As winter comes to a close, people are beginning to prepare for the next holiday, jetting off to their dream destination abroad. However, travel experts have warned that using this popular suitcase might lead to a disaster and ruin your trip before it’s even begun. With this in mind, they have offered a few tips to limit the chances of your luggage getting lost.
Travel specialists advise against using black suitcases for this year as experts at Wild Packs claim these suitcases are the most likely to get lost and the hardest to identify. According to an Eminent survey, black is the most popular luggage colour globally, making up 40% of all luggage purchases.
However, this popularity makes it challenging to spot your black suitcase. From 2018 to 2022, the Civil Aviation Authority handled over 1,500 cases of UK travellers’ lost or misplaced luggage.
Travel expert for US summer camp Wild Packs, Jamie Frazer further explained why passengers should ditch black luggage and said: “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. “
So, what should travellers do to avoid a lost or delayed bag at an airport? We have a range of tips below.
1. Get colourful luggage
Jamie Frazer continued his statement and said: “Choose bright and colourful luggage like yellow, pink, orange, green or bright blue. 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.”
For travellers looking to buy a new colourful suitcase then we suggest looking at Antler. The luxury luggage site currently has an incredible offer on; save 25% when spending £300, saving you £75 on your purchase.
If you are looking for a subtle and sleek colour to replace black, then we suggest the Suitcase Set in Antler Green – Single Stripe for £570 or the Large Cabin Suitcase Set in Taupe – Icon Stripe for £650. For those looking for a single case and not a set then this Medium Suitcase in Moorland Pink – Icon Stripe will surely not get lost at the airport.
Amazon is also selling unique cases that will easily stand out at an airport, such as this butterfly case for £64.95. Elsewhere, the site is selling suitcase covers, so you do not have to replace your old black one; for just £10.99, you can create a Personalised Suitcase Cover Protector; find out more here.
2. Use luggage tags and equip suitcases with tracking devices
Frazer said: “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.
“Luggage trackers with lithium metal batteries containing 0.3 grams or less of lithium, like Apple AirTags, are permitted in checked baggage. If your luggage goes missing, you can provide the airline with its location using the tracker, making the process of recovering your luggage more efficient.
“Additionally, you can activate the ‘Lost Mode’ feature in the app for your AirTag, which allows airline staff to scan the tracker with an Apple device and help you return your belongings.”
Samsung’s AirTag competitor, the SmartTag, is back on sale as Amazon revives a popular deal, slashing 59% off the usual price. The Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 Bluetooth tracker is now available for just £16.19, down from its regular price of £39.99, meaning it’s a good time to buy ahead of the spring holiday season or for peace of mind during your daily commute.
According to Amazon, over 4,000 customers have snapped up this handy gadget in the last 30 days. Users have described the tracker as an ‘invaluable gadget to put in a suitcase’ and have found it helpful in locating lost luggage.
One recent purchaser commented: “Fantastic, luggage stuck in UK myself in Spain. I tracked it on the app on my mobile as it travelled across UK to another airport and saw it pop up again in the Spanish airport. They added: “Nice and compact with a hole to hook it onto key ring. So good I immediately bought another on my return.
But while many customers are expressing their satisfaction, one disgruntled buyer remarked: “Just make sure they are suitable for your phone. I have returned this item as it isn’t compatible with any other phone and Amazon says it can’t be returned.”
If you’re in the market to safely track your luggage, then the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 Bluetooth tracker is a great option due to its price, or purchase an official Apple Air tag at Argos for £29; find out more here.