Airports are stressful enough without the added chaos of lost luggage. Whether you’re sprinting to your gate or waiting at baggage claim after a long-haul flight, the last thing any traveler wants is to walk away empty handed.
But what if we told you that the color of your suitcase could be a major reason behind lost or stolen baggage?
Packing for a trip usually involves making smart choices about what to bring and what to leave behind. But experts are now warning that one popular suitcase color is a top offender when it comes to airport mix-ups, and travelers have been unknowingly setting themselves up for disaster.
A new report suggests that choosing the wrong luggage color could be the difference between a smooth vacation and a stressful nightmare.
According to budget airline Ryanair, travelers should avoid bringing black, gray, or navy suitcases when flying.
In a statement, Ryanair warned:
“Make it easier to spot your checked-in luggage on the carousel, especially if your luggage is black, navy or gray. Add a colourful luggage tag or ribbon to the handle so that there’s no confusion on arrival.”
The reason? These dark colors are almost impossible to distinguish on a busy conveyor belt, especially when thousands of travelers are arriving at once.
At Germany’s Frankfurt Airport, the issue has become so common that even the airport’s CEO, Stefan Schulte, had to speak out:
“Many people travel with black suitcases on wheels which makes identifying them very time-intensive,” he said.
The matter isn’t just about delays and inconvenience either. If your bag is mistaken or lost, the costs can quickly add up — from replacing personal belongings to fighting lengthy insurance claims.
This is where the real warning hits.
A report from The Economic Times found that black bags are the most commonly lost of all luggage colors at airports. Travel expert Jamie Fraxier from U.S.-based travel group Wild Packs explained:
“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.”
She added:
“This style of suitcase, which also includes wheels, is the default choice for travelers. But if your bag is misplaced, you don’t want it to be hard to distinguish from other luggage.”
Black may be sleek and stylish, but it’s also the one color most likely to get lost, stolen, or taken by mistake.
Experts now suggest going for bright, unique colors instead — think red, neon green, or patterned bags. And if you already own a black suitcase? Don’t panic — just make sure to add a distinctive luggage tag, bold ribbon, or even a sticker or two to help it stand out.
For travelers who think lost baggage “won’t happen to them,” it’s worth remembering that millions of bags are misplaced every year, and a black bag in a sea of identical ones is a recipe for trouble.
So before you jet off, ask yourself — is that all-black suitcase really worth the risk?
Feature Image Credit: (CanvaPro)
