Plastic-wrapped luggage is a common sight at airports, but have you ever wondered why people do it? Is it really necessary, or is it just another source of plastic waste? In this post, we'll explore the history behind luggage wrapping, the waste it generates, and whether it actually protects your suitcase from tampering or damage.
How Did This Trend Start?
The most popular reason, at least in Australia, dates back to 2005 and the high-profile case of Schapelle Corby—an Australian woman arrested in Bali for smuggling a large amount of marijuana in her boogie board bag.
The intense media coverage led many travellers to believe that wrapping their bags in plastic would prevent airport staff from tampering with their luggage.
The fact is, some Australian airports were offering wrapping services before this incident, mostly catering to international visitors. But after the Corby case made headlines, plastic wrapping gained popularity among Australian travellers. Fast forward to today—20 years later—and airports are still providing wrapping services. But why?
One online commenter provided the following reasons:
- The wrapping service also includes a weighing service, so you’ll know if your bags are overweight prior to check-in.
- It protects against damage, prevents cases from flying open, removes the need for locks, and protects against scuffs and petty theft from baggage handlers.
Let’s counter that argument:
1. Weigh Your Bags at Home
There are inexpensive digital scales that can help you check your luggage weight before leaving for the airport. There’s no need to rely on a paid service.
2. More Sustainable Ways to Secure and Protect Your Luggage
Let’s be realistic—if airport staff need to inspect your bag, they will. Plastic wrap won’t stop customs agents or security personnel from opening your suitcase. It might indicate that someone tampered with your bag, but is it truly necessary?
Think about it—the chances of a baggage handler sneaking a large amount of drugs into a random suitcase, hoping it gets to the right destination without getting caught, then managing to retrieve the bag at the other end without detection—are pretty slim.
The Bigger Issue: Plastic Waste
Plastic luggage wraps contribute to a growing mountain of waste. In Australia, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of bags are wrapped in plastic each year. In the United States, that number jumps to a shocking 2 million bags annually. And where does all that plastic go? Straight to landfill.
What Are the Alternatives?
If security is your concern, opt for a reusable luggage glove with TSA locks integrated into the design. For protection from dirt or scratches, consider a washable, durable, and customisable luggage cover. Unlike plastic wrap, you can use them over and over again.
Lockable luggage straps are another good choice. They keep your suitcase secure, prevent it from flying open, and eliminate plastic waste—not to mention the added expense of airport plastic wrap services.
Who Has the Power to Change This?
As travellers, we can take action by refusing plastic wrap and choosing reusable alternatives. If enough of us stop using it, demand will drop.
But it shouldn’t always fall on the consumer. Airports need to step up. They should phase out plastic wrap services and offer sustainable alternatives instead.
What Do You Think?
Let me know your thoughts on luggage wraps. Should we put pressure on airports to end this unnecessary practice? Or do you believe wrapping luggage in plastic is necessary?
