Passengers warned against using 'colourful suitcase' by expert
Choosing a suitcase to travel with isn't simple anymore.
While modern suitcases are easy to transport when flying many will remember the days when you had a single handle and no wheels - an important factor is hotly debated.
The colour. Is a colourful case a benefit or not?
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Suitcases on luggage conveyor belt in baggage claim at airport. Unclaimed luggages and unrecognisable people in the background. Getty
A security expert is the latest to weigh in. It may not be good news if you've opted for luggage that stands out.
Shahzad Ali, security expert and CEO of security firm Get Licensed, advises not to fall for fashionable trends by buying a dazzling coloured case.
Why?
He says they could attract thieves.
"Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won't only be attractive to you," Shahzad told The Express.
"It's best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one - as to not stand out from the crowd - and with it, a high-quality padlock.
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"This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe."
Of course that padlock must be approved for travel, in case authorities need to open it.
But he also has another controversial take.
A generic case in blue or black could be sensible, one expert says. Getty
"You can add an identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid getting your luggage mistaken for someone else's whilst still remaining subtle," he says.
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That advice to use a ribbon is a contentious one, as other airline staff have previously warned against it.
A baggage handler from Dublin Airport warned anything extra on your suitcase could interfere with the automatic scanners at airports - especially ribbons.
Meanwhile, a major European airline went so far as to warn passengers against choosing luggage in dark colours to "avoid confusion" when travelling.
That's because they are so common.
"Make it easier to spot your checked-in luggage on the carousel, especially if your luggage is black, navy or grey (like 99.9 percent of the population)," Ryanair said.
Coloured cases or not? It's a tough choice. Getty
"Add a colourful luggage tag or ribbon to the handle so that there's no confusion on arrival."
The answer, whatever colour case you decide on, seems to be never to pack valuables in your luggage.
Also consider adding a tracker such as an AirTag in case it goes astray and always get travel insurance.
Some airlines such as Virgin Australia are also adding extra tracking features you can use while in transit.
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However, there's a little-known regulation that can help you replace your lost items.
Airlines are governed by the Montreal Convention, which dictates that if an airline loses a passenger's luggage, they are liable to pay up to approximately $2,607.
For domestic travel in Australia, travellers are also protected by law.
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