If you’ve got a holiday coming up and you’re planning on purchasing a new suitcase for it, there is one colour that experts recommend you steer clear of.
According to an Eminent survey, more than 40 percent of suitcases purchased are black. This means that locating which black suitcase is yours on the carousel could become challenging.
Jamie Frazer, travel expert for US summer camp Wild Packs, has explained why passengers should ditch black luggage if they want to make sure they have the correct suitcase at the end of their flight.
“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 travellers, but if your bag is misplaced, you don’t want it to be hard to distinguish from other luggage.
“Instead, choose colourful luggage or add unique markers to your bag to make it stand out and easy to find.
“If you are travelling 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.”
If you want to avoid your luggage being lost or mislaid, Frazer has some top tips.The first one is to buy a colourful or distinctive bag.
He said: “These vibrant colours 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 colourful luggage tags, stickers or patterned straps so that it still stands out in a crowd.”
He also recommends using clear luggage tags.
“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.”