'Real Life Tetris': Baggage Handler Shows How Planes Are Loaded in Viral Video

A viral video that shows a baggage handler loading an airplane has left TikTokers in awe.

The clip was posted to the social media app on November 2 by Deeej (@djsugue), who wrote: "stacking bags 101." The post has racked up more than 14 million views and over 1.5 million comments.

"How [sic] 100 bags looks like inside the belly of the plane," the video's text overlay read.

The video opens with the baggage handler—presumably Deeej—entering the undercarriage of a plane with a conveyor belt. Before the luggage begins to roll onto the plane, the handler briefly stretches.

Once the first suitcase has made its way into the undercarriage, the handler starts to stack the luggage. He appears to pack the undercarriage as tightly as possible, using smaller bags, backpacks or trash bags to fill in any gaps.

One commenter described the process as a "real life Tetris."

Once everything has been loaded, and nearly every inch of space is filled, the handler grabs his phone and exits the plane.

Newsweek has reached out to Deeej for comment.

The method employed in the video appears to be an example of "loose loading." In a 2015 interview with HuffPost, a Delta rep explained that "loose loading" is the method in which bags are loaded individually rather than in groups within larger "cans."

"In this case, when you check a bag, it tends to go into a holding area. About 45 minutes before a flight, the bags are sent planeside and then loaded," HuffPost reported.

Many of the video's commenters were shocked by the footage.

"Not me thinking that bags just get to where you're going," said Kelsie. "Idk why I never even considered this? Lmao."

"D*** u mean there's someone that does this and they don't immediately get inside of the plane?" asked AZ.

"I don't know what I thought happened but it wasn't this," added Courtneyjade.

One commenter suggested that passengers who check their bags last will claim their bags first.

"Note to self: the later you come the faster you get your bag," said yung killa 32.

However, according to the aforementioned HuffPost article, this commonly held belief isn't necessarily true.

If a passenger is travelling on a plane that has been loose loaded, then the length of time it takes for them to receive their bag "all depends on how the luggage is stored while it waits for the plane."

"If a bag was checked early, it might be at the back of the storage area, which would mean it would be last on the plane, and potentially first off. But ultimately, there's no telling how baggage will be arranged and loaded," HuffPost said.

Many other commenters took the video as an opportunity to express their gratitude for Deeej and other airline workers.

"D***, we sometimes forget how hard these airport workers work just for us to have a seamless experience when we're traveling," said _TheRealSnoopy.

"These workers are underappreciated. Thank you," commented Shadowgingin.

Beaches InCali added: "Never packing my suitcase heavy again sorry for that man."