Cover of The Swapped Carry-On Bags

Perla landed after a short flight and grabbed her bag. She pulled a black carry-on from the overhead bin. It looked just like hers, with the same gray handle.

Perla walked off the plane and through the terminal. At the taxi line, she opened the bag. She looked for her wallet inside.

Inside, she found a man's shirts and a book. "This isn't my bag," Perla said out loud.

She checked the tag. The name said Joaquin. Perla looked at the gate agent nearby.

"I think I took the wrong bag," she said.

The agent called the airline's lost and found desk. A man ran up to the desk minutes later. "Did anyone find a black bag?" he asked.

"That's Joaquin," the agent said, and pointed at Perla.

Perla held up the bag with a small smile. "I think this is yours," she said.

Joaquin checked the tag and laughed. "And this one must be yours," he said. He held up her bag.

They traded bags right there at the desk. Perla opened her own bag and found her wallet inside. Both of them checked their tags twice before leaving.

🧠 Check your understanding

  1. How does Perla realize she has the wrong bag?

    Show answer

    Answer: The tag has a different name

    She checks the tag, and the name says Joaquin.

  2. Who helps sort out the mix-up?

    Show answer

    Answer: The gate agent

    The agent called the airline's lost and found desk.

  3. How does the story end?

    Show answer

    Answer: Perla and Joaquin trade bags back

    They traded bags right there at the desk.

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