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The scene repeats itself at every airport: suitcases wrapped in green or blue plastic,
and not just one, but hundreds. This plastic promises to keep your luggage protected, but… protected from what?
The sight has now sparked a lot of curiosity, as more and more suitcases are being wrapped like a leftover burrito in your fridge (or like giant bundles, we’re sorry for the reference, but that’s what they look like). The thing is, this trend isn’t new. It dates back to the 1990s, and companies like Secure Wrap operate in more than a dozen U.S. airports (and many more abroad). It costs at least $15 per wrap, but the truth is no one really knows if it’s worth it or not.
Now, with
the new guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA),
the main belief about this plastic has been debunked, and of course, we’re going to tell you all about it!
The origin of plastic wrap
Supposedly, this plastic wrapping started as a way to prevent theft, stop dishonest employees (yes), and protect more fragile luggage (we all know how bags are handled on airport belts).
But of course, your luggage goes through inspection (this is established by the TSA and something you already know before boarding, so don’t act surprised now) to check for dangerous or prohibited items. And the TSA itself states that 95% of luggage passes without being opened, but if they do need to inspect a wrapped bag… they will. They’ll cut the plastic without hesitation, and you might have to pay again or travel with your suitcase like nothing happened…
New guidelines for 2025
The agency stresses that wrapping luggage does not prevent inspections or protect TSA-approved locks from breaking. It also warns about the pollution caused by disposable film: nearly 30 tons of plastic are produced every year in U.S. airports alone! Is that really necessary?! Many airports have started planning to phase out these wraps precisely because of the plastic waste they generate.
Real protection or costly placebo?
Internal TSA studies show that scratch damage is reduced by just 8% with plastic, while the theft rate doesn’t change significantly. On the other hand, the risk of jammed or broken locks increases by 12%, creating the opposite effect of what was intended.
But it’s not all negative: on routes with high humidity or fumigation like Australia, the Maldives, or certain parts of Asia, wrapping can protect clothes from pesticides and chemicals. It’s also useful for bags with broken zippers or weakened structure (a little tip, cheaper than buying a new suitcase!). But still, consider the condition of your luggage before spending money on a service that might not be necessary.
What does the TSA recommend?
Here are a few tips directly from the TSA. Have you heard of washable polyester or polypropylene covers? These covers offer X-ray visibility, can be reclosed after inspection, and reduce waste. There are also lockable straps approved by the TSA.
Another growing trend is smart tags and Bluetooth or LTE trackers. Airlines and insurers say that having a tracker deters casual theft and speeds up recovery in case of loss, something plastic wrap will never fix!
And of course, if you’re carrying high-value luggage… the best thing is to have an all-risk insurance policy that includes theft, delay, and damage. Trust us, it’ll be cheaper than plastic wrap and you’ll have legal support if something happens.
Environmental impact
The film used in airports is rarely recycled because it contains additives that make processing difficult… So not only does it fail to solve your problem, it also pollutes the planet.
Should I wrap my suitcase in 2025?
The final decision depends on your route, your luggage condition, and your tolerance for risk. However, the TSA has made it clear that plastic won’t protect your belongings from inspection and that the environmental impact, along with the cost, no longer justifies it…
