Luggage covers are an effective way to protect your luggage against spills, scratches, grime, and meanwhile make your suitcase different, but are they worth the money?
Yes, when it comes to keeping your suitcase clean, luggage covers can be a great investment.
Not only can they protect your suitcase while you are traveling, but they can also add a chic and stylish touch to your suitcase. They also help make your luggage look unique and easy to identify among the many black suitcases at baggage claim.
By the end of this post, you will find out whether you should invest in a luggage cover to keep your belongings safe. Then, I will provide our top picks and explain what to look for when choosing the best one for your needs.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
Luggage covers are worth it for protecting your suitcase from scratches, scuffs, dirt, and grime.
They will make your suitcase chic and easier to sport at baggage claim.
They can help keep your suitcase closed if a zipper fails, but they cannot prevent theft or serious damage.
Polyester covers are generally more durable and easier to wash than clear PVC covers.
Choose the right size and look for openings that provide easy access to handles and luggage tags.
A solid reusable luggage cover is often more effective than paying for airport plastic wrapping on every trip.
Answer these simple 5 quick questions to find out whether a suitcase cover is worth buying for your travels.
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Your result is a practical recommendation based on your answers, not a guarantee of protection or savings.
Why Are Luggage Covers So Popular?
Luggage covers are popular because they are eye-catching and help protect your luggage when flying.
Another major benefit of luggage covers is that they help keep suitcases clean, sleek, and intact.
They can also help keep your belongings inside your suitcase if it accidentally bursts open.
Luggage covers are also recommended for expensive suitcases because they help keep them looking shiny and make them easier to identify.
Types Of Luggage Covers
There are two popular types of luggage covers. One type is made from waterproof PVC, which is often transparent, like
the Yotako Clear PVC Suitcase Cover. The other type is made from polyester.
Are Luggage Covers TSA Approved?
The TSA and other airport security agencies generally allow luggage covers, especially on checked luggage. However, if the security officers need to inspect your bag, they may remove the cover before checking it.
Keep in mind that if you put a cover on your suitcase that is difficult for TSA officers to remove, they may tear it or remove it by force.
One passenger asked the TSA on Twitter whether luggage covers are suitable for checked luggage.
The TSA customer service team gave the passenger the green light, explaining that the luggage cover would be returned to its original state after the officers finished inspecting the bag.
Should I Cover My Luggage?
It is not necessary to cover your luggage, but doing so can provide extra protection.
If you feel that your suitcase is not secure enough, for example, because the zipper could break during your flight or while your luggage is being handled, causing your suitcase to open, a luggage cover can help keep it closed.
A luggage cover can also make it more difficult for someone to access your suitcase without your knowledge, although it cannot prevent theft entirely.
You may have heard stories about items being stolen from luggage.
Also, if you want to make your suitcase look sleek and stylish during the summer.
Go for it.
A luggage cover with a refreshing summer design or a sunset glow can make your journey more delightful and reflect good vibes.
Even though luggage damage is rare, whenever you collect your suitcase at the airport, make sure to inspect it to check that it is still intact and free from dents. Luggage covers can help protect suitcases from scratches, but they cannot guarantee that your belongings will not be stolen or prevent your suitcase from breaking or being destroyed.That way, you can file a claim before leaving the airport.
I found an article on Claimcompass that stated that, out of the 28 million mishandled bags, 18% were damaged and 77% were delayed.
This means that approximately 5,040,000 bags were damaged during flights and 21,560,000 checked bags were delayed or not returned to their owners, according to those figures.
How Do You Keep a Suitcase From Scratching?
Many people recommend wrapping suitcases in plastic to prevent scratches, but I don’t think it is a good idea, at least for checked baggage.
Airport security folks may suspect that the wrapping is concealing something and decide to open the suitcase by tearing the plastic.
You may receive your suitcase without its original wrapping or with tape holding the plastic together if airport security has time to put it back together.
I recommend using a luggage cover.
Any type you choose can help protect your suitcase from scratches and make it easier for airport security to inspect your bag.
In addition to providing protection, luggage covers can also give your suitcase a stylish appearance.
So, it is better to choose a sturdy luggage cover rather than wrapping your suitcase in plastic.
Luggage covers are super easy to use. If you have just received your luggage cover, check out this video to learn how to put it on your suitcase.
Our Recommendations
There are lots of luggage covers available, and with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose.
Although most of them are generally good, we have already covered some of the best options on the market.
First, make sure you know your luggage size. Most polyester luggage covers are elastic and can stretch to fit your suitcase.
PVC covers, however, usually require a more precise fit, so you will need to choose the correct size for your suitcase.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, a good luggage cover is worth it because it well protect your suitcase from scratches and make it look different.
Suitcase covers are not among the most expensive accessories you can buy for your suitcase. You can find them at reasonable prices, and most of them can last a long time.
Of course, travelers prefer to invest in a stylish and durable luggage cover that they can use while traveling and then throw in the wash when they get home. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that.
So go ahead, keep your suitcase looking new, make it stylish, and make it easier to spot in any airport in the world.
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Covers
Do luggage covers protect against dents or rough handling?
A luggage cover will protect your suitcase from scuffs, scratches, and grime, but it’s thin fabric, not padding that will protect your suitcase against any dents.
Do they work differently on hard-shell and soft-shell bags?
On a hard-shell, the cover mostly keeps the surface from getting scratched up, which shows easily on those glossy shells. On a soft-sided bag, it also keeps dirt, grease, and snags off the fabric and covers the zippers.
Can a cover hide a beat-up old suitcase?
It’ll hide the scuffs and stains, sure, and a plain-looking bag might get fewer second glances. But it won’t change what’s inside, so don’t count on it as security.
Will a cover slow down the TSA inspections?
Yes, if security officers need to open your bag, they may have to take the cover off first, and if it’s a pain to remove, they might yank it off or damage it. Go for one that has a zipper or quick-release design.
Can I still get to the handles, wheels, and tags with the cover on?
Good covers have openings for the top and side handles, the pull-up handle, and your luggage tag, while some cheaper ones sometimes skip them, so look at the product photos before you buy.
Will a cover fit any suitcase?
Covers are made for standard rectangular bags. If yours is rounded, duffel-style, or has big pockets on the outside, it might not fit well. Check the brand’s size chart against your bag’s actual dimensions.
Will a stretchy cover tear or lose its shape?
Yes it can. If it’s a size too small, it will strain at the seams and wear out faster. A properly sized cover with solid stitching holds up much better.
Do covers last through lots of trips?
Yes a good polyester cover can handle lots of trips, clear PVC is more delicate and can crack, tear, or turn yellow with heavy use. If you buy the cheapest option, don’t expect it to last for years.
Can I wash a luggage cover?
Yes, you can sully gently wash polyester covers in the machine, bur air dry. PVC ones don’t, so just wipe them down with a damp cloth. Check the care label either way.
Do they get smelly or take forever to dry?
Polyester dries pretty quickly, often in a few hours. The musty smell comes from stuffing a damp cover in a closet or bag, so let it dry completely before you put it away.
Is a cover cheaper than replacing a damaged suitcase?
Usually, yes, if the damage is just cosmetic. Covers cost far less than a new suitcase. But they can’t prevent structural damage, so they’re not a replacement for a sturdy bag.
How does a cover compare to the airport plastic wrapping?
Airport plastic wrapping can cost you money every time you are flying. A cover costs more upfront, but after a few trips, it’s the cheaper option. The one thing wrapping does better is keeping your bag closed if a zipper fails.
Do luggage covers add weight to your luggage ?
A tiny bit, just a few ounces, you don’t need to worry about them adding weight to your checked baggage weight.
Is a cover better than a strap or tag for spotting my bag?
For spotting, yes, a chic cover is easy to see at the baggage claim, while a tag or strap is small. A strap is better for keeping the bag closed, though, and plenty of people use both.
Can I use a luggage cover for my carry-on?
You of course, but carry-ons don’t get tossed around much, so it’s mostly for looks. It can also be annoying when you’re rushing through a security line, and you will need to open your suitcase.
Alysa is an experienced writer, editor and a digital nomad. She is an over-packer, Alysa has explored over 25 countries, enjoys warm destinations and she firmly believes that traveling should be hassle-free, fun and enjoyable.
