A travel expert has warned Brits to avoid a common type of suitcase, as it’s more likely to be lost or stolen – but another expert says colourful luggage is a no-no too
A travel expert has issued a stark warning to holidaymakers to give ‘black suitcases’ a wide berth.
Johnny Jet, a travel blogger, explained how black hard-sided baggage is the most common and thus the likeliest to be lost in the shuffle or pilfered due to its similarity to countless others on the carousel.
His top tip? Steer clear of the norm – avoid those black suitcases. Meanwhile, another savvy traveller has recommended shunning extremely bright luggage too when you’re prepping for your getaway.
An industry insider opened up to Johnny about the woes of black hard-case luggage, saying: “In the baggage industry, it’s 22HW type and almost regarded as the default bag type. If your bag is missing, you don’t want to be the black hard one, you want to be the green one,” he recalled.
When there’s a scramble to locate a missing piece of luggage, the team can rummage through usual spots like lost property or loading areas. The trick of the trade?
Owning a bag that stands out – those mundane lookalikes heighten the risk of being overlooked in favour of the next shipment. For those who have a black hard-sided suitcase, locking it up with a recognizable strap, an Apple AirTag, SmartTag, or even a luggage strap flaunting your name can save the day – or just knot something eye-catching around the handle, perhaps a vivid address tag.
A German airport recently suggested holidaymakers choose coloured luggage to avoid airport delays. “Many people travel with black suitcases on wheels which makes identifying them very time-intensive,” Johnny Jet added. “No matter which company you buy your luggage from, just make sure it’s not a black hard-sided suitcase because you want your luggage to be easy to identify.
While you might want to pick a bright suitcase for your holiday, a security pro says it’s not a good idea. Shahzad Ali, who knows all about staying safe, tells people to use dark, plain bags to avoid thieves. He explained: “Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won’t only be attractive to you.
“It’s best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one as to not stand out from the crowd and with it, a high-quality padlock.
“This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe. You can add an identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid getting your luggage mistaken for someone else’s whilst still remaining subtle.”
