Matthew Ashton

Written by

Matthew Ashton

Reviewed by William Cooper

5 minute read

Updated 22nd August 2025

Travelling with designer bags: what you need to know

When you’re taking a holiday it’s only natural to want to have your favourite designer bags with you, but how can you ensure they are safe while travelling? Designer bags are valuable and often delicate and can be easily damaged from rough handling at airports or accidental spillages. Meanwhile, just like watch theft, their high resale value makes them a popular target for thieves.

Fortunately, just a little extra care can go a long way in keeping your designer handbag safe and protecting its long-term value. In this guide, we’ll cover how to travel with a designer bag, including smart packing tips and why considering handbag insurance is a sensible precaution to take.

Be selective about the bags you take

Rather than packing several of your most valuable bags, consider taking just one or two of your stylish but more low-key bags with you. Leave your most show-stopping bags at home and opt for bags that won’t attract as much unwanted attention on your travels. The same goes for the more delicate bags in your collection. Rather than risking them in the hustle and bustle of a busy airport or leaving them at the mercy of baggage handlers, choose sturdier, more durable styles made from high-quality materials.

How to prepare your designer bags before you travel

Document your bags

As with any high-value collection, it’s important that you document your designer bags, as this will help you prove ownership while travelling through customs and security. It will also help you prove ownership and value should you have to make an insurance claim for their loss. Take detailed photographs of each bag in your collection, both inside and out, making sure any serial numbers or distinctive markings are visible in the photos. It’s also essential to keep digital copies of all purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity and any appraisals with you.

Check your insurance

Before jetting off, review your travel insurance. Most standard travel insurance policies typically exclude high-value personal items, such as designer handbags. Therefore, check your current policy to see what’s covered before you travel and up to what value. Purchasing specialised handbag insurance that provides comprehensive cover for theft, loss, and accidental damage while travelling offers great peace of mind. Should something happen, your designer bags are covered, so you won’t be left out of pocket.

Clean your bags properly

Give your bags a thorough clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions before you travel. That means emptying out the bag and checking all pockets for anything that could leak or scratch it during transit. Wipe the bag down with a soft cloth and, if leather, condition it using an appropriate leather cleaning product. While cleaning your bags, check for any damage that could worsen during your trip. It’s probably wise to leave those bags at home.

How to pack your designer bags ready for travelling

Use a dust bag

High-end designer bags typically come with dust bags to keep them clean and protected against dust, scratches and potential colour transfer. Regardless of whether you’ll be carrying or packing your designer bags, make sure they’re placed inside their original dust bag or, at the very least, a clean, breathable cover like a pillowcase.

Stuff your bags

Stuffing your bags, including pockets, with soft items like scarves, t-shirts or tissue paper can help maintain the bag’s shape while it’s packed and prevent it from getting damaged or collapsing. However, be careful not to overstuff the bag, as this can permanently distort its shape.

Place strategically

One of the most important things about travelling with designer bags is knowing how to pack handbags in suitcases properly. Put your designer bag in last, setting it on top of your other items in the centre of the suitcase. Keep the bag upright and away from sharp objects, shoes, liquids and the edges of the suitcase. Ideally, pack any liquids and toiletries in a separate bag to avoid leaks; otherwise, make sure they are in waterproof or leakproof containers. Use soft clothing like t-shirts, socks or towels as padding around the bag. These can also help absorb any spills before they reach your designer bag.

Consider a carry-on

Even with extra care, a designer bag packed in your suitcase can still get damaged. Keeping it with you as a carry-on is often a safer option. Just be sure to avoid putting it on the floor where it can get dirty, knocked or stepped on. However, having it as a carry-on can make the bag more vulnerable to theft, especially in busy airports. So keep it close to you at all times and stay alert.

Top tips for travelling with designer bags

Unpack your bags as soon as possible

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, be sure to carefully unpack your designer bag as soon as possible. This will enable the bag to air and prevent potential creasing, odours or pressure marks that can happen during travel, from causing permanent damage.

Keep them with you at all times

Keep your bag close to you at all times, whether you’re travelling or exploring your destination. Make sure the bag is always securely fastened and within sight. If you need to put it down, keep it on your lap or ask a trusted travel companion to look after it for you. Whatever you do, never leave your designer bag unattended.

Never place them on the floor

Don’t put your designer bag on the ground, even for just a few seconds. It can quickly get dirty, damaged or stolen if left on the floor. Instead, always place it on your lap or a chair next to you. And if your designer bag does get dirty, wipe it down as soon as possible and allow it to air out.

Securely store the bags

If you’ll be travelling with more than one designer handbag, store the ones you aren’t using securely in your hotel. Just like you’d do when protecting your jewellery on holiday, keep bags in a locked safe or hide them somewhere that’s not obvious to thieves, such as underneath a pile of clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my bag gets stolen while travelling?

As soon as you discover your bag has been stolen, report the theft to the local police. By acting quickly, you stand a better chance of getting your bag back. After contacting the police, your next step is to contact your insurance provider and notify them of the theft.

Should I put my bag in a suitcase or take it on the plane?

Packing your designer handbag in your luggage may protect it from theft in busy airports, but it also increases the risk of damage or loss if your suitcase is mishandled. Meanwhile, carrying it with you can help minimise damage, but it may be more exposed to theft, so be sure to stay vigilant and always keep your bag with you.

Protect your designer bags properly with specialised Handbag Insurance.

While it’s understandable to want to show off your designer handbag while travelling, it’s also natural to feel a little apprehensive about keeping it safe. By preparing your bags before you travel, knowing how to pack designer bags for travel to keep them secure en route and what to do with them once you arrive, you can take the stress out of travelling with designer handbags.

And with specialist handbag insurance from Stanhope, you’ll have peace of mind that your bag is protected whether it’s stored in your suitcase, on your shoulder or locked in a hotel safe. We are passionate about the things that are important to you, whether it’s your high-value home or designer handbag collection. Contact us today and get a quote and start looking forward to your next trip with peace of mind that your designer bag collection is protected.

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Quick response to my enquiry submitted online. An initial phone call gathered all the information needed and my requirements for cover then the following day options and quotes were discussed and agreed. Beth was very helpful and knowledgeable and I felt happy with the policy we agreed on. Highly recommend.

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Written by Matthew Ashton

I started working in the insurance industry in 2004. Four years later, I left to focus on theological studies, working as a youth worker and then as a ministry director in Seattle, USA. When returning to the UK, I had an opportunity to work for the late Andrew Marchington. I joined his firm as a sales advisor when it had around ten staff members. Within three years, I was Head of Ops with a staff team of over 30 people. After a chance encounter in 2019 with Rachel Living and Will Cooper, I co-started Stanhope to build a high-value home, luxury watch, and jewellery broker synonymous with trust. I love being with Donna, my wife, and four kids when not working, cramming in the odd row, or run when I can. I am fortunate to love what I do and consider it a blessing to grow the Stanhope brand.

Matthew Ashton