Planning your next vacation and thinking of buying a new suitcase? Before you rush into choosing that sleek black one you’ve had your eye on, you might want to think twice. While it may look stylish and professional, the color of your suitcase could be putting your travel plans at risk, especially when it comes to easily spotting it at the baggage carousel.
According to a global survey by Eminent, over 40% of suitcases purchased worldwide are black, making it the most popular color. However, this popularity has a downside. Black suitcases can be notoriously difficult to identify in crowded airports, leading to potential confusion and even misplaced luggage.
Jamie Frazer, a travel expert from the US-based summer camp Wild Packs, explains the issue with black luggage. “Hard-sided black suitcases are the most common globally, making them the hardest to identify and most likely to go missing,” Frazer points out. He adds that if your suitcase gets lost, it will be much harder to track down among a sea of identical black bags.
If you’ve already invested in a black suitcase, don’t worry there are simple ways to make it stand out. Frazer suggests opting for brighter colors or distinct patterns that will make your bag much easier to spot on the carousel. Colors like neon pink, electric blue, or vibrant red are not only eye-catching but also make your suitcase stand out in a crowd of similar-looking bags.
For those who prefer the timeless elegance of black luggage, Frazer offers a few creative solutions. Adding a unique identifier, such as a colorful luggage tag, custom stickers, or a patterned strap, can greatly improve your chances of quickly identifying your bag among the others.
Luggage mix-ups can happen to anyone, but there are some ways to lower the likelihood of your suitcase going missing. Here are a few helpful tips that will ensure a smoother, less stressful experience:
Arrive Early: Checking in your luggage well in advance gives airline staff enough time to properly tag and load your bags. Rushing through the check-in process increases the chances of mistakes.
Secure Your Luggage Tags: Make sure to attach a sturdy, clear luggage tag with your contact information (name, phone number, and email address). However, for privacy reasons, avoid including your home address on the tag.
Personalize Your Luggage: Adding colorful ribbons, patches, or even a small custom-made banner can make your bag instantly recognizable, helping you avoid the stress of searching through a sea of identical suitcases.
While black luggage may seem like a classic and practical choice, it’s not without its risks. In busy airports, where hundreds of bags might look the same, it’s easy for mistakes to happen. Frazer stresses the importance of being proactive by personalizing your luggage. This small effort can save you a lot of time and frustration when retrieving your bag.
Black suitcases, although practical and versatile, tend to blend in with the crowd, which can cause delays and confusion. Instead, consider stepping out of your comfort zone and choosing a brighter, more personalized option. This way, you’ll not only stand out but also ensure your vacation starts on a smooth and stress-free note.
Ultimately, your suitcase’s color can have a significant impact on your travel experience. By being mindful of this small but important detail, you can spend more time enjoying your holiday and less time waiting at the baggage claim.