Luggage Handle Covers

Most suitcases on the carousel are black, gray or navy, and the same size. A bright cover on the top handle is the simplest way to spot yours without checking tags, and it stops another traveler from taking it by mistake. Beyond that, suitcase handles are hard plastic or metal: when the case is full they press into your palm, and in summer they get slippery. Soft neoprene padding cushions the pressure and stops slipping, and it protects the handle itself from scratches and wear as the suitcase is handled in the hold.

Any handle you hold. The telescopic trolley handle is the one you hold longest, at the airport and on sidewalks. The top handle is the one you see on the carousel and the one you lift the suitcase by, so that is where the cover does its spotting job. The side handle is for lifting into an overhead bin or a car trunk. A hook and loop cover adjusts to the handle's thickness, so one fits all three, and a backpack, duffel or stroller handle too.

Four things. A soft, thick material such as neoprene that is comfortable and breathes. A wide hook and loop closure that grips firmly, so the cover does not open on the belt. Edges stitched all the way along, so they do not fray after a few flights. And a color that stands out on your suitcase: on a black case, orange, yellow or royal blue show up best. Verbier, for example, is thick neoprene with stitched edges, 14 x 15 cm (5.5 x 5.9 in) open and about 20 g (0.7 oz).

When you travel with several suitcases, a different color for each person ends the "is that yours or mine?" at the carousel and the hotel. One cover fits any suitcase of any size, so you can mark the kids' carry-ons too.