Baggage Battlers: 10 Pro Tips to Keep Airlines From Losing Your Luggage

Baggage Battlers: 10 Pro Tips to Keep Airlines From Losing Your Luggage - Bright Colors Make Bags Easy to Spot

One of the best ways to ensure your checked bags make it safely to your destination is to make them easy for airline staff to spot. Opting for a brightly colored suitcase over a basic black one can significantly cut down on the chances of your luggage getting misplaced.

Vivid hues like neon green, bright pink, or eye-catching patterns help your bags stand out on the conveyor belt amidst a sea of lookalike black suitcases. It also makes them easier to identify if they end up in the incorrect spot at baggage claim. Even putting a colorful luggage tag on a neutral bag can aid airline staff and fellow travelers in getting your suitcase to you promptly if separated.

Frequent travelers suggest choosing hard-sided luggage in a vibrant tone instead of soft-sided bags which tend to show scuffs and stains over time. Brands like Away and ROAM offer suitcases in fun pops of color like cobalt blue, cherry red, and bright white. These make locating your luggage a breeze compared to those nondescript black rollers that blend into the crowd.

If purchasing a new brightly-hued bag for your next trip isn’t in your budget, travelers recommend wrapping a colorful scarf or piece of fabric around the handle. Use a hair tie or zip tie to secure it so it’s easily identifiable but doesn’t come loose. Even utilizing brightly patterned luggage tags or straps can better set your bag apart from the masses.

Some road warriors advise placing a unique marker like a brightly colored ribbon or fabric flower on your suitcase handle. Others suggest tying balloons to bags for families traveling together so kids can spot their luggage quicker. One creative traveler adheres a flag to her suitcase resembling the destination she’s visiting.