Skip the Luggage Strap

No one wants their luggage broken into, but one particular travel security product fell short on its promises.

In recent years, it has become increasingly common for travelers to use colorful luggage straps marketed to provide security and help easily spot luggage at baggage claim. These straps, however, are anything but secure.

Some luggage straps have combination locks and may sound safe, but are mostly for show. All luggage straps are adjustable, which makes them useless as a security measure. The straps can be made large enough, even when locked, to access your bag. Luggage straps are also generally made using nylon material which can be cut from your suitcase, again defeating the purpose of the added locking mechanism.

Also, if the strap is not tightly secured to your luggage, end material or the large clip could get caught on airport conveyor belt systems like large locks. This may require airport employees to cut it loose and potentially delay your bag.

Brightly colored luggage straps could help travelers pick out their bag in a sea of darkly colored suitcases, but is it worth the risk? Skip the strap on your next trip, and stick to trusted methods like TSA-approved luggage locks.