Travel expert from Wild Packs warns against one type of luggage most likely to go missing (Image: Getty)
It’s one of the most unsettling feelings when travelling.
You disembark ready for a new adventure, waiting for your luggage to come round on the carousel and, to your horror, you realise it has gone missing.
If this is an experience you’ve endured you’ll understand the inconvenience lost luggage can cause.
It’s not uncommon either. In 2022, 7.6 pieces of luggage were lost, delayed, or damaged for every 1,000 passengers in the UK – a 10-year high.
Turns out, there is one specific luggage type that’s 40% more likely to vanish.
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Black luggage is 40% more likely to go missing than any other colour (Image: Getty)
According to an Eminent survey, black suitcases are the far more preferred luggage colour of all.
The reason being is, according to US summer camp , that black luggage is far easier to spot when on the carousel.
This is why you should avoid this type of luggage which Jamie Frazer from Wild Packs warns will increase the likelihood of someone else grabbing yours instead of theirs at the .
“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,” said Frazer, as per .
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By putting a tag on your luggage the risk of it going missing is far reduced (Image: Getty)
“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.”
Frazer advised to rather opt for colourful luggage and to add your own unique mark to it “to make it stand out and easy to find”.
He continued: “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.”
One of the best added items to your luggage to help ensure its safety is attaching a tag to your luggage.
“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,” explained Frazer.
“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.”