Top 11 things to do to stop damaging your suitcase

How to protect your luggage from damage?

It's happened to most of us: we stand in line and check our luggage in perfect condition at the airport. A plastic wrap (or a suitcase cover) and a nap later, we step off the plane and head to baggage claim. We ignore a suitcase on the carousel that's the same brand and color but can't be yours... Because yours was spotless at check-in...

Damaged and spoiled, welcome to the luggage life.

It is estimated that more than 30 million pieces of luggage were mishandled in 2010, and that figure doesn't even include stolen or damaged items. This shows how vulnerable your luggage is after checking in.

So you must… and can take steps to protect your suitcase from damage.

How to protect your suitcase from damage… Let’s review some of these measures. Some of them may seem trivial, others less important, but together, you’ll give your luggage the better chances of emerging unscathed.

Here are the 11 things you need to do.

Buy luggage protection

This is one of the simplest… and cheapest things you can do. Made of PVC, they are specially designed to fit suitcases, with cutouts in the appropriate places. They are normally attached with Velcro.

They do a fantastic job of keeping your luggage clean and protected from the elements. Of course, they're not waterproof, but they do offer some degree of protection.

Not only are they inexpensive to buy, but luggage protectors last for many years and solve some of the basic problems you face when it comes to protecting your luggage: dust and dirt. They are also very effective at protecting plastics from scratches.

Send your belongings in advance

This isn't an obvious solution, but it's becoming increasingly popular, especially when you know the people receiving the package. Some people now choose to ship their luggage through courier companies. The advantages of this solution are: you can place your luggage in boxes, which offers better protection.

You also have the option to send things that you couldn't fit in your luggage and you can also send more than the baggage allowance.

Sending parcels abroad is getting cheaper and cheaper, and it's not necessarily more expensive than checking your luggage.

Pile as little as possible

As difficult as it may be, try to pack less. If you can pack as little as possible, you'll be packing less luggage and therefore less likely to get damaged. Besides making the trip less stressful, it increases the chances that your luggage won't get damaged.

Any baggage handler will tell you, these are the bags heavier ones that are treated with the least careThey are the ones who are tossed around.

So the solution is to limit the number of items you take and limit the number of suitcases… but make sure your suitcase is not too heavy… in which case, it is better to have two… so far, so good! In short, take less stuff.

Choose the right suitcase

As obvious as it may seem, you need to think about potential damage when considering luggage. Sure, some luggage looks very stylish, but are they more likely to be damaged?

At first glance, hard-shell suitcases may seem like they'll effectively protect their contents, but they're also prone to damage. Keep in mind that their hard shell isn't flexible and can crack when other heavy luggage is placed on top of them. They also tend to crack in cold weather and slide off the stacks they're placed on.

Soft-sided suitcases are much more resistant to impacts and are more likely to survive them unscathed, especially if they have recessed wheels, as most do. They also better support other items placed inside, but they don't protect your contents as well. Overall, soft-sided suitcases are much more durable.

So many things to consider… and you thought buying a suitcase was an easy decision!

Buy the same luggage

If you and your partner are traveling together, buy the same luggage. A baggage handler once told me that the two pieces will more than likely stay together because they look the same. This also means they'll stack better because they're the same size, reducing the risk of damage.

Wrap them in plastic

It's a simple solution, but wrapping your luggage in plastic wrap can help protect it. This service is now offered at most airports and allows you toavoid dirt and scratches. What's important is that it also ties your luggage in case the worst happens.

Given the number of people handling your luggage, this also helps keep out dishonest employees who might be tempted to steal… We all know it happens. This measure is likely to deter them from your luggage.

It's important to remember that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can open your luggage for inspection at any time, whether it's been filmed or not. At least you'll know it's been inspected!

Decorate your bag to make it stand out

Decorating your luggage not only adds a touch of individuality, but can also protect it from damage. A popular example is wrap the handle with a scarf.

This activity also has additional benefits. It allows your luggage to stand out and not be taken by mistake by someone else at the baggage carousel. It's also less likely to be taken by baggage thieves who like to prey on generic-looking luggage, because if it is taken, they can claim they thought it was theirs... Less likely if a bright pink scarf is tied to the handle.

Keep it simple and generic

The temptation is great to buy luggage that looks fancy and pleasing to the eye. This is not always the best thing to do. Expensive luggage attracts thieves…We know this happens, we must not ignore it. They are vulnerable not only at check-in, but also at baggage claim.

Visit plain and generic looking luggage does not attract attention on their valuable contents. Keep in mind that some luggage can cost hundreds of euros, the luggage itself is a target for thieves.

Take a photo before your trip

Taking photos of your luggage can be very helpful if the worst happens and it goes missing. This will help the staff identify your bag more easily. Obviously, this isn't about protecting yourself from damage... but rather about protecting your suitcase. A slightly damaged suitcase is better than no suitcase at all.

Zip up your toiletries

This is a no-brainer, but many people don't do it. Clear zipper bags are necessary for cabin baggage, but they're just as useful for checked baggage. A leaking shampoo bottle or perfume can wreak havoc on your contents. Why take the risk when a simple solution like a zippered bag can eliminate that risk?

Purchase baggage insurance

Again, this solution is not directly related to damage, but it is a way to protect your luggage. If a If an airline loses your luggage, its maximum liability is 1,200 euros., a figure set by the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Recovery.

This means that if the value of your content is higher than the maximum compensation amount, you are in trouble.

However, you have the option of subscribing to insurance which is an option sold by airlines or even your own insurance (home, car, etc.). It allows you toincrease the maximum amount of insurance compensation in case of damage to your luggage.

Keep duct tape handy

The secret of seasoned travelers. Duct tape can save your life… not literally, but you get the idea. Many seasoned travelers roll up duct tape and keep it in their toiletry bag.

Whether it's a broken zipper or a hole in your luggage, fix it with duct tape and you're good to go... at least for the short term.

Ask for a sticker " fragile" at the airport

It's not clear that baggage handlers pay attention to a "fragile" sticker. You'd think they would... or at least hope they would. In reality, they probably won't even see it, let alone pay attention. Normally, the pressure to turn a plane around in an hour forces them to work quickly. That's why baggage gets such poor handling.

Putting a “fragile” sticker on your luggage may be wishful thinking, but we live in hope… Don’t we?

How to protect luggage wheels?

Wheels on luggage were introduced for the first time by Bernard Sadow in 1970.

However, in most cases they constitute themost vulnerable element of your luggage. So how can we protect our luggage wheels?

One solution is to use covers. You can buy covers which attach to the wheels of your suitcase. These covers attach to the wheel and suitcase, protecting them from direct impact. They offer some protection and are therefore worth considering, especially since they are inexpensive to purchase.

Another thing you can do to protect the wheels is to make sure that your suitcase is not too much heavyA heavy suitcase puts a strain on your suitcase's wheels, which can cause damage. The solution is obvious: don't overload your suitcase and distribute the weight throughout the suitcase rather than loading heavy items at the bottom.

You can also consider the surface you're rolling the wheels on. On smooth surfaces, everything is perfect. Avoid rougher surfaces or more uneven terrain, they only damage the luggage wheels. The solution is to lift the luggage off these types of surfaces.

If your wheels are damaged, replace them. It doesn't cost much, and you'll often find that replacement wheels are much stronger. Examine your luggage... How the wheels are attached. Normally, they are bolted on from the inside, so it is relatively easy to replace them.

How to protect your luggage against theft?

Your luggage is vulnerable… it's a fact. Thieves know that most people travel with valuables in their suitcases.

There are two main times when your luggage is most vulnerable. First, when you check it in, and second, when you take it with you. There may be times when you look away from your suitcase.

What measures should you take to prevent your luggage from being stolen?

Never leave your luggage unattended – Airports and train stations attract thieves because they know they can take out a suitcase without anyone noticing. They blend into the airport's surroundings. This is the perfect scenario for thieves.

• Make your identifiable baggage – Do it in placing a sticker or scarf on itThis reduces the chances of them being taken by accident.

• Reduce your luggage – By reducing the number of items you carry, you're more likely to keep them together. The more bags you carry, the greater the risk of accidents.

• Keep important items with you – It may be tempting to pack money in your suitcase, but the reality is that you could find yourself in a very difficult situation if your luggage goes missing. Many travelers always wear a money belt under their clothes; it's a perfect accessory because it's discreet and hidden from prying eyes.

• Stay discreet – If your luggage is attractive or flashy, it will attract thieves. They assume it contains valuables. Not to mention the value of the luggage, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

• Never leave your luggage with people you don't know – It's easy to judge people at first glance, but don't trust them.

Your suitcases will remain intact!

You now have all the information you need to confidently protect your luggage before each of your trips! Feel free to share your best stories with us in the comments. To learn more, we've compiled our customers' most frequently asked questions below.

And if everything is clear, we can only suggest you to discover our travel accessories store to be 100% operational for each of your trips.

[title text= »Frequently Asked Questions » tag_name= »h4″ icon= »icon-user »] [accordion] [accordion-item title= »Can luggage be wrapped in plastic? »]

Yes, you can. You can. wrap your luggage in cling film at home or at the airport. It's worth noting that the TSA may cut it if they need to check your luggage. They won't reapply the plastic, so you do so at your own risk.

[/accordion-item] [accordion-item title= »Can I put a zipper on my luggage? »]

Yes, you can use a zipper, string, rope... anything to secure your luggage. However, the TSA can cut it if your bag is checked.

[/accordion-item] [accordion-item title= »What is a TSA luggage lock? »]

This is a lock on luggage that can be opened by the TSA and then locked after a baggage check. The TSA lock allows the TSA to easily open a lock without breaking itIf your luggage has a TSA lock, it is easier to check it.

If you would like more information, please feel free to read our article on How to unlock your suitcase code? We detail a section on TSA padlocks.

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