Security expert warns against traveling with black, navy, or gray suitcases
Dhaka: Travelers planning a vacation break should reconsider packing their belongings in black, navy, or gray suitcases, as security experts warn these popular colors may increase the risk of theft and loss.
Recent research shows black is the most commonly chosen suitcase color, with around 45% of travelers opting for the shade due to its neutral and understated appearance.
Navy and gray follow closely, accounting for 30% and 25% of luggage choices, respectively. Combined, these three tones represent roughly 95% of all suitcases in circulation.
Travel safety specialist Aran Dharmeratnam said the first lesson he teaches clients is how to blend into an environment without appearing to be an “easy target.”
However, he noted that thieves are also skilled at blending in. According to Dharmeratnam, criminals often dress inconspicuously and observe which travelers appear distracted or carry luggage that is easy to remove unnoticed.
Paradoxically, choosing a suitcase that looks like nearly every other bag at an airport may work against passengers.
If a thief grabs a black, navy, or gray suitcase, they can merge into the crowd without drawing attention. Dharmeratnam explained that if someone were to shout that their bag was stolen, identifying it would be difficult if it looked identical to dozens of others nearby.
He added that darker luggage makes it harder to visually track a suspect walking away, especially in busy terminals with high passenger volumes.
Other travel experts have echoed similar advice ahead of peak travel seasons, recommending brighter or more distinctive luggage colors as a deterrent.
Former logistics adviser Ed Burnett said bright colors make it more difficult for thieves to escape unnoticed. A neon-colored suitcase, for example, would stand out immediately if someone attempted to leave with it.
Airlines have also flagged the issue in relation to lost baggage claims. Each year, millions of bags are reported missing worldwide, with a significant portion never recovered.
Low-cost carrier Ryanair previously pointed to the widespread use of black, navy, and gray luggage as a challenge when identifying lost items, noting that most passengers describe bags in similar terms.
Security experts stress that travelers do not necessarily need to replace existing luggage. Instead, they recommend adding distinctive features such as brightly colored straps, ribbons, or tags to make bags more recognizable.
Such simple modifications can help reduce the risk of accidental mix-ups at baggage claim areas and make it easier to identify a stolen bag quickly.
As global air travel continues to grow and airports become increasingly crowded, experts say small preventive measures can play a meaningful role in protecting personal belongings during journeys.
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