How to recognize your suitcase on the baggage carousel

A distinctive sign visible from a distance

The simplest method remains a colored ribbon tied to the handle, a sticker on one side, or a colored cover that wraps around the entire suitcase, protecting it from surface scratches as well. Anyone buying a new suitcase can choose an uncommon color right away — forest green, coral, electric blue — instead of the classic black or anthracite gray: it remains recognizable from a distance, even before the suitcase gets close enough to distinguish its details.

The check that prevents mixing up with an identical suitcase

Among models of the same brand and collection, especially when a family travels with a coordinated set of suitcases, mistakenly grabbing someone else's is more frequent than you might think. Before leaving the baggage belt, check that the number on the tag attached to the handle exactly matches the receipt you received at check-in: a check that takes just a few seconds and prevents realizing the mistake only when you get home.

Bluetooth trackers and baggage tracking apps

A small Bluetooth tracker, of the kind designed to find your house keys, lets you verify if your suitcase is at the same airport where you landed and, in some cases, locate it on a different baggage belt than the one assigned to your flight. Some airlines also offer apps that show the baggage loading status, indicating when it's been loaded and, in some cases, when it's unloaded at arrival — a service not yet universal but worth checking if your airline offers it. Those wanting other tips to reduce the risk of losing luggage can read the guide on tips to avoid luggage loss.

When buying a new suitcase, choosing an uncommon color instead of the usual black costs as much as a standard model and solves the problem at its root, even before having to add ribbons or stickers.