The year has just begun, but many are already planning their summer adventures, which means it’s time to consider what will go into their travel bags.
There are countless options available, and various factors to consider when deciding on the right suitcase.
Should it be a vibrant color? Do you prefer a hard-shell or a fabric suitcase?
And, what about the size of the luggage?
It can be overwhelming, but once you have made your decision, the excitement builds…until your luggage goes missing.
After navigating through TSA security and boarding your flight, you might assume the next step is retrieving your suitcase at your destination.
However, there’s an often-overlooked aspect of suitcase selection that could impact your travel experience.
There’s one suitcase type that has a 40 percent higher chance of disappearing.
An Eminent survey reveals that travelers frequently opt for black suitcases, more so than other colors.
So, why does this matter?
As explained by a travel expert from the US summer camp Wild Packs, it all boils down to recognizing your bag on the baggage carousel.
Jamie Frazer advises against using black luggage if you want to avoid accidental mix-ups.
He explained to Lancs Live: “Hard-sided black suitcases are the most common luggage type globally, making them both the hardest to identify and the most likely to go missing.
“This style of suitcase, which also includes wheels, is the default choice for travelers, but if your bag is misplaced, you don’t want it to be hard to distinguish from other luggage. Instead, choose colorful luggage or add unique markers to your bag to make it stand out and easy to find.”
He further suggested: “If you are traveling with a black hard-sided suitcase, it is best to arrive at the airport early and check your luggage well ahead of your flight. This allows airline staff extra time to properly tag and load your bag, reducing the chance of it being mishandled or misplaced.”
Fortunately, while Frazer is not a fan of black suitcases, he offers guidance on selecting a more noticeable option.
According to the Express, he recommends choosing a suitcase that is colorful or unique.
He mentioned: “These vibrant colors are far easier to spot on the baggage carousel than the typical black hard-sided suitcase. If you still want to use a black suitcase, include colorful luggage tags, stickers or patterned straps so that it still stands out in a crowd.”
To ensure you claim the correct bag, regardless of its color or design, attaching a tag is crucial.
Frazer advised: “Even if your bag is intended as a carry-on, it’s a good idea to attach a secure luggage tag with your contact details. Include your name, phone number, and email address on the tag, as these are typically the quickest ways to get in touch. However, avoid listing your home address to reduce safety risks.”