Travel luggage warning: One popular suitcase colour can make you an easy target and risk safety

Planning a trip often starts with buying the right suitcase. Most people still go for black or other dark shades because they look simple, practical, and don’t show dirt easily. But now, security experts are saying this common choice might not be the safest one, especially when you’re moving through crowded airports or public places.

There are clear reasons why black suitcases dominate. They tend to hide scratches, look more formal, and feel like a safe choice for both business and leisure trips. As noted by UK Luggage, dark colours give a sense of reliability and practicality, which is why many travellers prefer them.

According to a report cited by Times of India, a global survey by Eminent found that more than 40% of suitcases sold worldwide are black. When you add navy and grey into the mix, the numbers go even higher. This means at baggage claim areas, a large number of bags look almost identical.

Security expert explains the risk

Former US Army military policeman and UPS security expert Ed Burnett has warned that using dark-coloured luggage can make travellers an easier target.

He told The Independent: “High-end brands, such as Tumi, Rimowa, Louis Vuitton, are magnets. They signal that the contents are likely as expensive as the bag.”

He also pointed out that colour plays a role in theft. “Bright colors are a deterrent. Thieves prefer anonymous black or navy bags because they can walk away with them without standing out,” he said.

Explaining further, he added, “A neon green bag, for example, is a liability for a thief. If you yell, 'Stop that man with the green bag,' everyone sees him.”

How thieves take advantage

Security consultant Aran Dharmeratnam, quoted by Metro, explained that thieves often rely on blending in rather than standing out. He said: “One of the skills I teach is how to blend in to an environment — so you don’t get noticed by street criminals, or at least don’t give the impression you’re an easy target…”

At the same time, criminals use the same tactic. “Dark luggage means as [a thief] walks away, they’re less likely to be spotted should the person suddenly get alerted to their bag being stolen,” he explained.

He also noted that generic-looking bags give thieves an excuse if they’re caught. “The other reason they’ll take a bag with generic colours is that, if they’re spotted and approached, they can say they thought it was theirs.”

More than theft: the risk of losing your bag

The issue is not just theft. Travel expert Jamie Frazer from Wild Packs highlighted that black suitcases are also more likely to get misplaced. He explained: “Hard-sided black suitcases are the most common globally, making them the hardest to identify and most likely to go missing.”

With millions of bags going missing globally each year, having a suitcase that blends in only increases the chances of confusion at airports.

Experts suggest choosing bright or unusual colours for luggage. Bags in shades like neon green, orange, or with bold patterns are easier to spot and less attractive to thieves.

Frazer recommends simple steps like adding colourful tags, straps, or stickers to make bags stand out. This helps both travellers and airport staff identify them quickly.

Burnett also advised opting for hard-shell luggage, saying it is “significantly safer” because it is harder to cut open compared to soft-shell bags.