After the flight When the aircraft reaches the gate there is often a mad rush to get up, get the luggage out and leave the plane. There is really no reason for this because, after leaving the plane, you have to wait for your checked-in baggage anyway. When you collect your baggage, make sure you are at the right baggage claim. Sometimes there is more than one conveyor belt. At some airports baggage handlers will remove bags from the conveyor belt if they are not claimed immediately and place them somewhere on the floor.
Most airports have a counter for oversized and unusual baggage like bikes or surfboards.
Damaged bags will probably end up there, too. After a long flight you are tired and don't want to look for a place to sleep. I like to travel without plan and normally don't book accommodation beforehand, but I do always book in a hotel for the first one or two nights after a long flight so that I don't have to run around finding a bed to sleep in when I am tired and jet lagged. Sometimes, especially when arriving late at night, the best option is to get a room at an airport hotel. Especially when renting a car it can be a good idea to get the car on the next morning, when you have slept a night in a real bed.