Baggage handlers caught on video playing 'toss the bag'

Baggage handlers at an airport in California have been caught on video playing 'toss the bag' with an item of luggage, forcing an apology from Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Airlines had to admit it was their own employees who were playing the game after a video taken by a passenger, Chase Platon, emerged online showing baggage handlers throwing a piece of luggage to see who could make it the furthest.

The footage was originally posted to Facebook, wrongly tagging the men involved in the game as workers of Southwest Airlines.

That's when Alaska Airlines stepped forward to claim responsibility.

A spokesperson told KPIX 5 that the black suitcase was actually a "dummy bag" that was filled with magazines.

The incident occurred at Mineta San Jose International Airport in San Jose, California.
However the airline did not elaborate further and admitted the game was inappropriate, especially in view of passengers.

"This game should not have been played at the airport"' Alaska Airlines said in a statement Wednesday night.

"The optics of this video are unfortunate and we apologize for any confusion this has caused San Jose travelers or Southwest Airlines."

Chase Platon was flying out of San Jose and shot the video before boarding a Southwest jet to the Midwest.

He was angered by what he saw and posted it to the Southwest Airlines Facebook page.

"I would be pretty mad, obviously I was a little concerned because I had just checked in my bag just earlier so I was a little peeved," Platon told KPIX 5.

Southwest later confirmed their employees were not involved.

The carrier and Alaska Airlines share a terminal at the airport.

- Daily Mail