Traveling conditions are much more challenging nowadays, with increased security concerns and evolving aviation standards calling for improved baggage handling.  Travelers are likewise faced with the dilemma of managing their luggage, which often are subjected to mishandling once checked-in through the terminal.  Securing suitcases is another source of concern, with instances of accidental opening, tearing or other damages.  Worse, baggage can end up misplaced in different corners of the world!   

A local company brings to the Philippines an innovative technology currently used in major airports around Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa.  “Protectabag” is a luggage wrapping system that envelopes various types of luggage with plastic for added protection, security, and peace of mind. 

Lot Tan, who discovered the technology in Australia, said that the Protectabag plastic wrap can be applied on thousands of bags per day, making them sturdy enough while going through conveyor belts and airport transfers. 

“One is not exactly sure what happens when a bag is checked-in. If you have an expensive luggage, it gets tossed and turned and inevitably, unsightly scratches may appear on its surface.  And if you checked-in a fragile bag, there’s a big chance that its content may just spill out once it gets thrown in the conveyor belt.  With the Protectabag, you can ride the airplane without worrying about the state of your luggage,” she said.  

The Protectabag wrap likewise provides added protection from rain damage and from occasional tears or damages to the surface of the bag.  It also reduces instances of theft especially for bags with easy-to-open pockets.  

Lot decided to bring the system to the Philippines by opening a pioneer Protectabag outlet in the NAIA International Airport departure area last January.  Since then, they wrap an average of 300 to 400 bags per day and a lot of people – including Filipinos – are lining up to avail of the protection that a Protectabag offers.  

“Before, it is enough that we use locks to secure our luggage. But now, extra precaution is needed since we don’t know what happens to our bags once we checked it in. This system is not only effective but also affordable as well. But most of all, it gives the traveler peace of mind and ensures that your belongings arrive untouched at your destination,” said Lot. 

Protectabag charges only P150 per bag wrapping, regardless of size or weight. The strong plastic film that seals the luggage is ideal for any type of bags such as suitcases, backpacks, boxes, laptop bags, golf club bags, and more.  Protectabag also has bubble wraps to ensure the safety and protection of fragile items. 

It only takes a minute to wrap the bag securely. Since the airports use X-ray screening technologies, there’s no need to open the bag for physical inspection. So once wrapped there is no reason why the luggage should not arrive at its destination in exactly the same as condition as it was checked-in. 

For more information, call Protectabag Philippines at 887-4136, 887-4757, 887-7392 loc. 103, e-mail: lot_tan@kiltonmotor.com, or visit website: www.protectabag.com. Its office is at Kart Plaza Building, 43 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City.