bungee cords on luggage?

[ldudley]

We are leaving in two weeks for Beach Club Villas. I've read on these posts that it's not a good idea to lock your luggage, and some people have mentioned using plastic zip ties. However, if someone cuts them to check inside the luggage, how do the suitcases get tied up again? Have you ever seen anyone using bungee cords on suitcases? Do you think they would work? Thanks for your help!

[GAIL HAYDEN]

If they don't replace the zip ties what makes you think they will put the bungy cords back on.

[lawgs]

on last trip to orlando, niece had one of her bags checked .......we always use luggage straps , and could see as the luggage came out on the carousel in buffalo that the strap was in a different location......and the zipper tabs were "tied" with "lil beaded ties".....

so they did replace the luggage strap.....albeit not in the same position we had it in......

the only thing we can figure......she had a "book safe" in her luggage ( read somewhere that since it shows up "dark" on xrays.....that may have prompted a further search of her luggage )

[MikeJ]

We had one of our bags searched at MCO on our return trip. They replaced the cable tie with one of their blue beaded ties and there was a note from TSA inside the suitcase. From looking at what was moved around, it appears that DD's tin of blue hot chocolate showed up on the x-ray and they wanted to see what it was.

It did not appear as if they tried a glass of it, however. ;)

- Mike

[hercamore]

We use luggage straps are they are always replace. Thread the luggage strap thru the handle of the suitcase so they don't move it outta position.

herc.

[ldudley]

Gail, it's my understanding that plastic zip cords have to be cut to be removed, so they can't be reattached. That's why I was looking for something that could be easily replaced. Thanks for the replies. My parents are coming with us and they're upset that they can't lock their luggage. I've been trying to give them some ideas on how to secure their luggage. Do they only check baggage that has something suspicious looking inside? :D

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by ldudley
Gail, it's my understanding that plastic zip cords have to be cut to be removed, so they can't be reattached. That's why I was looking for something that could be easily replaced. Thanks for the replies. My parents are coming with us and they're upset that they can't lock their luggage. I've been trying to give them some ideas on how to secure their luggage. Do they only check baggage that has something suspicious looking inside? :D

They do do spot checks (random) as well as somthing suspicious. I never lock my luggage, IMHO, totally useless as those locks are a joke. Use those zip ties you can buy at any computer department. AKA cable ties.

[SueM in MN]

I would not use bungee cords. If they catch on anything, they will stretch and spring like a rubber band. So , if they catch they are not likely to stay on anyway and they could be a hazard if they catch and spring inot someone (the little hooks on the end are a hazard).