How do I keep suitcase closed?

[shari2shop]

Okay for our trip to WDW I need to take our BIG suitcase! The problem is that it is a hard shell American Tourist. It has 2 locks (no zippers) beside the handle. I inspected the 'key' and it really just looks like it turns a button inside the lock. The key looks like any other keys would work, not like a real secure lock! My question is how do I keep it from being opened by someone after it leaves me or from popping open becasue it is so full. My hubby said just to wrap it with duct tape and my mom said that she thought I could buy a strap it put around it, like a belt. Does anyone know what I can do??? I would hate to have to spend the 100 bucks to buy a zipper suitcase!

Thanks!

Shari

 

[hercamore]

We have used samsonite staps on our suitcases. They can be cinched really tight. You can buy them at walmart, j.c.penney, target. Also good to easily identify suitcases, as straps are bright neon colored.

 

[phowdershell]

The cinch straps work best. However have used duct tape in an emergency. We have old, ratty looking bags, but who cares, it's going to get beat up anyway and its easy to find among all the black bags that are so popular!!

 

[Chuck S]

Straps work really well for identification and they keep luggage from accidently popping open. Our luggsgr is forest green and we use neon grren straps, so those really ugly suitcases are ours.

 

[Lewisc]

The suitcase may be too heavy to handle, too big to put in a trunk and some airlines have a maximum weight per suitcase. Not sure how BIG you suitcase is but you may be better off buying (or borrowing) 2 smaller suitcases.

 

[phowdershell]

How about navy blue, orange & red tweed fabric in a check with a bright blue strap. People move away from it!!!

 

[ducklite]

First of all, the locks on those suitcases, in fact pretty much every suitcase can all be opened by one key. If someone wants to get into it, they will. You can use luggage straps of duct tape, but they will not help the locking problem.

I sold or gave away (maybe to a church rummage sale?) years ago every piece of old hard sided luggage I owned. It's heavy, awkward, not wheeled, and not worth the hassle.

I replaced it with a variety of fairly cheap luggage, all on wheels.

You don' need to spend a fortune. For about $25 each you can pick up a rollon style at JC Penneys, Costco, Sam's or Wal-Mart. I would suggest two smaller ones over one large one. That way you've got flexibility, so when you are going someplace for a shorter trip you can use the smaller bag.

As far as locking goes, best bet is a well constructed combo lock. A good lock will cost as much as a cheap suitcase, but IMHO is worth it. Although if someone really wants your stuff, they'll get it.

The combo locks I have allowed ME to set the combo of my choosing. I set them all to the same combo, easy to remember and use them on any suitcase. I also have a couple of smaller keyed locks from a locksmith, not a typical luggage brand that everyone has the same key for.

I have never had my properly locked roll-n style bags open or be opened. Nor have they been stolen. I use REALLY bright luggage tags in flourescent pink. I also have my name written on the bottom of each bag in paint pen. They haven't always arrived with me, but I have always gotten them back.

Anne

 

[shari2shop]

Oh my! I didn't realize that the straps were so popular! I actaully didn't know for sure the even existed!!!! I'm definately going to get one now!!! Locally we only have a Walmart and a Kmart. Do I find them in the lugage section???

My suitcase is a purple/mauve color. I hope i can find a WILD strap to go with it!!!Maybe a lime green one!!!


Also, my suitcase isn't that big! About 8 inches deep, 30 inches long and 18 inches wide. I just consider it big because my other one is more of just an over night bag!



Thanks!

Shari