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Each year, countless travelers become victims of luggage theft, leading to financial losses and ruined trips.
While factors like airport security and luggage locks play a significant role, the color of your luggage might also impact its likelihood of being stolen.
Let’s take a better look at this in this article.
What color luggage is most likely to be stolen?
If you’re like most travelers, you probably haven’t given much thought to the color of your luggage as a potential theft deterrent.
Instead, we often prioritize factors like durability, size, and functionality. However, as curious as it might sound, the shade of your suitcase can actually play a role in its chances of being swiped.
A study conducted by the Travel Goods Association found a correlation between luggage color and theft rates. Now, before you assume that the brightest, most conspicuous colors are safest, hold on to that thought.
Interestingly, black and other darker colored luggage are among the most stolen.
At first, this might sound counterintuitive, but think about it: these colors are also the most common.
It makes them easy to grab without drawing attention.
A thief can argue that they “mistakenly” took the wrong bag, given how many look alike.
Furthermore, these muted shades blend into the crowd, ensuring a smooth getaway.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, while bright, uncommon colors like neon green or hot pink are less likely to be stolen directly from a luggage carousel, they can draw attention in other scenarios.
Imagine a thief swiftly moving through a crowd or down a street with a neon suitcase.
Not the most inconspicuous image, right?
So, if the extremes have their vulnerabilities, what’s the safest bet?
The study points towards uncommon, muted colors—think pastel shades like sage green, dusty blue, or rose pink. These shades are distinct enough to recognize but don’t scream for attention, striking a balance.
However, color is just one aspect.
Labeling your luggage using the TSA requirement and distinctively can also deter theft.
Consider a luggage tag with a clear name, address (perhaps use a work address or just a city and country without specifics for privacy reasons), and phone number.
This way, even if someone were to mistakenly take your suitcase thinking it’s theirs, they’d have every means to correct their error.
What are some recommended colors for luggage?
When we talk about the color of luggage in relation to its theft risk, it’s not just about making a fashion statement on the conveyor belt.
It’s about striking the right balance between recognizability and discretion. Based on our discussion thus far, let’s break down some recommended colors.
1. Pastel Tones:
Think sage green, dusty blue, or rose pink. These aren’t your typical luggage colors, which makes them stand out subtly.
They’re distinct without being too flashy, ensuring you can spot them from a distance without drawing undue attention from potential thieves.
2. Earthy Shades:
Taupe, clay brown, or muted olive are colors that aren’t very common for luggage, making them a smart choice.
They’re subtle, but not so ubiquitous that they blend into the sea of black and navy suitcases.
3. Two-Toned Bags:
A combination of colors can also be useful.
A navy bag with tan trims or a grey suitcase with burgundy handles can be both stylish and unique. The goal is to have a luggage color or pattern that you can quickly identify as yours.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Luggage Theft
1. Choose the Right Bag:
The first line of defense is the suitcase itself. Opt for a hard shell over a soft one. Not only are they tougher for a thief to quickly open, but they’re also less prone to tampering.
Zippers are often the weak point, so look for those that interlock or even better, ones that come with built-in TSA-approved locks if you traveling to a country that requires them anyway.
Remember, while no luggage is ‘thief-proof’, you can make it ‘thief-resistant’.
2. Stay Vigilant in Vulnerable Areas:
Most luggage thefts occur in a few key areas – the baggage claim, during boarding, or even at security checkpoints.
Here’s a simple mantra: keep an eye on your items, and keep them close.
At the baggage claim, be one of the first near the carousel. A thief is less likely to snatch a bag with its owner clearly in sight.
If you’re grabbing a coffee or waiting to board, keep your carry-on between your feet rather than beside or behind you.
It’s a small shift, but it reduces the chance of someone walking away with it unnoticed.
3. Personalize and Identify:
Make your bag unmistakably yours. This isn’t about vanity, but about deterrence.
A unique-looking bag, whether by design or through personal additions like bright ribbons or distinct luggage tags, is less attractive to would-be thieves. If they do take it, it’s easier for authorities or witnesses to spot and identify.
Conclusion
Choosing luggage is ultimately a blend of practicality and personal style.
But if you want to keep deterrents in mind, taking note of the color takes you one step closer to ensuring your belongings journey with you, safely and in style.
