Flying, luggage and zip ties, oh, my...

[GCM]

I haven't flown in several years and realize understandably that TSA is much stricter on luggage. I have read numerous threads where even TSA approved locks were cut off, sometimes replaced with zip ties, sometimes not. I thought about using zip ties in the hopes that if TSA cut it off they would replace it, but how do you cut the zip tie off once you arrive at your destination when you can't carry a knife or scissors? So my main question, what have you seasoned flyers found to be the best form of securing your luggage?

Thanks!

 

[Chumpieboy]

A key or pen or something that can twist the ziptie off should break the plastic. Insert into the loop of the ziptie and rotate like a propeller until it snaps off.

Never heard of TSA breaking off TSA locks, tho.

 

[bumbershoot]

Dh uses a zip tie and just packs little scissors.

From the TSA app’s “Can I bring?” Section...

“If packed in carry-on, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point.Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.”


Or just put a pair in the front zipper part of your checked bag if you have such a section.

Or just don’t lock it. I don’t. Anyone behind the scenes can sneak into a bag and close it back up (YouTube has videos on how to open a zipper with a pen), so a sneaky person won’t be stopped by a lock or zip tie, and a bonafide person won’t have to deal with a lock. Can’t even tell you the last time I’ve found a note in my bag letting me know security had looked in it...it’s been ages.

 

[tjmw2727]

I use either key rings or zip ties, when I use zip ties I put a pair of small scissors in the outside zipper pocket of my checked bag. You can also bring a pair of nail clippers in a carryon - I have used them in the past to cut the zip ties.

eta - I secure them to keep them from opening not necessarily to prevent theft as I don't pack anything of value in my checked bag.

 

[WishICouldSpeakWhale]

Dh uses a zip tie and just packs little scissors.

From the TSA app’s “Can I bring?” Section...

“If packed in carry-on, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point.Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.”


Or just put a pair in the front zipper part of your checked bag if you have such a section.

Or just don’t lock it. I don’t. Anyone behind the scenes can sneak into a bag and close it back up (YouTube has videos on how to open a zipper with a pen), so a sneaky person won’t be stopped by a lock or zip tie, and a bonafide person won’t have to deal with a lock. Can’t even tell you the last time I’ve found a note in my bag letting me know security had looked in it...it’s been ages.

There was a note in one of our four bags when we returned home from Disney on the Monday after Thanksgiving. It was the bag with 4 plastic swords in it.

 

[AngiTN]

I never lock my bags (I guess I just don't travel with anything valuable enough to worry about). But I do pack scissors, in the outside pocket of my suitcase so even if I did use a zip tie I'd have no problem removing it when I arrived.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

I use TSA approved locks for any checked luggage, but I also carry a spare lock with me when I travel. On our last trip to WDW, my previously locked suitcase arrived, minus its lock. Nothing was missing except the lock.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I don’t lock my bags. I never check anything of value. But, like Angi, I typically pack scissors in the outside compartment of my luggage. Never know when scissors might come in handy!

 

[loves to dive]

We've been using zip ties for a couple of years now, we've had TSA approved locks cut off so decided it wasn't worth the effort. Just about every dive trip we have ever taken at least one of our bags has been opened. We just use nail clippers to open the first one then there are dive knives in the rest we use.

 

[Best Aunt]

Yup, nail clippers to cut zip ties. I use zip ties to keep my Owners Lockers closed.

 

[Pooh2]

We returned from MCO earlier this week. We are Precheck and my husband's carry-on bag was pulled for further inspection. Finger nail clippers was the culprit. They made sure it was not a weapon and allowed us to keep them. Travel with them all the time, first time they've caused extra attention. It all seems so random...

 

[kitkat4622]

I too put a small pair of scissors in the front pocket and dont zip tie that pocket

 

[goofy4tink]

I have never locked or secured my checked bags. I do pack a pair of folding scissors in my carryon bag though. I don't put anything in my checked baggage that I don't want to risk losing!!! Ever.

 

[GCM]

Thanks, everyone, for all of the advice! I believe we will use zip ties and pack a small pair of scissors in the outside pocket as well as maybe some fingernail clippers in the carry-on. I appreciate the help!!!

 

[DVC-Don]

Been flying 7 or 8 times a year for years now. Always use approved locks and they've never been "cut off". Once and great while a bag gets inspected and a notice is left inside, but the locks have always been put back on by the TSA.