Originally Posted by Sigwx

One major issue that upsets the premium bin offload in out stations is the 'anti-tip' principle applied to just about all aircraft, especially when outsourced or local contract loading teams are used. The first bags off are always the bulk hold bags such as the rush bags on minimum or less than minimum connection time and additional baby strollers etc. Then the rear holds are emptied followed by forward. The reverse happens for loading. The premium bin is often one of the last to be loaded due to final 'sortation and make-up' owing to connecting premium pax. It often is planned to be loaded in one of the forward holds but occasionally will be replaced and loaded in the rear when changes to load happen such as no show cargo that is slow to be brought across from cargo warehouses ex connecting flights. By the time the bin hits the reclaim hall the crew have been through the crew channel at immigration just in time to see them hitting the belt.
Having travelled on my jollies to some stations where long immigration crews are common, I can sense the frustration and have felt it. Seeing a crew merely pick up bags after sauntering through can be a real ball ache. But as we operate as a crew on a General Declaration Immigration want to deal with us as a group and need the lot to show up to the same desk to process. Some times when belts get busy with bags the staff behind the wall hold them back to prevent a blockage and pile up. Sadly this also means some premium bags do not get unloaded even through they are right there behind the wall. Different stations have different ways in managing their reclaim halls.