A suitcase cover is one of those travel accessories that can look unnecessary until you understand what it actually does.
So, is it worth buying one?
For some travellers, absolutely. For others, probably not.
What suitcase covers are good at
A fabric cover can provide an extra barrier against:
- Dust
- Dirt
- Light scuffs from baggage handling services
- Everyday cosmetic wear
It can also make a suitcase considerably easier to identify, particularly if you own suitcases in more discreet, subtle colour, or colourways more suitable in a professional setting.
That combination is where suitcase covers make the most sense: protection plus recognition.
What a suitcase cover won't do
A fabric cover will not prevent serious baggage mishandling where the suitcase is deliberately mistreated.
I.e., if the damage is enough to cause a crack to a hardshell suitcase, a rip in a softsided suitcase, breaks a wheel or damages the frame, a stretchy polyester cover isn't going to stop it.
Claims that suitcase covers make luggage “damage-proof” are unrealistic.
Think of one more like a protective layer for everyday travel wear.
They're particularly useful for common-looking luggage
If your suitcase looks like twenty others at baggage claim, a distinctive cover can genuinely save time.
Instead of inspecting luggage tags as every same coloured, and similar suitcase passes, you can recognise yours by its artwork or more conspicuous colour. It is also a nice way of adding a bit more personality and personilsation to your suitcase. A suitcase at home in a professional setting can still travel in style prior to reaching the destination with the added benefits of an extra barrier to what has been mentioned previously.
They're reusable
Unlike airport plastic wrapping, a reusable cover is easy to put on and can be removed, washed and used again on another trip.
That makes more sense if you travel regularly.
Cost
The cost for luggage wrapping is generally dependent on the size of the luggage you have. This can typically range between USD 15 and USD 35 per bag depending on the size, the airport, and where you are in the world.
The cost of a suitcase cover can also vary across a spectrum depending on variables like size, materials, and design. Typical costs for a balanced suitcase cover ranges between USD 25 and USD 60.
When is one probably unnecessary?
If you already own a highly distinctive suitcase and aren’t concerned about surface marks, or wanting an extra layer against dust and dirt you may not need one.
Some travellers may also like to embrace the surface marks on their luggage remembering which journey or airport each one comes from. We like to remember our travels with the location and art specific covers. However you like to remember your stories, its the experience of travel that matters!
Summary
You may not need a suitcase cover if you already have an inconspicuous colourway, or would like to embrace all marks on your travels, but if you want to protect the exterior, add a little personality and personalisation, and make your luggage easier to recognise, a cover solves these problems with one accessory.
That’s essentially why Offish exists.
We wanted something more interesting than a plain protective cover - something that makes the suitcase itself part of the trip.