Can I Wrap Luggage in Plastic at the Airport or at Home?

Traveling is a beautiful experience, but one of the biggest concerns that many travelers have is their luggage’s safety during travel.

One of the few frequently asked questions by travelers is whether they can wrap their luggage at the airport or not and whether luggage wrapping is allowed by the TSA.

In this detailed guide, we’ll dive into this topic and cover whether you can wrap your luggage at the airport, the benefits and disadvantages of luggage wrapping, and TSA rules on luggage wrapping. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about luggage wrapping.

Can you wrap your luggage in plastic at the airport?

You may have a question in your mind about whether you can wrap your luggage at the airport or where you can get it wrapped. Don’t worry at all; read ahead; everything has been covered in detail.

The simple answer to this question is yes. You can wrap your luggage at the airport. Many airports offer luggage wrapping services that are typically located in the check-in area. Some airports even offer 24-hour wrapping services for the convenience of travelers. Some of them provide these services for a specific duration.

You can avail of these services at international airports in the U.S., especially in Miami, Houston’s George Bush, and New York’s JFK international airports.

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Can I wrap my luggage in plastic at home?

Yes, you can wrap your luggage at home. You can save some money if you do it on your own at home. In order to do it on your own, you’ll have to buy a wrapping roll. The most important thing to remember while wrapping on your own is to pack the additional wrapping roll in your luggage for your return journey.

However, you may save some money if you do it at home by yourself. But it’s not a recommended method because the wrapping quality offered by the machine can’t be gained at home by doing it manually.

And the second thing is that you may find yourself in trouble if, for any security reason, TSA removes or unwraps the plastic wrapping. This may happen to you because the TSA randomly inspects luggage.

However, there are very few chances of it because most luggage is simply x-rayed and then allowed to move ahead if they don’t detect something suspicious.

But if you get your luggage wrapped by Secure Wrap, you’ll enjoy a complimentary rewrap service if TSA removes the wrapping in the inspection process, and you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind.

Also read: Is it Safe to Put a Laptop in Checked Luggage?

Why do people do luggage wrapping?

Luggage wrapping has become a very popular option for travelers who are looking to protect their luggage. Different people do luggage wrapping with different intentions. I’m mentioning some of the most considerable reasons below.

To Protect from Scratches and Damage

Most of the time, people prefer doing luggage wrapping in order to protect their luggage from scratches and stains because the plastic wrapping is extremely useful in reducing the chances of getting your luggage scratched and damaged. Plastic wrapping also protects your luggage from getting wet and dirty.

To Prevent Theft and Secure Precious Items

Another reason people do luggage wrapping is to protect their luggage from theft. Sometimes people travel with a precious and luxurious item inside their luggage, or sometimes even the luggage itself may be expensive and precious. In order to protect their luggage and the items inside it, they wrap it in plastic.

Preventing theft is also a considerable and important reason. With a little money, you can get your luggage wrapped and have peace of mind during your travels.

What companies offer luggage wrapping services?

There are several companies that offer luggage wrapping services in the United States at Miami, Houston’s George Bush, and New York’s JFK international airports. Some of the best-known luggage wrapping companies are Secure Wrap and Seal & Go.

These companies are trusted by people and offer plastic wrapping services all over the U.S. You can get your luggage wrapped in a few minutes.

The companies claim that the plastic wrapping they use will protect your luggage from theft and damage, as the plastic wrapping is capable of protecting your luggage from unpredictable weather and scratches.

Apart from airport-based companies, there are some other independent companies that offer mobility; they themselves will come to your hotel or home to wrap your luggage before you travel.

Whether you’re a business traveler, a leisure traveler, or a frequent traveler, luggage wrapping can provide you with great protection for your belongings and peace of mind while you’re on the go.

Also Read: Why Choosing the Perfect Luggage Color Is Crucial?

Benefits of Luggage Plastic Wrapping

Wrapping luggage offers plenty of potential benefits. Here we’re listing some of the most considerable advantages of plastic wrapping.

Provides Protection from Scratches and Damage

This is one of the most remarkable benefits because, during travel, each suitcase passes through different types of conditions, and it becomes very obvious that your luggage gets scratched in the process.

To avoid any mishaps, every traveler wants to keep their belongings safe and secure from scratches and stains, and this can be done through luggage wrapping.

With a little money, you can get your luggage wrapped, rest with peace of mind, and enjoy your travel. The best thing about it is that it’s the most cost-effective and time-saving way to keep your luggage safe.

Deterrent Against Theft

This is another major benefit of getting your luggage wrapped. Unfortunately, workers at airports are known to rummage through suitcases and steal personal or expensive items from the luggage.

Because of the plastic wrapping, it becomes nearly impossible for a thief or someone else to gain entry into your luggage and perform the act of theft. Luggage wrapping provides an extra level of security because, without cutting the wrapping, no one can steal anything from the luggage.

Once someone cuts the plastic, it automatically shrinks and cannot be repaired, and to me, no one can dare access the internal item by cutting the plastic wrapping. That’s why it becomes the most convenient option for travelers.

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Offers Confidentiality

The third and most important benefit of luggage wrapping is the confidentiality of the suitcase. If you’re traveling with something very precious and expensive in your luggage, you must prefer luggage wrapping.

In this case, the plastic wrapping works really well and provides you with the best protection for your valuable item. With a little money, you can get your luggage wrapped at the airport.

On top of that, perhaps the most important benefit you’ll get from luggage wrapping is peace of mind during your travels. You can’t enjoy your travel with a stressed mind.

Also Read: What To Do With Old Samsonite Luggage

Drawbacks of Luggage Wrapping

While luggage wrapping has multiple advantages, it also has a few disadvantages.

Not As Good As a Luggage Protection Cover

Luggage plastic wrapping is a great option to consider, but it’s not as good as a suitcase. A luggage cover always comes with more benefits than luggage wrapping.

The first drawback of luggage wrapping is that you’ll have to get your luggage wrapped each time you travel because plastic wrapping is not reusable. You’ll have to spend a little each time you plan to travel. It seems cost-effective, but in the long run, it’ll cost you more than a luggage cover.

On the other hand, the luggage cover is reusable, so you don’t have to spend money each time. It’s a one-time investment. It may cost you a little more than plastic wrapping, but only for one time.

Once you invest in it, it’ll stay with you for a long time, and you can use it again and again. And the most important thing is that it’ll give a new style to you and your luggage.

However, In terms of better and stronger protection, plastic wrapping offers much better protection than a luggage cover.

Also read: Polycarbonate vs Aluminum Luggage Which is Better?

May Be a Time Taking Process

Sometimes it may be a downside, and sometimes it may not. This is because the process of luggage wrapping itself is not time-consuming. This process hardly takes a few minutes, as they are really good at their work.

But you may have to wait in line because there is plenty of luggage to be wrapped at the same time. That’s why it can really be time-consuming, and this may be a drawback.

How much does luggage wrapping cost?

In the United States, the prices for luggage wrapping may vary because of the size of the luggage, the location, and the company you’re taking the service from. But in general, the price can range anywhere between $10 and $20 for a standard-size bag. But for an irregular or oversized bag, it can go up to $30.

Also read: Is Aluminum Luggage Worth the Investment?

How long does luggage wrapping take?

It depends on the size of your luggage. The bigger the luggage, the more time it’ll take. But in my experience, this time difference is not noticeable because it’s done through a wrapping machine and the workers are really good at it. Luggage wrapping is not a time-consuming or long process, and it can be done within a few minutes.

But the thing that can be time-consuming is the waiting time in the queue. It may take a long time, especially if you’re in a hurry and have to wait in a long line. You should take it into consideration before you leave for the airport.

Can the TSA remove plastic wrapping from your luggage?

Can TSA remove plastic wrapping? The answer is yes; the TSA has the authority to inspect any luggage randomly, and they may physically check the contents of your luggage.

The inspection process is pretty fast because there is plenty of luggage to be inspected. If your luggage is wrapped in plastic, it can slow down the inspection process. In this case, they have the authority to cut your wrapping for security purposes, which can result in the wrap being damaged.

Do they rewrap it?

The answer is obvious: TSA does not replace or rewrap your luggage. Now you may have a question in your mind. Does it mean that wrapping is a total waste of money and effort?

Well, the answer is no. It’s worth the money and the effort you put in. Because there are some companies like Secure Wrap who know these types of mishaps are very common at airports, that’s why they offer a free rewrapping service for your luggage if the luggage or suitcase is unwrapped or cut by the TSA.

Also Read: Is Samsonite Really a Good Luggage Brand

What about the environment?

You may be worried about the use of plastic wrap, whether it’s environmentally friendly or not, as it wastes a lot of plastic. But let me tell you, most of the companies that offer the service of luggage wrapping utilize environmentally friendly and fully recyclable plastic.

These plastics are totally safe to use, and you can play a big role in keeping the environment safe by removing the wrapping from your luggage at the airport and recycling it there, or you can recycle the wrap at any recycling center.

You can have additional protection with less environmental impact if you choose a protective luggage cover instead of plastic wrapping. This is the best you can do for the environment.

Also read: Samsonite vs Delsey Paris: Which Is Better?

Final Thoughts: Should You Wrap or Not?

Well, undoubtedly, luggage wrapping is a great option to secure your luggage and belongings. It’s a cost-effective method and offers you plenty of benefits, which I mentioned above in detail.

Luggage plastic wrapping and luggage cover have their own pros and cons, but for a few reasons, I prefer luggage cover over luggage wrapping.

But in terms of strength and better protection, plastic wrapping does a much better job than a luggage cover. If you want better protection and have no issue paying every time you travel, you can surely go with plastic wrapping.

If you want to know about luggage covers in detail, whether they are allowed by TSA or airlines or not, you can visit this complete guide on protective luggage covers.