I was recently at the airport and I saw a luggage wrapping machine. I was intrigued on why people would pay between $20 and $30 to wrap their luggage in plastic wrap. I could understand if it were bubble wrap. Because who does not love bubble wrap. Especially when you remove it and get to pop the wrap!
The first question is why do people want to wrap their luggage in plastic before they fly. I could think of 3 reasons:
- Theft Deterrent. When the luggage is wrapped in plastic, it is less subject to theft. How could an airport worker access your luggage without someone realizing it since they would have to cut through the plastic.Â
- Protection. With the layer of sealed wrap added to the luggage, there is a lower likelihood of damage from rain or snow. Also there will be fewer scuffs, nicks and scratches from the handling of the bag. But the plastic wrap will not protect the luggage against any significant damage like broken wheels.
- Easier Identification. With the addition of the plastic wrap, travelers can identify their bag easier than others. Most people travel with black bags and it is always a challenge to find your bag on the luggage carousel. If you wrap your bag, it will definitely stick out.Â
There are of course downsides. First, the cost of $30 to wrap the bag, Second, TSA may cut the plastic wrap to inspect what is inside. Once that happens, then anyone will have the normal access to your bag as before. Of course, there is the environmental impact of using plastic to wrap your luggage.
My recommendation is not to worry about scuffs to your bag. If you are concerned about theft, you may be better off buying a more secure TSA approved lock for your luggage.