Airport boss issues luggage warning as school holiday exodus begins

Long queues are already forming at the at Melbourne Airport this morning, with passengers told to expect delays as the holiday exodus begins.

More than 100,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport today, and 2.1 million are expected over the next two weeks.

Those flying out are being urged to arrive one to two hours before domestic flights, and three to four hours before international flights.

CEO Lorie Argus fears there could be a repeat of the baggage handling issues experienced over Easter.

“We are seeing staff shortages in the baggage … areas, so what I would recommend is just make sure you have the key parts of your luggage in your carry-on bag, and that you’re prepared that if you do have a mishandled bag you can live without that luggage for a short period of time,” she said.

Long delays for bags have been a big problem, with Swissport — the contractor for Qantas — now offering baggage handlers an extra $50 a day just to turn up to work.

Press PLAY below to hear how the queues were at 7.30am