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Many travelers use plastic wrap to shield their checked luggage. It serves multiple purposes, from preventing theft to keeping your bag clean and dry. Plus, it provides an extra layer of security in case your zipper malfunctions. While it's common to have a service wrap your luggage at the airport, it's also possible to do this on your own at home. Just keep in mind that security may remove the wrap before loading your bag onto the plane.
Steps to Follow
Selecting the Right Wrap
Opt for plastic wrap designed specifically for luggage. There are specialized stretch wraps intended for luggage protection. These rolls come with large handles for easy application, and many are brightly colored to help identify your bag post-flight.
- You can find these wraps online or at select big box retailers.
Buy large commercial-grade stretch wrap. If you're wrapping your own luggage, you can use industrial-strength stretch wrap that is commonly used for wrapping pallets and commercial goods. This type of cling wrap is more durable than the standard food wraps sold for home or restaurant use, and it comes in much larger rolls.
- You can find commercial-grade cling wrap at packaging supply companies, moving supply stores, or through online retailers.
Take the wrap with you for your return trip. When preparing for your journey, don't forget to pack your plastic wrap if you plan to use it again when returning. Keep in mind that you'll need to carry it in a separate bag since you won't be able to rewrap your luggage once it's been sealed.
Recycle the plastic after you're done. Some travelers hesitate to use plastic wrap due to environmental concerns about plastic waste. If you're one of them, you can still use the wrap and recycle it at a designated facility that accepts that particular type of plastic material.
How to Apply the Wrap
Begin by wrapping the center of the bag. Position the end of the wrap in the center of one of the larger sides of the bag, then continue wrapping the plastic around the bag while holding the end. As you wrap, the plastic will naturally secure the end in place.
- Once you've wrapped the center a few times, you can continue wrapping without needing to hold the end anymore.
Pull the wrap as tight as possible. To achieve a secure seal on your luggage, it's important to apply tension to the plastic wrap as you go around the bag. This ensures that the layers of plastic cling tightly together.
Wrap around the sides of the bag. To fully cover the sides, you will need to move the plastic wrap dispenser up and down as you go around the luggage. Make sure every inch of the surface is covered.
Wrap the top and bottom of the luggage. After you've wrapped the sides, focus on covering the top and bottom. Lay the bag on its side and wrap it from top to bottom, ensuring complete coverage.
- Once you're finished, the entire surface of the luggage should be wrapped in plastic.
Use tape to secure the end of the wrap. After finishing the wrap, you'll need to secure the loose end so that it doesn't unravel. Use packing tape or duct tape to fasten the end of the plastic to the rest of the wrapping.
Make small cuts for the handle and wheels, if applicable. To ensure you can easily move your suitcase, cut small slits in the plastic where the handle and wheels are located. This will allow you to extend the handle and roll the suitcase without disturbing the plastic. Be careful to make small cuts only around these areas.
- If your suitcase is delicate, be cautious while cutting the wrap to avoid damaging the luggage itself.
Be aware that security may remove your wrap. One potential downside of wrapping your luggage yourself is that security may cut off the plastic during screening. If this happens, you won’t be able to rewrap it before your bag is loaded onto the plane, unlike at commercial wrapping services.
- However, most bags simply go through x-ray scanning and are allowed to continue on without being opened, unless an anomaly is detected.
Other Ways to Protect Your Luggage
Use an airport wrapping service. Many airports offer luggage wrapping services where you can have your bag sealed in plastic. Once you arrive at the airport, find the wrapping station, let the staff know you’d like your bag wrapped, and pay for the service.
- Be sure to allow extra time to locate the wrapping station and to have your luggage wrapped. In larger airports, these services might be quite far from check-in counters or security.
- Prices for wrapping services vary, usually ranging from a few dollars to around $20 (US).
- One major benefit of using an airport wrapping service is that if your bag’s plastic wrap is cut during an inspection, most services will rewrap it for you.
Lock your luggage. Some travelers prefer using locks on their luggage instead of wrapping it. A lock makes it more difficult for thieves to access your belongings, though it won’t prevent them from taking the entire bag.
- TSA-approved locks allow security to open the lock without damaging it, and are available at travel stores or online.
Always watch your bags. One of the most effective ways to deter theft is by keeping your luggage within sight at all times. Avoid leaving it unattended or asking strangers to watch it, as this creates the perfect opportunity for thieves.
- Most airports have large bathrooms and wide aisles in stores that allow you to keep your luggage with you as you go about your day.
Opt for a carry-on bag. If you're concerned about your checked luggage being tampered with, consider using a carry-on instead. With a carry-on, you can keep a closer watch on your belongings, and it’s less likely to be damaged.
- When placing your carry-on in the overhead compartment, position the zipper side toward the back of the bin. This simple step makes it harder for a thief to access your bag without pulling it out first.
- Make sure to board early to secure the overhead space directly above your seat. If your bag ends up far from you on a crowded flight, it can provide an opportunity for someone to tamper with it.
