This type of suitcase is more likely to disappear—find out which one before your next trip!
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Veronica E.
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With summer vacations just around the corner, it's hard not to daydream about those sun-kissed beaches or the excitement of wandering through new cities. Whether you’re planning to relax by the ocean or explore a bustling metropolis, the thrill of getting away is in the air.
But before you can dive into your vacation mode, there’s one thing that can make or break the start of your trip: choosing the right suitcase.
It’s not just about style or how much you can pack—it could actually determine whether your journey begins with smooth sailing or a frustrating airport headache.
Trust us, the right suitcase is more important than you think! So, let’s talk about why it matters and how to pick the one that’ll keep your travels hassle-free.

The dilemma of disappearing luggage
We’ve all been there—standing at the baggage carousel, watching as a never-ending stream of suitcases circles around.
You spot a black, hard-sided case and reach for it—only to realize it’s not yours. That mix-up may seem like a simple annoyance, but it’s actually a more common occurrence than you’d think.
The stats behind the black suitcase problem
According to a survey by Eminent, black luggage is 40% more likely to go missing compared to its more colorful counterparts.
Why? Well, black is by far the most popular color for luggage worldwide. While it’s sleek and stylish, it’s also the hardest to identify, making it the perfect candidate for mix-ups.
The art of standing out
Jamie Frazer, as quoted by Lancs Live, suggests avoiding the sea of sameness that black luggage represents. “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,” he explains.
So, how do you avoid becoming a statistic? It’s simple—make your luggage stand out.

Top tips to keep your suitcase safe:
1. Color your world: Choose a suitcase in a bright, vibrant color. Not only will it be easier to spot on the carousel, but it’s also less likely to be mistakenly grabbed by another traveler.
2. Personalize your case: If you just can't part with your classic black suitcase, give it a personal touch. Add colorful luggage tags, stickers, or unique straps—these small details can make all the difference.
3. Arrive early: Check in early and drop off your luggage ahead of time. This gives the airline staff plenty of time to properly tag and load your bag, reducing the chances of mishaps.
4. Tag, you’re it: Always attach a secure luggage tag with your contact information. Include your name, phone number, and email address—but skip the home address for safety. Even your carry-on bag should have a tag, in case it needs to be checked at the last minute.
The power of prevention
While no one can guarantee that your luggage won’t end up taking an unintended detour, following these simple steps can dramatically reduce the chances.
After all, the last thing you want when you start your dream vacation is a luggage disaster.
As you plan for your next adventure, remember: the suitcase you choose is just as important as the items you pack inside it. A little strategy and a splash of color could save you from a whole lot of trouble. Safe travels!
But now, we want to hear from you. Have you ever had the frustrating experience of losing your luggage, or do you have a tried-and-true trick for making your suitcase stand out? Maybe you’ve customized your luggage in a way that turns heads at the carousel? Share your stories below!
But before you can dive into your vacation mode, there’s one thing that can make or break the start of your trip: choosing the right suitcase.
It’s not just about style or how much you can pack—it could actually determine whether your journey begins with smooth sailing or a frustrating airport headache.
Trust us, the right suitcase is more important than you think! So, let’s talk about why it matters and how to pick the one that’ll keep your travels hassle-free.

Choosing the right suitcase can make all the difference for a stress-free travel experience. Image Source: Pexels / Ketut Subiyanto.
The dilemma of disappearing luggage
We’ve all been there—standing at the baggage carousel, watching as a never-ending stream of suitcases circles around.
You spot a black, hard-sided case and reach for it—only to realize it’s not yours. That mix-up may seem like a simple annoyance, but it’s actually a more common occurrence than you’d think.
The stats behind the black suitcase problem
According to a survey by Eminent, black luggage is 40% more likely to go missing compared to its more colorful counterparts.
Why? Well, black is by far the most popular color for luggage worldwide. While it’s sleek and stylish, it’s also the hardest to identify, making it the perfect candidate for mix-ups.
The art of standing out
Jamie Frazer, as quoted by Lancs Live, suggests avoiding the sea of sameness that black luggage represents. “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,” he explains.
So, how do you avoid becoming a statistic? It’s simple—make your luggage stand out.

Blending in can be risky—black suitcases are sleek but the most common choice, making them harder to spot and more likely to go missing. Image Source: Pexels /
Edgar Okioga.
Edgar Okioga.
Top tips to keep your suitcase safe:
1. Color your world: Choose a suitcase in a bright, vibrant color. Not only will it be easier to spot on the carousel, but it’s also less likely to be mistakenly grabbed by another traveler.
2. Personalize your case: If you just can't part with your classic black suitcase, give it a personal touch. Add colorful luggage tags, stickers, or unique straps—these small details can make all the difference.
3. Arrive early: Check in early and drop off your luggage ahead of time. This gives the airline staff plenty of time to properly tag and load your bag, reducing the chances of mishaps.
4. Tag, you’re it: Always attach a secure luggage tag with your contact information. Include your name, phone number, and email address—but skip the home address for safety. Even your carry-on bag should have a tag, in case it needs to be checked at the last minute.
The power of prevention
While no one can guarantee that your luggage won’t end up taking an unintended detour, following these simple steps can dramatically reduce the chances.
After all, the last thing you want when you start your dream vacation is a luggage disaster.
As you plan for your next adventure, remember: the suitcase you choose is just as important as the items you pack inside it. A little strategy and a splash of color could save you from a whole lot of trouble. Safe travels!
Key Takeaways
- Travelers are being warned to avoid black hard-sided suitcases, as they are 40 percent more likely to go missing compared to other luggage.
- The common choice of black luggage makes it harder to identify and increases the chances of it being mishandled or misplaced.
- It is recommended to choose colorful or unique luggage, or to add noticeable identifiers such as tags, stickers, or straps.
- Jamie Frazer suggests arriving at the airport early to check your luggage and attaching a secure tag with your contact details—but not your home address—for safety reasons.
But now, we want to hear from you. Have you ever had the frustrating experience of losing your luggage, or do you have a tried-and-true trick for making your suitcase stand out? Maybe you’ve customized your luggage in a way that turns heads at the carousel? Share your stories below!