Baggage Wrapping

According to the airport web site it's on Floor 1 in the check-in hall. This airport can't be very large.

I am curious about this phenomenon, why do people wrap their baggage? It seems like a strange custom.

I have wondered the same thing, jkc. Two reasons I have come up with, neither of which would worry me, are a) to protect expensive luggage and b) to deter thievery.

I admit for about 30 seconds I was considering this.

I have "pink" luggage that I am sure the airline will get black marks all over if I check and I generally HAVE to check on my way home. (Olive oil, wine, lotions etc... way over the baggie size limit :) )

I have decided to pack one of those fold up totes (like the one RIck sells, but different vendor) and a little bubble wrap. Between the bubble wrap and the dirty clothes I think things should be fine in there.

(My travel tested method for packing liquids 1. Wrap liquid in bubble wrap or if it's a big bottle use one of those sealed padded bags vendors sell. 2. Wrap that in some type of plastic. laundry bag, dry cleaning bag, ziplock whatever. 3. Wrap the plastic wrapped padded item in clothing. Pick something you won't be upset over loosing. 5. Place the bundle in the CENTER of a FULL bag. In my case there will be mostly clothing but make sure it's full. Movemement is your enemy. 6. Cross your fingers. So far so good and I have done this a lot :) )

I don't wrap myself, but I would think people do it so their bag doesn't get ripped open and spew all of its contents. Rare, but it happens.

To wrap or not to wrap. Can anyone beatbox? I bet we could come up with a song.

this is purely anecdotal and probably not correct, but it's funny that the OP asks about Santiago, because to me it seems like this practice is most widespread exactly in Spain!

When I see the amount of plastic wrap used to wrap each suitcase, I could gag. All that plastic wasted and for what good purpose? There must be a better method of protecting luggage than this.

I don't see much reason to protect luggage. The luggage IS the protection for the contents. Also, I have seen reusable "tarp" type coverings that people can buy for luggage that may help in wet climates or hold together over-stuffed cases. Otherwise, I see plastic wrap as a bit of an Obsessive-Compulsive tendency.

I first saw this done in Costa Rica, then in Miami. Didn't understand it then, don't understand it now. It seems like a horrible waste. And while I wouldn't want a new suitcase ruined, I don't mind scuffs and marks. The only reason I have a differently colored bag is to make it easier to identify in baggage claim, not to be fashionable.