How to Prevent Theft from Your Checked Luggage | (Is this REALLY the best way to keep luggage safe?)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
- Should You Wrap Checked Luggage in Plastic at the Airport? The Surprising Pros and Cons of the Controversial Trend.
Is a luggage wrapping service the best way to protect your checked suitcase? Is wrapping your bag worth it? You might be surprised… In this video, we explore a topic that many travelers have wondered about: is it worth it to wrap your luggage at the airport? We'll dive into the pros and cons of having a suitcase wrapped at the airport, tips for checking a bag, and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision for your next flight. From theft prevention to damage protection to the price to have your bag wrapped in plastic, and additional baggage insurance, we cover it all. We'll also reveal a surprising eco-friendly alternative that you won't want to miss.
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00:00 wrapping luggage at airport
00:20 benefits of wrapping suitcase
00:42 luggage damage protection
01:04 lost belongings checked luggage
01:20 my biggest travel fail
01:43 travel insurance for luggage
01:57 track checked baggage
02:07 can I wrap my suitcase at home?
02:39 how much does it cost to wrap luggage?
02:49 reasons NOT to wrap luggage
03:17 can tsa search wrapped suitcase?
04:01 do I wrap luggage?
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Welcome to Portable Professional, your go-to resource for stress-free travel.
Megan here, Hello! I've taken well over 300 flights and countless trips in the last decade. I have learned how to have seamless travel experiences without unnecessary stress and anxiety. I'm here to help you also feel confident about your travels while making the most of every trip.
Ready for stress-free travels? Subscribe and join us every Wednesday and Sunday for informative videos full of practical tips. You'll learn how to navigate airport security, pack like a pro, identify scams, and even uncover little-known hacks to take your travel to the next level. (these are my specialty!)
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As a former baggage handler, please know that your bag will be much more slippery and likely to be dropped. It’s hard to grab ahold of as it’s coming down the baggage beltloader. The only place to get a good grip on two sides to grab it by the wheels which puts extra pressure on the wheels which they were not built for. They are more likely to break.
Interesting!
Thanks for sharing this!
what is a good alternative? Luggage straps? Luggage sleeve??
But the cover has holes for the handles, so you can grab ffrom the handlers
Some covers have handles, but what she is talking about is the luggage being wrapped in plastic. They do not. They slip out of our hands.
I do put brightly coloured duct tape around my bags because it:
- Makes them easier to identify.
- Means they are less likely to break open.
- Makes them (slightly) more difficult to break into.
- Makes it clear if they have been opened or not.
I use bright colored duct tape as well, but only a few strips around the luggage handle.
That's why I do it
The luggage wrapping service became an overnight sensation after an Australian tourist was arrested in Indonesia on drug smuggling charges and ended up spending 9 years in prison there. She swore black and blue, and still does, that a baggage handler put the drugs in her bag.
After that revelation, almost everyone at the time got their luggage wrapped.
There's plenty online about the case. Her name is Schapelle Corby if anyone's interested in the story.
Im aussie and I completly agree with this. Everyone locks there suitcase now because of that story, scares a lot of people still even though this occured well over 20 years ago.
Wow I'm Indonesian and didn't know about that. Will dive into it later
Tsm
I'm a former TSA agent. I could get into a suitcase in 15 seconds or less. I never stole anything but it sure was fun popping those locks!! Found many strange things in them, (ladies). No lock can hold me out so I suggest using zip ties to secure the locks. TSA will replace it with another one if need be!
I was just wondering about this! Thank you for making this!!!
Hi Megan 👋 Happy Wednesday!
I'm going to cover my bag with an inexpensive cover I saw on Amazon. I'm hoping a cover will keep it cleaner and scratches will be at a minimum. I really enjoyed this subject and information on this video
Thank you 😊
You’re welcome! So glad you liked it, Tammy!
I live in South Africa. Unfortunately this is done to protect the contents of your luggage from being stolen even before being loaded onto airplane (on SA side). Yes, travel insurance does cover this, but claiming and replacing are just so much effort.
I agree! Great to have you on the channel!
Also the reverse. No-one wants to arrive in Singapore with 'extras' in their luggage that someone else (most likely a baggage handler) has put there. That's where the wrapping thing started. Countries where having your luggage interfered with by drug-trafficking airport staff can cost you your life.
@@TheScratchingKiwi
@@TheScratchingKiwi I don't know if Singapore even has strict border controls. Just around three weeks ago I entered Singapore at Woodlands border station from Malaysia, and I did not have a E-visa number but a big suitcase.
The woman at the border control was so nice to give me her tablet to enter all informations, and after that nobody cared about my big suitcase and my backpack.
May be different if you enter by air. I left by air, and it was the most positive experience I had at an airport. No waiting at security, no waiting at passport control.
Thanks for the heads up, Megan. 👍👍👍
I remember seeing this as a "service" during overseas travel in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s. I had no idea it was still a thing.
Another fantastic video Megan
Thank you for an interesting and informative video 👏👏👏
1992 was my first trip to Singapore & the wrapping of luggage was a compulsory security measure. It was something I had never seen before but this became all common in some security duty.
I’ve had the opposite problem, Megan. I used a really old suitcase on a trip to Orlando 2 years ago. When I got to Orlando, the zipper was rusted enough that it wouldn’t open. I had to buy a can of WD40 to lubricate the zipper to get it open. I left the can at the air b&b since WD40 isn’t allowed in either checked or carry on baggage. I am carrying a golf bag next time that I go to Thailand and might wrap it in plastic to keep anything from falling out.
If you need zipper lubricant fast, try shampoo.. it's slippery and it washed off if you need it to. Smells nice too
The reusable luggage sleeve is the way to go. If you get one that is TSA approved, then it will work with your TSA lock and won't be an issue if they need to inspect inside.
Good to know! Thanks!
what is a " reusable luggage sleeve" ? - (being french ... I don"t know what you mean there, sorry ) thank you if you take time to answer me !
@@Maimitti stretch material that contours to your luggage usually has velcro on bottom to wrap around luggage and a slit on top to put luggage handle through.
No, I will not consider wrapping my luggage for all the reasons stated. Thanks for this update!
I use luggage covers (ordered from Amazon) in fun bright colors. It is easy to spot, protects from scratches, keeps it cleaner, and slows some down if they wanted to get into it. I machine wash once I get back home.
Thanks, Megan! I have never heard of luggage sleeves or straps!!! The straps sound like a great idea as you might be able to strap things onto your handle.
You are welcome, Mia!
Hi Megan, I'm sorry that the suitcase you purchased in you know where fell apart. They just don't have quality control which is sometimes taken for granted. Wrapping your luggage is a valuable option in such cases as well as for extra security and peace of mind. But in general I agree with you that the service is not worth it. I didn't even know the service existed which is exactly why I subscribed.
Thank you for your comment! It is great having you on the channel!
I bought personalized luggage covers that slide on and is secured with zippers and straps, giving me access to the handles. It can be unbuckled easily if TSA needs to look inside, but I will know it was tampered with by anyone else.
When I've seen this on offer, I've thought it was a good Idea, but I think after watching your summary of the pros and cons that it would be better to invest the extra $20 in a better quality suitcase. After 4 or 5 flights this will have paid for itself.
The recent tips you gave showing how easily a zip can be broken open was a further warning.
I did it a couple times on my first international flights, and definitely I wouldn’t do that again because it’s a waste of plastic and money, I try to travel with quality suitcases, and I think it’s enough 😊
I think the reason why you would really wrap it is to ensure no one interferes with the contents of your luggage. Last thing I want to worry about it someone adding in drugs etc
Great informative video like usual 👍 Where’s your doggy🐶
I do not wrap my luggage. I never pack anything valuable, and I have left my suitcase accidentally unlocked before. I use a luggage strap, and try to buy a non-black suitcase. I would be open to a luggage sleeve it I could find one that I like. Not just for the environment, but people who have problems with their hands or arthritis will have a hard time removing the wrap, and would need to use something sharp to cut it, risking damaging the luggage.
I have used it for my backpack as there are numerous pockets and zips and very hard to secure all of them.I hand carry on the way there ,then stuff with everything on the way back. (hiking poles,which can not be carried on board)
I’d only consider the wrapping service if I had a highly location specific reason to fear tampering AND the downside of theft or other internal would be significant.
I never understood this because if something of interest shows on the X-Ray it's going to get ripped off by security people.
Mine was ripped off, obviously by security, when the TSA were apparently going into every single suitcase and leaving cards in the suitcase telling you so
I have strapped my luggage in the past just to keep it safe from bursting, but as much as I have flown out of Japan where it is common to do so, I have never shrink wrapped my luggage. I would do so only if my luggage was compromised at a seam somewhere.
This is a great idea, as you say, if we're unsure about our suitcase(s) being sturdy enough to face handling. I like the possibility of having it rewrapped in case it's opened by security but I wonder how much more that service costs (if they went through the trouble of having that deal it might not be 20 but much more). Without the re-wrapping service it is likely more worth wrapping it yourself just at check in with your own saran wrap. I wouldn't mind environmental issues because I am not a frequent traveller. If I were one, I'd get higher quality luggage and also rely on my credit card's insurance.
Thanks for watching!
I like the idea of a sleeve!
Me too! Some great designs to choose from too!
As someone who works in packaging, that is not shrink wrap. That is called stretch wrap.
I have the reusable luggage sleeve for my carry on bag. It does hold together very well, and prevents scratches and damage to the outside of my case. As of now, I have not been required to check it yet, but it does have a tracker inside in the event it is checked at the last minute. I would probably skip the wrapping, as it just doesn't appear to be very cost effective. I would much rather spend the extra money on my actual vacation.
Happy travels, Lee Ann!
I have a reusable cover or sleeve for my 24" checked bag.
I wrap it for one reason. When the bag is scanned at the departing airport wrapped, it will show that I have no drugs. If upon arrival an unwrapped bag may have drugs placed inside on route by some nefarious bagage handler.I dont want the hassle of having to prove I didnt put them in there. Hence the wrap before scanning to prevent any doubt that the drugs were not placed in there by me. My thinking behind this is when the bag arrives it its destination wrapped and sealed with a sticker saying it was wrapped at departure and then scanned there is less chance a drug runner can place anything in them on route. makes sense to me even if the explanaition is not great 🙂
Ironically, it's just this reason the service became super popular (almost overnight) in the first place. There was an Australian tourist who spent many years in an Indonesian prison on drug smuggling charges. She swore black and blue that a baggage handler put the drugs in her bag and this is when the wrapping luggage phenomenon took off in a huge way.
Can you do a segment on luggage sleeves? I'm a new traveler. Thank you.
Thanks for watching, Judith!
After several bad experiences, I think I'll try luggage wrapping to keep bed bugs out.
I am from South Africa and believe me you wrap your bag so that it makes it more difficult for people to gain entrance while it is out of your person. In South Africa things are nicked out or put into your bags. I have always wrapped my bag and I will be wrapping it again next week.
I am not sure a sleeve is a deterrent for people who work with the bags before they are loaded into the hold. This is for South Africa
I travel relatively often, and have often used luggage belts, to prevent the suitcases from popping open. However, when flying from the USA, the belts are usually gone by the time the luggage reaches the conveyor belts at luggage pickup. I always feel, can the workers really not figure out how to replace them?!?! I can't imagine results being any better using luggage sleeves.
You forgot to include "less likely to have contraband put into your luggage by dishonest airport employees" as has happened to several travellers, most notable Shapelle Corby!
Ive never heard of her. Why do you think she was framed? That sounds like a huge conspiracy.
@@kombuched7481 Google it, about 6 months after she was busted for drugs in her luggage several airport workers were charged for putting drugs into passengers luggage and their accomplices would retrieve them at the arrival airport. She spent 20 years in a hell hole prison for something she very likely didn't do!
$20 each. I’ll pass.
No wrap for me! Sleeves could be interesting if I checked bags, but no plans to yet.
Thanks for this advice,I was thinking of wrapping my case at the airport for my next flight.But I won't bother wrapping it in plastic now
Glad you found this video helpful!
I know for the past 30 years, my parents have done this when they go back to their native country; for them, it's theft prevention and keeping things closed. Some attendants in their home country, more in the past than now, would slice open the bags, and things would go missing claiming it was "inspection." I don't believe it will happen anymore. For me, I don't use it. As for identification, I just get luggage that has wild patterns and stands out. Most people are self-conscience and would opt for bland, solid colors like black, grey, or the like. so it's always obvious when my bag comes out on the belt.
I won't be wrapping my luggage either. If I'm not confident about my suitcases zipper, I probably just won't use it or will use a luggage strap for extra security. I travel a lot these days and I agree that it's terrible for the environment so I may look into a luggage sleeve or straps.
All my recent flights I've had my baggage wrapped at the airport.
I use a tsa approved locking luggage strap. I figure the baggage handlers appreciate being able to grab the handles. Every piece of luggage is going to get scratches. The only way to avoid that is to stay home. I don't check anything that others would find valuable. I only use my travel jewelry which is fake, even my travel wedding ring. You can still appear fashionable and be a waste of time for theives.
I wrap the bag Then put a strap around it.. Easier to carry and for the baggage folks. Plus it's a ridiculous lime green strap so easy to spot. A Sharpie put my name and number on it too
Instead of finding ways to reduce plastic use, they keep coming up with more waste. So much plastic being thrown into nature around the world already.
I was today years old when I realized this was a thing. Oh, I've seen people with wrapped bags but I thought it was something they did themsevles (because they're a germaphobe or something) or that airport baggage handlers did it to suitcases that had been broken in transit. I had NO idea that this was a service offered at airports.
I'm not convinced by the 'pros'. Like you say, it's terrible for the environment and a waste of money ($20!). But also on a superficial note, my suitcase has a pretty - and easily findable on the carousel - tropical print and I wouldn't want to cover it up.
How does TSA get inside?
Wrapping a bag seemed like a good idea until I saw this video. The luggage sleeve sounds like a much better solution.
Welcome to the channel! Glad you found this video helpful!
can i not lock my checked suitcase, if TSA want to open it will they just break the lock? i dont have a tsa approved lock, its a bit annoying if this is the case as it means i have to leave my suitcase unlocked during a very long journey with multiple plane changes, it will be left hanging around unlocked goodness knows where
I would say unwrapped. Like you said in the video, TSA will cut the wrap and won’t rewrap, opening a security avenue. If security is a concern, stick with hard sided luggage and lock & immobilize the zippers with either the built-in lock or a separate TSA lock.
Good alternatives if you are wrapping for security reasons.
How much cost wrapping the regulier bag
Mine luggage was randomly inspected with all zip ties I had it’s gone so if I wrapped it it’s just a waste of money
Do they wrap your luggage normally or do you have to request it?
im thinking ill just stick my suit case in a heavy duty garbage bag and tape it up with a wide shipping tape with holes cut for hanles and wheels
They did that 10+ years ago in Europe.
I reported a domesticl airline employee stealing from my luggage in Manila airport. The thief and airport security guard were fired. Management seemed uncooperative. I spent 3 hours between 2 offices. I suspect there is an organized scam and theft ring among airport staff.
Once in Toronto on checking in I was told to wrap my bag. I said "screw that" and just dropped it off at the baggage drop like I've done umpteen times. It really made me feel like she was somehow getting a kickback just for being a person "of authority" telling people to do it.
Recently I went to the airport and they are not letting people check in or carry on luggage with battery ports or has a chargeable attach to the luggage. Stating it catches on fire. Could you please tell us a little about that situation. United airline was making people leave or buy luggage from them if you were traveling with one of those luggages. No longer can we purchase smart luggage’s that have lithium batteries.
Any lithium battery has to be carried on and cannot be checked. That info is readily available on every airline’s website.
Good video.
For now, while fit, I'm sticking with soft luggage, so won't be using these services.
I have a luggage cover AND a combination lock strap.
Great! Safe travels!
Thank you! So far (thankfully), no one has tried to pry open my stuff yet. 🙏
Good day,
With the reusable wraps, mine got stolen 2 times...
Oh no! That’s not good!
I noticed my newly acquired books never get pilfered. Shows the IQ and character of the baggage handlers.
I have some kind of luggage vest for my suitcase, flying to NY there was no problem but from JFK the luggage vest was not allowed.
But the plastic wrap was allowed.
Can someone explain whya plastic is allowed and a suitcase vest is not allowed
I would also like to know the answer to that! The vest or sleeve is so much more practical!
Reusable luggage sleeve, tsa lock and a luggage strap.
Your voice is great
? Like soothing? Professional? or something?
@Paul Tuff. I like her accent, or way of speaking, voice in general, as I don’t hear many people speak like this anymore.
All the plastic bags and wraps are bad for the environment.
I would only do that if I did not have confidence of the integrity of the suitcase. Otherwise it seems to be a waste of time (both wrapping and unwrapping).
Thanks for watching!
We wrap two bags together to meet the one bag per pax rule.
That’s okay if you don’t go overweight. My husband was charged $100 for his bag being three pounds overweight. Surely two bags wrapped together would go way over that. The idea is to not hurt any luggage handlers.
What is a reusable luggage sleeve?
It is a cover that slips over your luggage to protect it. They come in different sizes and colors/patterns.
Never! Too much plastic around already.
I’ve found that having my luggage wrapped deters hassle from corrupt customs agents when I am flying into third world countries. Might be a niche situation for most viewers of this channel, but I thought I would share for anybody that finds themselves traveling to the developing world regularly.
Can we talk about the impact to the planet? The production of plastic is also bad for the climate: Plastic production requires a lot of energy and releases large amounts of CO2. A large part of plastic waste is in turn incinerated, thereby emitting carbon dioxide - or it ends up in the environment.
You are so right, Patricia! It may not seem like much but every little bit adds up!
protection fr covid 4 luggage?🤔wow..
I put Air Tags in my luggage in case it goes missing. Is this still okay?
I do it, luggage, backpack, wallet, even my moped has an airtag in it
Have your luggage wrapped in plastic wrap.
You'll soon know if any one has tampered with your luggage.
None of this prevents baggage-handlers from damaging or, stealing from your bags. They do quote frequently. Sad bit, true. And, they will syeal anything, no matter the value. Trust and, believe no one.
No, I wouldn"t wrap my luggage. That said, never say never. But up to now, I have never felt it was necessary.
Thanks for watching!
is not worth the expense. I bought a high quality luggage so not to worry about it falling apart.
And i bought it in bright purple. I can find it on the carsoule and spot it walking out without me
No. I buy only buy good quality luggage, waterproof hard side.
Another idea is to use adjustable straps with a quick release buckle. It is economical, reusable and easily identifiable when using different bright colored ones.
I suppose it will prove the baggage handler thieves opened your luggage but airports refuse to do anything about it and you are SOL if things are stolen. 😡
I bought a luggage sleeve for my last trip and when I picked it up it was trashed. American wouldn't do a thng about the damage.
Also on American, my suitcase came down the claim conveyor much after the other passengers' luggage. Apparently, because it got caught somewhere and the moving belt under it damaged the zipper. Thanks AA 😐
Not scam per se, still and all, fails to hit neccesity mark.
Plastic is So bad for the environment 😢
Wait, this is a thing?! 😮
That's what I said! Strange, feels like a Shark Tank product.
It's been around for a while now.
I would for a wheelchair.
I agree that some items warrant extra care!
👍👍👍💝
nope, i might use duck tape though
Thanks for watching!
NOPE!
Happy travels, Hal!
@@PortableProfessional Thank you!
TSA is where quite a bit of thefts occur. Had a few items stolen by TSA agents. The bags are always under their control and purview.
If you're that worried about the environment, don't fly anywhere. Stay at home.
Nope that type of plastic isn't recycled.
I have noticed more Europeans will wrap their luggage than Americans. And I find Eastern Europeans wrap more than Western Europeans.
No, haven't wrapped my luggage, don't plan on it.
Sleeve, not plastic
I like your choice , Kathleen!
I have never, and would never, consider such a grossly wasteful practice.
Can we please use less plastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your daddy is a lucky one when he has a daughter like you.
Cute & intelligent Canadian.