Luggage straps will ensure your suitcase is secure and prevent it from accidental spills or from bursting zippers and possible theft, but do luggage straps really work?
Yes, luggage straps work well to keep your suitcase secure, especially if it is overstuffed or with falling zippers, and make it easy to spot on the luggage carousel.
If you’re ready, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about luggage straps, how to use them, and whether they are worth the money or not.
Let’s kick things off.
TL;DR
- You can use luggage straps on both carry-on and checked bags.
- Luggage straps are legal, airline-approved, and not banned.
- Using TSA-approved locks or straps is recommended for checked luggage.
- Straps help keep bags closed, organized, and easier to identify.
- Luggage straps are not 100% theft-proof.
- Airport security may remove or cut non-TSA locks during inspections.
Is It A Good Idea To Use Luggage Straps?
However, luggage straps are not a guarantee against theft because they can be cut easily, but they do the job when it comes to keeping your suitcase tightened and helping keep the bag closed if it bursts open, especially for checked bags.
If you use them for carry-on luggage, they also help prevent your bag from flying open in the overhead compartment on a plane.
Another reason luggage straps are worth it is that they make your luggage stand out and easy to spot on the luggage carousel.
There are some suitcases that are built with a strap, and they help attach a duffle bag or backpack easily. You will mostly find them on soft-sided suitcases.
Luggage straps might seem like an unnecessary expense when you’re on a budget, but they can save your bag in a pinch, especially when traveling alone.
Do Airlines Allow Or Like Luggage Straps?
Luggage straps can be used for both carry-on and checked luggage with almost any airline on domestic or international flights.
Most airlines do not have issues with luggage straps; however, airport security might.
As long as the straps are easy to open or do not have a complicated lock, especially for checked bags airport security will remove the strap and put it back after inspecting the bag.
If you are traveling with a luggage strap that has a lock, make sure it is TSA approved ; otherwise, it may be broken apart by airport security officers.
Katie asked the TSA if they would open her checked luggage and whether they would need to remove the luggage strap.
TSA customer service replied that if they need to open the suitcase, they will leave a notice.
However, the TSA or any other airport security claims that if they inspect your suitcase, they will put everything, including the luggage strap, back in its original state.
Still, you may find your strap inside your suitcase, as was the case for the passenger below.
How Do You Strap a Suitcase?
It is easier and more secure to strap a single suitcase using a triangle or X-shaped strap. Here are the steps, and you can also check the video.
First, adjust your strap according to the size of your bag.
Insert one end of the strap through the suitcase’s side handle.
Wrap the strap all the way around until you reach the metal triangle.
Put the strap end through the triangle and go all the way around in the opposite direction until both clips meet.
Tighten the luggage strap, lock it, and make sure it is not loose around the bag.
If you are using a regular strap, here are some tips on how to apply it to your suitcase.
Wrap the luggage strap around the suitcase through the side handle.
If your suitcase does not have a side handle, you can use the top handle.
If you don’t thread the strap through a handle, it can be removed easily or fall off during transport.
Adjust the strap and lock it.
Ensure the strap is well tightened and secure so that even if the bag bursts open, it can still hold the items inside.
How To Strap Luggage Together?
If you want to attach a bag to a suitcase or carry three or four suitcases together, a luggage strap is a handy tool to use.
If you have a suitcase that is already built with a luggage strap, like some Samsonite suitcases, then you are all set.
You can simply pull out the strap and connect your bags.
Otherwise, you can use a regular single strap to connect your suitcases together.
If you want to use a bungee or add-a-bag belt, attach the strap to the top handle, place the bag on top of the suitcase, then tighten and adjust the strap using the retractable handle.
Make sure the strap is well fastened so the bag on top does not fall during transportation.
TSA-Approved Luggage Straps
You can choose any luggage strap you want, but you should consider airport security and the possibility of your luggage being opened.
If you have a normal strap with a plastic clip, you don’t have to worry about the TSA or airport security since it is easy to open.
If you want to use a strap with a lock when traveling within the US, make sure it has a TSA-recognized lock.
This will make screening or inspection easier.
Types Of Luggage Straps
Regular Luggage Strap:
A simple luggage strap that can be used to surround your bag once or connect multiple suitcases.
Most of the time, it comes with a plastic clip.
If you don’t want to use a rectangle luggage strap, you can use two regular straps instead.
Some passengers also call them multiple suitcase attachments, as they are useful for attaching many suitcases together. (The one in the image above)
Rectangle or X-Shaped Luggage Strap:
This is the most popular option. It is widely used to protect luggage and make it look stylish.
It goes around all four sides of the suitcase, usually with a metal triangle to distribute the belt evenly around the bag. (The one used in the video below)
Add-a-Bag Suitcase Belt or Bungee:
This type can be used to attach a backpack or duffle bag to the top of a suitcase.
It is mostly an elastic strap that stretches to secure any bag placed on top of the suitcase. Yes, it’s similar to a bungee cord, but a little different.
How To Choose a Good Luggage Strap?
You will find a wide selection of luggage straps on the market, but choosing the right one can be a bit difficult the first time.
Make sure it is made from good-quality material.
A strong, durable, and easy-to-use strap will provide extra security for your luggage.
We have already listed the best luggage straps to help protect and secure your luggage. You can check the full list here.
Some luggage connectors use a Velcro system to attach bags together.
You can connect two or even three bags at the same time.
However, this system only connects the bags together and does not provide security if a bag bursts open.
If you want to protect your suitcases, you will still need a proper luggage strap.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know luggage straps really work for all suitcases and can help provide one peace of mind during your journey, you can also use a normal belt to secure your suitcase if you don’t have a strap or don’t have time to buy one.
Whether you need a special luggage strap completely depends on you.
You may not need one if you are traveling with a colorful, sturdy carry-on suitcase with a strong zipper.
However, if you are serious about protecting your luggage, using a strap is recommended.
The best choice is usually a triangle strap or a regular strap, especially the regular one, which is both useful and stylish with any suitcase.
If you use a strap for your suitcase, you won’t have to worry as much about your checked bag bursting open or the zipper breaking.
The good thing is that luggage straps are affordable and can be used with almost any suitcase.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels
Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Straps
Should luggage straps be on checked bags?
Yes, it is recommended to use luggage straps on checked bags. They help keep your suitcase secure and prevent it from bursting open. Make sure any lock on the strap is TSA-approved, as airport security may need to open your bag.
Should luggage straps be banned?
Luggage straps are not banned and are widely accepted by airlines. However, they can be cut easily, so they are not a guarantee against theft.
Why are luggage straps considered bad by some people?
Some travelers think luggage straps are bad because they may signal that something valuable is inside the suitcase or create a false sense of security.
Are there airline luggage strap restrictions?
Most airlines do not restrict the use of luggage straps. However, straps with non-TSA locks may be removed or cut by airport security during inspections.
Can you use luggage straps on airlines?
Yes, you can use luggage straps on both carry-on and checked bags on domestic and international flights. They help protect your luggage and make it easier to identify on the baggage carousel.
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