You’re going on holiday and you’ve got a bulging suitcase which is tearing at the seams. It’s all zipped up and the padlock is in place. But those seven shirts, four pairs of trousers, 10 pairs of underpants and vests are dying to escape. What can you do?
Figures available for 2022, showed that about 26 million bags were lost, delayed or damaged worldwide, with about five per cent being completely lost or stolen. In the UK alone, about 28 per cent of passengers reported their luggage being mishandled or never recovered.
So don’t be a statistic. Do what I do, when I go on holiday. I call on my humble, often overlooked accessory, the luggage strap to come to my rescue. The heavy duty strap which I use which is made of durable nylon, has always worked for me in the past, and will do so in the future.
Not only is it a colourful strap which makes it easy to identify on the arrivals carousel, but it holds my luggage together even if it falls off the trolley on the way to the car. The last thing I want after a wonderful holiday is a “luggage disaster”.
Luggage straps, also known as suitcase belts or baggage belts, serve three important functions for any traveller:
- Security and Integrity: They act as a vital back-up, keeping a suitcase from bursting open if a zipper or latch fails—a common worry for heavy packers or those with older luggage.1 This is especially crucial given the rough handling checked bags often endure.
- Identification: In a sea of identical black and grey suitcases on the baggage carousel, a brightly coloured, patterned, or distinct strap makes your bag instantly recognizable, reducing the chance of accidental theft or mix-up. I usually have Union Jack stickers or stickers representing places I have visited.
- Compression and Stability: Straps can help compress an overstuffed bag, making it more compact. For hard-shell cases, they provide external rigidity, helping to keep the shell from cracking or latching open under pressure.
Exploring the World of Luggage Straps
Luggage straps come in several forms, each catering to different travel needs and security preferences.
The Standard Single-Direction Strap
This is the most common type. It runs around the circumference of the suitcase, usually along the shorter side (width) or the longer side (length).
- Materials: Typically made of durable woven materials like nylon or polyester, chosen for their strength and resistance to water and abrasion.
- Buckle: Most often use a quick-release plastic buckle.
- Best For: Simple compression, keeping the zipper secure, and easy identification. They are a low-cost, effective solution for most travellers.
Criss-Cross or H-Shaped Straps
This system uses two straps connected in the middle to create a belt that covers both the length and width of the suitcase simultaneously.
- Benefit: Offers maximum stability and security, securing the bag against unexpected opening in two directions.
- Application: Excellent for very full bags, fragile luggage, or high-value items where structural integrity is a top priority.
Straps with Integrated Locks (TSA Approved)
These straps combine the physical security of a strap with the locking mechanism of a suitcase lock.
- Mechanism: They feature a three-digit combination lock built directly into the buckle. For international travel, many are TSA-approved, meaning Transportation Security Administration agents (and similar bodies globally) can open the lock with a universal key for inspection without cutting the strap or damaging the luggage.
- Security Insight: While a determined thief can bypass most luggage locks or straps, a combination-lock strap provides a deterrent and visual confirmation that your bag has not been tampered with.
Add-a-Bag Straps
These straps are designed not to secure a single suitcase, but to link multiple bags together, allowing you to “piggyback” a smaller bag (like a personal item, backpack, or tote) onto the telescoping handle of a rolling suitcase.
- Convenience: Great for consolidating your carry-on items, freeing up a hand, and making transit through the airport easier.
- Mechanism: Often feature an adjustable bungee cord or a sturdy, closed-loop fabric strap with carabiners or clips.
How to Choose Your Perfect Strap
Selecting the right strap depends on your luggage and your travel style:
| Factor | Recommendation | Why it Matters |
| Material | Nylon or Polyester | Look for wide (2 inches or more) and thick webbing for maximum tensile strength and durability. |
| Visibility | Bright Colours or Unique Patterns | This is your primary defence against bag mix-ups. The more distinctive, the better. |
| Security | Criss-Cross and/or TSA Lock | Choose a cross-strap for overstuffed bags. Choose a TSA-approved lock strap for added peace of mind when checking luggage. |
| Fit | Adjustable Length | Ensure the strap is easily adjustable to fit snugly around the size of your specific suitcase. |
A simple luggage strap is a small investment that offers a significant return in security, identification, and peace of mind. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional holiday traveller, adding a sturdy, bright strap is one of the easiest ways to safeguard your belongings from the unexpected rigors of travel. Have a nice trip!