The present invention concerns a system for loading and unloading loose cargo (6), such as preferably pieces of luggage or the like, in a cargo hold (1) of a plane, including conveying the loose cargo (6) towards the inner end of the cargo hold (1) during loading, or away from it during unloading, and including transport of the loose cargo (6) between the level of the tarmac and the cargo hold opening. In the system of the invention, the loose cargo (6) may during loading be conveyed into the fuselage in a direction transversal to the longitudinal axis of the plane and also in the longitudinal direction of the plane, and deposited in the cargo hold (1). Loose cargo (6) conveyed back into the plane of the cargo hold opening during unloading may be conveyed off transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plane through the cargo hold opening. Moreover the invention proposes intermediate conveyor means (2) herefor. Furthermore the present invention specifies further alternatives for the system and also for the intermediate conveyor means and conveyor unit, respectively.