Is this type of shopping bag super convenient for checked luggage when traveling abroad? Ground staff sigh: It's so worn out, we can't even explain it.

▲Cheap plastic shopping bags may look colorful and convenient, but they easily get damaged during check-in.

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Compiled report

Many people, after going on a shopping spree overseas, use large plastic shopping bags or wholesale bags to pack and ship their purchases. But professional ground staff say these bags are very prone to tearing and ripping during handling — “they get so damaged that we don’t even know how to explain it to the customer.”

With the rise of low-cost airlines, many have shared tips on traveling with just one suitcase and then buying cheap shopping bags (wholesale bags) from dollar stores or supermarkets in Japan to pack items for the return flight. But in reality, these bags offer poor protection and are easily torn during handling.

Therefore, ground handling staff suggest that if you really need to use such bags,it’s best to secure the outer layer with rope, or wrap the inner bag with tape or cling film for added protection, and avoid placing fragile liquid items or valuable electronics inside, as they can easily get crushed.

Ground staff also added that compared to cheap plastic wholesale bags, the materials used in large backpacks typically used by backpackers or dedicated carry-on bags are more durable and can generally withstand the handling and pulling during check-in, as long as the contents aren’t too heavy.