How to Prevent Theft from Your Checked Luggage | (Is this REALLY the best way to keep luggage safe?)

[@Lisieux722]

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.

[@TheSimArchitect]

Interesting!

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@MiaHessMusic]

what is a good alternative? Luggage straps? Luggage sleeve??

[@SebaZero]

But the cover has holes for the handles, so you can grab ffrom the handlers

[@Lisieux722]

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.

[@BobHutton]

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.

[@wasmadeinthe80s]

I use bright colored duct tape as well, but only a few strips around the luggage handle.

[@baileyhall4531]

That's why I do it

[@estrellitakleynhans5360]

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.

[@PortableProfessional]

I agree! Great to have you on the channel!

[@TheScratchingKiwi]

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.

[@Maimitti]

@@TheScratchingKiwi

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

@@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.

[@cbjones2212]

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.

[@emem1356]

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.

[@sonotahehe]

Wow I'm Indonesian and didn't know about that. Will dive into it later Tsm

[@amymiller2764]

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.

[@tammypearson4500]

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 😊

[@PortableProfessional]

You’re welcome! So glad you liked it, Tammy!

[@deandecoursey2334]

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.

[@MoonbeameSmith]

If you need zipper lubricant fast, try shampoo.. it's slippery and it washed off if you need it to. Smells nice too

[@itsnotme07]

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.

[@PortableProfessional]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@Maimitti]

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 !

[@nicc8230]

​@@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.

[@MTimWeaver]

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.

[@matthewbrown6163]

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.

[@aminor7476]

No, I will not consider wrapping my luggage for all the reasons stated. Thanks for this update!

[@omara9205]

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.

[@DD654-jx9kl]

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 😊

[@beyblader10171]

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

[@MiaHessMusic]

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.

[@PortableProfessional]

You are welcome, Mia!

[@thegeneral123]

I never understood this because if something of interest shows on the X-Ray it's going to get ripped off by security people.

[@birbluv9595]

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

[@SometimesPerplexed]

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.

[@TheKerokitty]

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.

[@letter203ify]

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.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thank you for your comment! It is great having you on the channel!

[@TheSimArchitect]

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.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for watching!

[@pepelemoko01]

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)

[@GlennBurbridge]

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 🙂

[@cbjones2212]

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.

[@leeannkleine6120]

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.

[@PortableProfessional]

Happy travels, Lee Ann!

[@judithmitchell4667]

Can you do a segment on luggage sleeves? I'm a new traveler. Thank you.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for watching, Judith!

[@shellygreenfield8193]

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.

[@jackybraun2705]

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.

[@jackkemp2723]

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!

[@zoepetra]

I was just wondering about this! Thank you for making this!!!

[@r.1599]

After several bad experiences, I think I'll try luggage wrapping to keep bed bugs out.

[@campagnollo]

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.

[@PortableProfessional]

Good alternatives if you are wrapping for security reasons.

[@lawrenberghanson4401]

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.

[@kranspoort4486]

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

[@frankcutronijr]

I have a reusable cover or sleeve for my 24" checked bag.

[@Star-Boarder]

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.

[@MoonbeameSmith]

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

[@yaowsers77]

I like the idea of a sleeve!

[@PortableProfessional]

Me too! Some great designs to choose from too!

[@elliottmg1]

what if TSA has to open checked luggage?

[@MariaAlshie]

I have just been on an international flight and I had wrapped all 3 checked bags but the airline: 1. Got the bags to me more than 25 hours after landing, 2. Had removed all the wrapping from the bags and have stolen many valuable items. If anyone knows can you please advise me?

[@wendyon4517]

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.

[@RedIrishKitten]

As someone who works in packaging, that is not shrink wrap. That is called stretch wrap.

[@joelbickerstaff728]

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.

[@drbcrb]

$20 each. I’ll pass.

[@lorenzomag100]

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

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad you found this video helpful!

[@jaboubaa928]

Watch out with employees at Paris CDG airport. My luggages were broken into twice and 8 and 6 watches were stolen respectively.

[@raisin21]

Thank you for an interesting and informative video 👏👏👏

[@davidsmiths5471]

If your going to wrap your bag before check in. Realize that it has a better chance of being open by TSA! They are not going to rewrap it! Then if the wrapping gets loose any where on the conveyor system. The bag might miss your flight . Next comes the beltloader,could get caught on that an spinning your luggage right off and busting all over the ramp! Best bet Take valuables with you! Or invest in pelican type luggage

[@Mikere5]

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!

[@kombuched7481]

Ive never heard of her. Why do you think she was framed? That sounds like a huge conspiracy.

[@Mikere5]

@@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!

[@leohoward7282]

Another fantastic video Megan

[@TheMxa77]

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.

[@clairemoonshine]

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.

[@dulcielong4679]

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.

[@davesaunders7080]

No wrap for me! Sleeves could be interesting if I checked bags, but no plans to yet.

[@star-tingwithmyintuition3463]

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

[@Metsa25]

Wrapping a bag seemed like a good idea until I saw this video. The luggage sleeve sounds like a much better solution.

[@PortableProfessional]

Welcome to the channel! Glad you found this video helpful!

[@fcasale2345]

Good day, With the reusable wraps, mine got stolen 2 times...

[@PortableProfessional]

Oh no! That’s not good!

[@bobbyatman273]

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

[@rncine]

Great informative video like usual 👍 Where’s your doggy🐶

[@daylightdaylight6612]

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

[@PortableProfessional]

I would also like to know the answer to that! The vest or sleeve is so much more practical!

[@RBFR01]

Do they wrap your luggage normally or do you have to request it?

[@GrumpyAustralian]

All my recent flights I've had my baggage wrapped at the airport.

[@FZAChannel]

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.

[@missmayflower]

Any lithium battery has to be carried on and cannot be checked. That info is readily available on every airline’s website.

[@rosepink2773]

Will I wrap my checked luggage before checking in Airport? Or after checking?? Is it for free ?

[@susanbaleros6079]

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

[@tysonb3568]

How does TSA get inside?

[@pockets3956]

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).

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for watching!

[@omarathmar8465]

How much cost wrapping the regulier bag

[@birbluv9595]

I put Air Tags in my luggage in case it goes missing. Is this still okay?

[@supericeman1]

I do it, luggage, backpack, wallet, even my moped has an airtag in it

[@gregburville3368]

If you're that worried about the environment, don't fly anywhere. Stay at home.

[@israelmacario3853]

is not worth the expense. I bought a high quality luggage so not to worry about it falling apart.

[@blogauthor3375]

And i bought it in bright purple. I can find it on the carsoule and spot it walking out without me

[@fReAkLaNcEr123]

I have a luggage cover AND a combination lock strap.

[@PortableProfessional]

Great! Safe travels!

[@fReAkLaNcEr123]

Thank you! So far (thankfully), no one has tried to pry open my stuff yet. 🙏

[@birbluv9595]

What is a reusable luggage sleeve?

[@PortableProfessional]

It is a cover that slips over your luggage to protect it. They come in different sizes and colors/patterns.

[@mattburgess6466]

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.

[@richmiller9844]

They did that 10+ years ago in Europe.

[@Cpreu]

Your voice is great

[@paulct91]

? Like soothing? Professional? or something?

[@Cpreu]

@Paul Tuff. I like her accent, or way of speaking, voice in general, as I don’t hear many people speak like this anymore.

[@joope11]

My first job was with an international IGO, and I am still working for them, older and wiser, haha. However, since companies pay for first-class flight tickets over 8 hours, I saved my pay cheque for a few months. I bought myself a Louis Vuitton Horizon 55, Keepall Bandoulière 55, and Horizon Business. My first trip was to Toronto, New York, for a week, Geneva for 10 days, and then on words to Naribori, Kenya, for a few months. When I returned home to Toronto, boy oh, boy, did my parents and siblings make fun of me after seeing how damaged my suitcases were. Please invest in good luggage and straps. DONE! Don't be young and naive like me. No one knows you at the airport

[@samanthagaudet1461]

Reusable luggage sleeve, tsa lock and a luggage strap.

[@Hispandinavian]

I noticed my newly acquired books never get pilfered. Shows the IQ and character of the baggage handlers.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Good video. For now, while fit, I'm sticking with soft luggage, so won't be using these services.

[@SummerofKittyLove]

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. 😡

[@SUSANREYNOLDS-dn3ob]

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.

[@caroleanne8529]

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 😐

[@d.julian8337]

protection fr covid 4 luggage?🤔wow..

[@JaypeaFoto]

No, I wouldn"t wrap my luggage. That said, never say never. But up to now, I have never felt it was necessary.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for watching!

[@rb368370]

We wrap two bags together to meet the one bag per pax rule.

[@missmayflower]

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.

[@Gunna5067]

Never! Too much plastic around already.

[@diggs5518]

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.

[@billneal8995]

No. I buy only buy good quality luggage, waterproof hard side.

[@u_t_d_s_h-1_a]

Not scam per se, still and all, fails to hit neccesity mark.

[@anakerose]

Wait, this is a thing?! 😮

[@paulct91]

That's what I said! Strange, feels like a Shark Tank product.

[@nyc1164]

It's been around for a while now.

[@aminor7476]

I have noticed more Europeans will wrap their luggage than Americans. And I find Eastern Europeans wrap more than Western Europeans.

[@12GaugePadawan]

Want to minimize theft by luggage handlers? Avoid LAX and San Francisco. I’ve had stuff stolen every time…even my running shoes. Seriously. 😐

[@ehRalph]

The LAX rental car return is a den of thieves - left expensive sunglasses in car, told the tram driver to loop me back. He radioed ahead. Ten minutes later. Glasses were gone from car and no employees could be found- had to head back to airport or miss my flight

[@robertgrey6101]

Have your luggage wrapped in plastic wrap. You'll soon know if any one has tampered with your luggage.

[@cdalton3169]

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.

[@Sassy-Saphi]

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.

[@kimgrod]

No, haven't wrapped my luggage, don't plan on it.

[@kittykathy9532]

Plastic is So bad for the environment 😢

[@LeicaCat]

So is flying.

[@lahmarket]

NOPE!

[@PortableProfessional]

Happy travels, Hal!

[@lahmarket]

@@PortableProfessional Thank you!

[@patriciakooy5557]

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.

[@PortableProfessional]

You are so right, Patricia! It may not seem like much but every little bit adds up!

[@mrslcom]

All the plastic bags and wraps are bad for the environment.

[@TEWAdventures]

nope, i might use duck tape though

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for watching!

[@tmalin681]

I would for a wheelchair.

[@PortableProfessional]

I agree that some items warrant extra care!

[@DarkestStarryNight]

Sleeve, not plastic

[@PortableProfessional]

I like your choice , Kathleen!

[@cinemalover8699]

Can we please use less plastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@user-wl9yr1bj4w]

plastic is nice for landfills 😅