Lois Larson
Wrapping suitcases in plastic wrap is a service provided by many airports and kiosks, such as Seal & Go, TrueStar, and Secure Wrap. The primary reasons for travellers to use this service are to protect their luggage from theft, pilferage, damage, and the introduction of unauthorized goods. Additionally, it provides peace of mind, especially for those with expensive luggage or those travelling with bulkier items. However, there are also drawbacks, including the environmental impact of plastic waste, accessibility issues when trying to access the luggage, and the possibility of having to pay for the service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for wrapping luggage | To prevent theft, pilferage, damage, unauthorized goods, and tampering. |
| Peace of mind | Many travellers worry about their luggage and personal items from check-in until they see them on the carousel. |
| Environmental impact | The plastic used in wrapping contributes to waste, and not all wraps are recyclable. |
| Security checks | Wrapped bags may need to be opened by security, which means the wrap might be cut open. Some services do offer rewrapping. |
| Accessibility issues | Once wrapped, accessing your luggage becomes difficult. |
| Cost | It can cost between $5 and $20 USD to wrap luggage at the airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Peace of mind
Wrapping your suitcase in plastic at the airport is a service that offers travellers peace of mind. Airports are busy places, and baggage handlers have to move bags off and on planes quickly. An extra layer of protection in the form of plastic wrap acts as a shield against scrapes, gashes, bumps, and bad weather. It will also help to prevent a full bag from bursting open.
The plastic wrap facilities at many major airports claim to use materials that are not toxic, ecologically, or environmentally harmful. However, the plastic used in wrapping contributes to waste, and not all wraps are recyclable. If you are concerned about the environmental impact, you could consider wrapping your bag yourself at home with your own plastic wrap.
Wrapping your suitcase also offers protection against theft and the introduction of unauthorized goods. In 2023, a SITA report found that the global baggage mishandling rate—including lost, stolen, damaged, pilfered, or delayed bags—had risen. Wrapping your suitcase can deter thieves and ensure that no one adds any illegal items to your luggage.
Finally, wrapping your suitcase can also provide peace of mind if you are concerned about your bag getting damaged during transit. If your suitcase is not the most durable, wrapping it in plastic can keep everything secure and prevent your bag from bursting open or getting scratched.
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Protection from theft
Wrapping your suitcase in plastic at the airport can provide some protection from theft. It acts as a deterrent, as thieves will need to cut the plastic to get into your suitcase. Additionally, if your bag is wrapped, you will know if someone has tampered with it because the plastic will be cut or removed.
However, wrapping your suitcase does not guarantee that your belongings will be safe from theft. Security personnel may need to cut the plastic to inspect your bag, and they may not rewrap it. To protect your belongings from theft, you can also:
- Keep your luggage with you at all times. If you need to step away, ask a travelling companion to watch your bags.
- Get to the baggage claim area as quickly as possible after landing, and position yourself near the carousel's entry point to see your luggage as soon as it appears.
- Tag your belongings with your identification.
- Place valuables such as your phone, wallet, keys, and cash inside your carry-on bag or a zippered pocket in a piece of clothing.
- Use a lock on your suitcase. Opt for a TSA-approved lock, which can be easily opened by airport security without damaging your luggage.
- Use a luggage tracker such as Tile or Apple AirTag to monitor the location of your bag through an app on your phone.
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Prevent damage
Wrapping your suitcase in plastic at the airport can help prevent damage. The plastic acts as a shield against scraps, scratches, scuffs, gashes, bumps, and spills. It can also protect your suitcase from bursting open if it gets jostled around during handling. This is particularly valuable for travellers carrying luxury brand luggage or special items, like sports or accessibility equipment, which are more susceptible to damage.
Additionally, wrapping your suitcase can protect against bad weather conditions and natural elements such as rain. It can save a soft-sided bag or cardboard box from getting soaked in a downpour and keep them free of snow and partly frozen winter gunk in cold climates. Wrapping your suitcase can also be useful if you are travelling through areas with unpredictable weather or are concerned about liquids spilling in the luggage hold.
Wrapping your suitcase can also make it easier to identify on the baggage carousel. In a sea of similar-looking bags, the distinctive look of a wrapped suitcase can help you spot your belongings quickly.
However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of using plastic wrap. The plastic used in wrapping contributes to waste, and not all wraps are recyclable. Additionally, once your bag is wrapped, accessing your luggage becomes difficult. If you need to remove items due to weight restrictions or want to access something quickly, you will need to unwrap the entire bag.
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Avoid smuggling
Wrapping your luggage in plastic at the airport can be a great way to avoid smuggling. The plastic wrap acts as a protective layer, preventing anyone from adding items to your suitcase without you noticing. This simple measure can provide peace of mind, especially if you're concerned about the potential for mishandled baggage, which was the highest category of complaints related to air travel in 2017, according to the Department of Transportation.
However, it's important to be aware of a few considerations. Firstly, wrapping your luggage may make it difficult to access your belongings quickly if needed. Secondly, wrapped bags may need to be opened by security, which could defeat the purpose of the wrap. Additionally, the plastic used for wrapping contributes to waste, and while some companies claim their plastic is recyclable, not all wraps are.
To avoid these potential issues, consider using a reusable luggage cover instead of plastic wrap. This option still offers protection for your suitcase without the environmental impact and accessibility concerns. If you do opt for plastic wrapping, research the service provider beforehand to see if they offer free rewrapping in case security needs to open your bag.
Lastly, be mindful of the cost, as prices can range from $5 to $35, depending on the size of your suitcase and the airport. Some airports may also have queues for this service, adding an element of stress to your travel experience. Overall, while plastic wrap can be an effective deterrent to smuggling, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it's the right choice for your travel needs.
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Cost
Wrapping your luggage at the airport can provide peace of mind and protect your belongings from damage. However, it comes at a cost, and prices can vary depending on the airport and the size and number of bags you have.
In the United States, the cost of wrapping a single piece of luggage typically ranges from $15 to $35. Some airports may charge higher fees for additional travel insurance or for irregularly shaped items, such as golf clubs or wheelchairs. These higher-priced services may also include trackable stickers to allow travellers to track their bags.
At O.R. Tambo Airport in South Africa, the price to wrap a 23kg suitcase is R70, while at Cape Town International Airport, it costs R100 per bag. Wrapping luggage is a common practice for travellers, especially in international terminals, and can be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind and protection.
It is worth noting that some travellers choose to wrap their luggage themselves using heavy-duty cling wrap and tape, especially if they have multiple bags, as the cost of wrapping multiple bags at the airport can add up quickly. Additionally, some airports may offer free wrapping services, such as at the Sandton Gautrain station in South Africa when taking the airport train.
Overall, the cost of wrapping your suitcase at the airport can vary but generally ranges from $15 to $35 in the United States and around R100 in South Africa.
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Frequently asked questions
Wrapping your suitcase in plastic adds an extra layer of protection to your luggage. It protects your suitcase from scrapes, gashes, bumps, and bad weather, and will help prevent a full bag from bursting open. It also prevents the introduction of unauthorized goods into your luggage.
Wrapped bags may need to be opened by security, defeating the purpose. It also adds to the waste, as the plastic used in wrapping is not always recyclable. Once wrapped, accessing your luggage becomes difficult. Lastly, wrapping your suitcase can be costly, with some airports charging around $20 USD.
Many major airports throughout the US have plastic wrap facilities. Major companies that provide this service across the USA include Secure Wrap, Seal & Go, and TrueStar.
In the US, prices range from $15 to $35, depending on the size of your suitcase and its irregularity. However, some airports can charge around $20 USD.
