We’ve all seen it at the airport, albeit more often overseas than in the U.S. – suitcases that have been wrapped in layer upon layer of plastic wrapping. Ever wonder about it? Why it’s done? Do they do it at home? At the airport? Somewhere else? How much is it?
We found out.
Why Do People Wrap Their Bags?
The process of choosing to plastic wrap your luggage began about 25 years ago. The reason is simple enough – it’s another layer of protection for your bag because it slows down would-be thieves (who want to steal things as quickly as possible) who might open your bag (because look how easy it is to break into a locked suitcase). Plastic wrapping your luggage provides extra protection from dirt, scrapes, stains, and rain/snow, etc. And if your bag is overstuffed, it can help prevent the locks or zippers from failing and your bag from bursting open. So that’s all well and good.
Unfortunately, that plastic also puts your bag at risk of the same issue as this bag that’s banned on some airlines. It also isn’t reusable and isn’t always biodegradable. But at least some companies use 100% recyclable plastic that’s more environmentally friendly (the companies that sell these even suggest you remove the plastic in the baggage claim area as soon as you’ve picked up your bags, so it can be recycled at the airport). More unfortunately, if the TSA (or whatever national security body is of the country you’re in) wants to get into your bag, they will rip or cut that plastic right off, no questions asked.
But other than that, it works well for its intended use.
Where Can You Get Your Bags Wrapped?
Not all airports offer this service, and you’ll see many more of them in Europe and Asia than you will in the United States. But in the U.S., look for Wrap N’ Fly at Orlando (MCO), Secure Wrap at Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH) and New York (JFK) (Secure Wrap is actually the only authorized provider who partners with the TSA and they’ll even provide a complimentary rewrap if the TSA needs to inspect your bag.) Other luggage wrapping companies that don’t have a U.S. presence at this time are Seal & Go and Truestar.
How Much Does Bag Wrapping Cost?
Wrapping usually costs between $15 and $35 per bag (give or take) and the wrapping takes about 1 minute per bag. Kiosks should be easy to find in the terminals that offer the service, usually not far from check in.
DIY Bag Wrapping: Is It Worth It?
There are also YouTube videos that teach you how to do this yourself using either typical food grade Cling Wrap/Saran Wrap type plastic wrap, or a larger roll (you can get them at places that sell packing material, such as U-Haul, Amazon, etc), but then you have to be concerned about, among other things, it not being recyclable. In addition, DIY wrapping may not be as durable as professionally wrapped bags, increasing the risk of it tearing during transit.
Should You Wrap Your Bag? Pros & Cons
Whether or not you should get your bags wrapped is very much a Your Mileage May Vary situation. But this list of pros and cons might help:
Pros
- Helps prevent light scuffs, dings and scrapes on luggage
- Helps decrease water damage if it’s raining on the tarmac
- Security against someone who wants to steal something out of the bag quickly
- May help keep the bag together if it’s overstuffed
Cons
- Limited availability in the U.S.
- High cost ($35 per bag)
- Same potential problem as this bag
- If TSA wants to get into your bag, they will; money wasted (unless you used Secure Wrap & they say they’ll rewrap it)
- It won’t protect wheels or handles from getting stuck and breaking off
- Usually not biodegradable
Final Thought
In the end, deciding whether to plastic wrap your luggage comes down to personal preference. While it offers benefits like added security and protection, the cost and environmental concerns may make you think twice. Whether you’re traveling locally or internationally, consider these pros and cons to decide if plastic wrapping your luggage is the right choice for you.
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