Baggage handler falls asleep in cargo hold of plane & ends up in Chicago

A baggage handler got the fright of his life when he woke up in the cargo hold of a plane.

The employee of Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, was loading bags onto a plane at Kansas City Airport when he fell asleep in the cargo hold.

The Boeing 737-800 took off and the accidental stowaway was discovered when the flight landed at Chicago O'Hare Airport approximately 90 minutes later.

Baggage handlers hard at work

He was uninjured as the hold was heated and pressurised.

The New York Times reports that the man told police he had consumed "several alcoholic beverages" before starting his shift.

In a statement, Americans Airlines said they're investigating the incident:

"Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of the Piedmont employee. He did not request any medical attention upon arrival in Chicago, and we are grateful that he did not sustain any injuries."

"The American team is very concerned about this serious situation, and we are reviewing what transpired with our Piedmont and Kansas City colleagues."