Airlines warn passengers to avoid using these three suitcase colours when going on holiday

Suitcase Color Alert: Airlines Advise Travelers on Best Baggage Choices to Avoid Lost Luggage

Airlines are alerting passengers to reconsider their suitcase color choices, cautioning against certain shades that could increase the risk of luggage mix-ups and loss. For travelers keen on preventing the disruption of misplaced baggage, selecting a distinctive suitcase is highly recommended, as it could significantly impact vacation experiences.

Ryanair’s Recommendation: Steer Clear of Common Colors

Ryanair has specifically advised passengers to avoid black, grey, and navy suitcases if they wish to easily identify their belongings and prevent accidental swaps with other travelers. The budget carrier highlighted the difficulty in distinguishing these common colors on luggage carousels.

According to Ryanair, “To simplify spotting your checked luggage on the carousel, particularly if it’s black, navy, or grey, consider adding a vibrant luggage tag or ribbon to the handle. This simple step will significantly reduce potential confusion upon arrival.”

Prevalence of Black Luggage in Lost Baggage Incidents

This guidance follows a report by The Economic Times, which indicated that black bags are statistically the most frequently lost luggage color at airports. Despite its popularity as a practical and perhaps sophisticated option, opting for black luggage might inadvertently raise the chances of encountering baggage mishaps during travel.

Frankfurt Airport’s Stance on Black Suitcases

Echoing this sentiment, Frankfurt Airport’s CEO, Stefan Schulte, has also encouraged travelers to move away from black suitcases. He noted that the airport has experienced operational challenges due to the high volume of similar-looking black suitcases, which are “difficult to differentiate from one another.”

Mr. Schulte explained, “The prevalence of black wheeled suitcases makes the identification process very time-consuming.” The similar dark hues render black suitcases nearly indistinguishable, particularly in busy airport environments with high volumes of luggage.

Solutions for Easy Luggage Identification

For tourists aiming to minimize the risk of lost baggage and the subsequent need to utilize travel insurance, choosing a suitcase in a more vibrant color or adding brightly colored tags or ribbons is a practical solution.

These visual aids not only assist passengers but also enable airport personnel to more effectively identify and return misplaced bags, should they get lost in transit. By making your luggage easily recognizable, you enhance the chances of a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.