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Airport baggage roulette: If your suitcase is this colour, it might never make it home

Luggage mix-ups are the bane of any traveller’s journey, but could the colour of your suitcase be increasing the odds of a baggage blunder? While most lost luggage stories blame airline mishaps, missed connections, or faulty baggage handling systems, new data suggests that your suitcase’s hue might be a bigger factor than you think.

Luggage mix-ups are the bane of any traveller’s journey, but could the colour of your suitcase be increasing the odds of a baggage blunder? While most lost luggage stories blame airline mishaps, missed connections, or faulty baggage handling systems, new data suggests that your suitcase’s hue might be a bigger factor than you think.

The great black suitcase problem

Black luggage dominates baggage carousels worldwide. It’s classic, professional, and practical—but it also happens to be the easiest to mistake for someone else’s. According to data from Eminent, black is the most popular suitcase colour, accounting for 45% of all luggage sales. That means nearly half the bags on any given carousel are identical at a glance, increasing the chances of an accidental swap.

Travel professionals have seen it happen time and time again—a weary traveller grabs a lookalike black suitcase, only to realise their mistake when they reach the hotel. And in the chaos of a busy baggage claim, these mix-ups can take hours (or even days) to sort out.

What is the best colour for your suitcase?

On the flip side, bright and unique suitcases are far less likely to go missing. Eminent’s report suggests that eye-catching colours like red, blue, and yellow are among the least commonly misplaced. Why? Because fewer people own them, and they’re easier to spot in a sea of black and grey.

Some travel pros even swear by patterned or personalised luggage—think neon straps, giant stickers, or custom-painted designs. The more distinct your bag, the less likely it is to vanish into the wrong hands.

@kristy.sarah here’s the longer version 😂 #customluggage #luggagecover #prank IB @Сергей Сухов ♬ original sound – Kristy Sarah

Lost luggage: The real reasons behind the chaos

Of course, colour isn’t the only reason bags go missing. According to SITA’s 2024 Baggage IT Insights report, 6.9 bags per 1,000 passengers were mishandled in 2023—better than the previous year, but still affecting millions of travellers.

The top reasons for lost luggage?

  • Transfer delays: When flights are tight and connections are rushed, bags often don’t make it onto the next plane in time.
  • Tagging errors: Even in the age of digital tracking, barcode mishaps happen, sending bags to the wrong city.
  • Overloaded airports: Busy travel seasons see baggage handlers working at capacity, which increases the chance of misplaced luggage.
  • Unclaimed baggage: Sometimes, bags simply sit on the carousel because the owner doesn’t show up—whether due to a missed flight, a reroute, or sheer forgetfulness.
A lone suitcase abandoned on the tarmac—one of the many ways luggage can go missing before it even reaches baggage claim.
A lone suitcase abandoned on the tarmac—one of the many ways luggage can go missing before it even reaches baggage claim.

Read similar: A Karryon guide to carry-on cases: 6 of the best cabin baggage to up your travel cred

Where are you most likely to lose your suitcase?

Interestingly, lost luggage rates aren’t the same worldwide. While mishandling rates in North America and Europe remain high, Asia Pacific leads the pack with the lowest rate of lost bags—just 3.0 per 1,000 passengers.

So what’s their secret? Industry experts point to investments in cutting-edge tracking technology and automated baggage systems that streamline sorting. Many Asian airports also have more advanced digital monitoring, allowing airlines to pinpoint a bag’s location at any moment.

When suitcases don’t make it to their owners, they end up in the lost luggage pile, waiting to be claimed—or auctioned off.
When suitcases don’t make it to their owners, they end up in the lost luggage pile, waiting to be claimed—or auctioned off.

Travel pro tips: Keeping your bag off the lost list

For those who want to avoid the dreaded lost luggage scenario, here are some expert tips:

  • Go bold. If you’re in the market for new luggage, ditch the black and opt for a bright or unusual design.
  • Tag it smart. Attach a GPS tracker like an Apple AirTag or Tile to your suitcase for real-time location updates.
  • Use airline apps. Many carriers now offer baggage tracking through their apps—use them to monitor your bag’s journey.
  • Snap a pic. Before checking in, take a quick photo of your bag (including its tag) so you have proof if it goes missing.
  • Avoid tight layovers. The shorter your connection, the higher the risk of your bag not making it.

Luggage may still go astray now and then, but a little planning—and a pop of colour—can go a long way in keeping your suitcase safe.