To wrap or not to wrap? Now that is the question

Through some serious trial and error — and over a few decades of travelling — I’ve garnered a few hard-earned strategies to improve a journey. And while I’m usually of the ‘better safe than sorry’ school of thought, as I walk towards the check in counter, I’m always amazed at the people queuing to have their suitcases wrapped in umpteen layers of plastic.

Not only are they forking out $15 for the privilege, but what comes top of mind for me is a) the endless rolls of plastic that will be clogging up landfills the world over for the next few centuries, and b) the basic reality that if a sticky-fingered bag handler or similar wants to get into your belongings, all it’ll take is a nail file or similar. In fact, having your bag wrapped is akin to posting a sign on its side saying: “expensive goods worth stealing inside”. Even more so if you’re wrapping a pricey Louis Vuitton case.

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Turns out, the experts agree with me.

“If someone really wants to rifle through your valuables all they need is a small set of scissors or a nail file to gain access,” says travel expert at finder.com.au, Angus Kidman. “You can even use a set of house keys to puncture through the plastic.”

At best, wrapping can protect against minor scuffs and scratches, but I stress minor.

Perhaps the biggest plus for splashing out on wrapping is to protect fabric cases in adverse weather conditions, such as snow or rain. If there’s a chance the bag will be left exposed on tarmac then it’ll at least ensure it stays dry.

“I wrap to protect my belongings against the weather,” says Expedia Australia’s director of tours and transport, Demi Kavaratzis. “If a bad storm is on the radar, your bag — and its contents — might get soaked. It’s not a pleasant start to any holiday!”

While the value of wrapping is sketchy at best, if you really want to beef-up your suitcase security there are a few things you can do to help ensure your precious cargo arrives safely at your destination intact and unscathed.

“Instead put the money towards a smart lock like AirBolt,” advises Angus. “It doesn’t require keys and lets you track your luggage.”

Both this and high-quality zip ties are likely way more of a deterrent.

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