Pockets on outside of checked luggage.

[KittyKitty]

What do you put in those pockets? They are not locked, and would like to use them, but don't know what to put in them.
Thinking of getting new luggage, and wonder if I should get ones with outside pockets. I rarely do carryon only.

Thanks.

 

[Alesia]

A pair of scissors to cut off the zip ties I secured the zippers with.

 

[scdak]

I have hard sided luggage now but when I did have soft sided luggage with pockets I used them to store things that I didn't mind if it was lost/stolen etc. For carry ons that would be magazines, puzzle books, pens etc. For checked luggage.........well, that could end up being unmentionables - if they want dirty undies they can have them! I will add that now that I have used hardsided luggage for 5 years I will NEVER go back to soft sided luggage - I haven't bought new suitcases in 5 years, I was buying them yearly!

 

[dreiwhit]

I put stuff in there that I don't mind if it disappeared. For example, if I have a long term stay, I put small packs of liquid laundry detergent in zip loc bags in the outside pockets. I'll also put dirty socks and underwear. Those have never disappeared.

 

[georgina]

Yes, I was also going to say dirty underwear! Papers, magazines, socks...

We have switched to all hard sides now without pockets, but I still have a set of red canvas suitcases with Mickey on them! Doesn't get used much.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I don't really use the outside pockets. If I do it's like the other PP's have said it's stuff that is of no concern.

I also use zip ties to secure the zippers and leave a very tiny pair of scissors in the outside pocket. My trip last month the TSA opened one of my bags and left the note inside saying they had inspected the bag. They cut off the zip tie but did not replace it. OK, no problem. My other bag was opened but no TSA note was inside but the zip tie was replaced with one that I guess that person found in my bag. It was kind of weird.

 

[Dis703]

I usually stuff them with random things that won't get hurt on the outside and won't likely disappear like diapers, feminine products, papers (usually on the way home like the maps from the park), coloring books, etc.

 

[Minnesota!]

Usually socks, underwear, tampons, bras, etc. If someone really needs them, they can have them!

 

[loves to dive]

I don't put anything in them when they go on the plane, usually when we get our destination that is where the sweater I wore on the plane goes, or the pair of long pants I changed into shorts in the airport bathroom.

 

[JessM]

I use my outside pockets for jackets. Rain coats in spring and fall and my winter jacket in the winter. That way I don't have to carry it on the plane but it is easily accessible when I get home. I also sometimes use it for stinky shoes.

 

[nkereina]

I put small packs of liquid laundry detergent in zip loc bags in the outside pockets.

Ever have one of those break out of curiosity? I'm packing those next trip, and am picturing the airline employees throwing all the suitcases on the belts face down. I don't know why but it seems like they're always pocket-side down, so I always put something that's not fragile in there. I usually put my luggage scale in there too, since I weight it once it's all zippered and ready to go.

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

I have put flip-flops and sandals in the outside pockets of checked bags. Other items are: socks, zip locks, jackets, shorts, underwear, any papers/books/magazines. In my carry-on, it is usually a jacket or sweatshirt.

 

[dreiwhit]

Ever have one of those break out of curiosity?

Actually, they've never broken. The travel size packs of Tide that I would buy were never completely full, so that may have had something to do with it. Even if they did break, the zip loc bags would catch the spill.

 

[PSUGuy]

Extra shoes, socks, magazines and the like.

Bill From PA

 

[florep1]

That's where I put my toiletries so they won't get my clothes wet if they leak.

 

[PrincesCJM]

I have put flip flops, mesh laundry bag, laundry products in a ziploc bag, feminine care products, etc. Anything that could be easily replaced but not of any real value.

 

[Snoozan]

Usually put my rain ponchos, flipflops, extra books. Nothing breakable or of any real value.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

If I'm using the rolling bag as my carryon I put in the top zipper liquids that need to be taken out for security. I have found that it's the easiest spot to put it in (even considering my personal item).

If I'm using the rolling bag as a check on I usually put socks, underwear, thin flip flops and extra books (depending on if they are library books or my own-if they are library then I make sure to have them on my person at all times).