to accommodate multiple luggage combinations:

• 28-inch checked suitcase

• 20-inch carry-on suitcase

• Backpacks, laptop bags, and small items

The tray size should ensure:

Unobstructed view (height not exceeding 80cm)

Stable center of gravity to prevent tipping

Anti-slip groove design on the base for more secure fixing of large suitcases

✅ Fully Compatible with Elevators and Escalators

Most travelers use escalators, so airport luggage trolleys must meet escalator safety standards:

• Anti-slip strips on the bottom for escalators

• Distance between rear and front wheels conforms to escalator step standards

• Center of gravity distribution prevents tipping

• Handle position allows passengers to maintain an upright posture without leaning forward

At the same time, the trolley width usually needs to be ≤580mm to pass through most airport elevators and gates smoothly.

✅ Ergonomic Handle: Enhancing Operational Stability

The handle is the part that passengers interact with for the longest time and is crucial to the user experience.

High-quality design includes:

• Anti-slip rubber-wrapped handle

• Handle height in the range of 950–1100mm, suitable for passengers of different heights

• Tilting angle conforms to natural wrist posture

• Large handle space allows passengers wearing gloves in winter to operate comfortably

✅ Quick Return and Parking System (Reducing Airport Operating Costs)

During peak hours, airport luggage trolleys may experience:

Trolleys being placed randomly

Blocking passages

Being left far from collection points after use, increasing scheduling costs

Therefore, the trolley itself needs to have:

• Quick nesting system (≥30 trolleys can be stacked)

• Automatic braking system: stops immediately when the handle is released

• RFID or positioning system (optional) for intelligent airport scheduling

• These designs make trolley management more efficient and reduce labor costs.