Travel experts at Wild Packs are warning holidaymakers to avoid using black suitcases when flying this year as they are the easiest to lose and the most difficult to identify.
Black is the most popular luggage colour worldwide, according to an Eminent survey, accounting for 40% of all luggage purchases. However, this makes identifying your black suitcase tricky, with the CAA having already dealt with over 1,500 cases of UK travellers’ lost or misplaced luggage between 2018 and 2022.
Jamie Frazer, 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.”
Tips to Avoid a Lost or Delayed Bag at the Airport
- Use Colourful Luggage: “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.”
- Use 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.”
- Equip Luggage With Tracking Devices: “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.”
How to Deal With Lost Luggage
- Report Missing Luggage Immediately: “The moment you realise your luggage is lost, locate an airline representative at the airport and file a claim before leaving. You’ll need to complete a lost baggage report and provide details about the luggage, including its colour, make, and model. If the airline doesn’t follow up within three days, update your claim with a detailed inventory of the bag’s contents.”
- Arrange For Luggage to Be Delivered: “Once you have filed your report, check that your airline offers a free delivery service for your recovered luggage to your address. You can confirm if this exists when making your claim. If delivery isn’t included, discuss alternative options with the airline. Make sure to exchange contact information and request a tracking number so you can monitor your luggage’s status.”
- Request a Refund For any Fees: “Airlines usually have 21 days to return lost luggage, but if it’s delivered late, you can still file a delayed baggage claim. If the luggage isn’t found within 21 days, you’re eligible to file a compensation claim.”
- Keep Receipts From Purchases: “If you need to replace clothing or toiletries while waiting for your luggage, keep all receipts for these purchases. Airlines can reimburse purchases if they cost a reasonable amount, so it is best to double-check the airlines’ policies. Replace only what’s necessary to increase the chance of having your claim approved.”
- Review Your Insurance Policy: “If you have travel insurance, check the policy to see if it covers lost luggage. If you don’t have travel insurance or if your insurance policy doesn’t cover lost luggage, check if your homeowner’s insurance or the credit card used to book the flight offers any related benefits. These might provide coverage for lost belongings.”
- Check Your Returned Luggage: “If or when your luggage is returned, check the bag for any damaged or missing items. If anything is broken or lost, notify the airline immediately, as they may compensate you for the damages.”