Suitcase strap, why to use it and which one to choose

Conveyor belt, crowded airport, forty black suitcases all going around the same way. You stand there staring at each one as it passes, hoping to recognize yours, when you see one that looks like yours but has the zipper half open and the contents peeping out. It happens more often than you think, and almost always the blame lies with the handling in the hold where suitcases are tossed, stacked, and tossed around without much thought.

A suitcase strap is one of those accessories that they cost very little, they weigh nothing, and the day you need them you are glad you bought them. Yet most travelers do not use one, often because they think the zipper on the suitcase is enough. Unfortunately, it is not always. Let's see what it's really for, what the difference is between the various models, and which ones are worth buying.

What a suitcase strap is really for

The belt has three very concrete functions. The first and most important is keep your suitcase closed even if the zipper gives way during the trip in the cargo hold. This is not an uncommon occurrence, especially with the soft cases Or with the ones you filled to bursting. The strap functions as an extra security that prevents the luggage from opening completely.

The second function is recognition. If you have a black Samsonite trolley like half the world, a colorful strap allows you to spot your suitcase on the belt on the fly without having to check every tag. It sounds trivial, but after a long and weary flight it makes all the difference.

The third is deterrence. A strap will not stop a determined thief, that much is clear, but it makes your luggage less attractive than one without any additional protection. In the hold, long hands always go for the easiest target, and a strap with a padlock represents that minimal complication that prompts you to move on.

Simple or TSA-locked strap

Here the choice depends mostly on where you travel. The most basic straps have a simple quick-release buckle, cost a few euros, and do their job of keeping your luggage closed and recognizable. A step above are those with combi3-digit country, which add a minimum of security by preventing anyone from slipping it off.

If you are flying to the United States, however, you need a strap with TSA padlock. The Transportation Security Administration has the right to inspect any checked baggage, and if it finds a strap with a non-TSA lock simply cut it off. With the TSA padlock instead, the attendants use a universal key, open, check and close without damaging anything. This is an important difference, because ending up with a cut strap and an open case defeats the whole purpose of the accessory.

How to choose the right suitcase strap

The features to look at in a suitcase strap are few but important. The length should be at least 190-200 cm to fit suitcases up to 32 inches, 80 cm high, considered the airplane standard for a large suitcase. If you get a strap that is too short, you won't be able to get it around larger luggage. The larghezza ideal of the belt is on the 5 cm, because below that size it becomes brittle and tends to twist.

The best material is the polyester or polypropylene, both durable, lightweight and easy to clean. Avoid straps that are too thin or have cheap plastic buckles, as they will break on the first throw into the hold. One detail that many people overlook is the name tag slot, found on several models and useful as additional identification.

If you want maximum coverage, you can opt for a cross strap, which wraps the case both horizontally and vertically. It is more stable than the single, but also a bit bulkier to adjust.

Three luggage straps we recommend

If you just need a solid belt without too much pretension, the 4-piece AOKITO set with combination is a good choice. Spend about 12 euros for four adjustable straps with 3-digit locks, suitable for suitcases from 20 to 34 inches. The bright colors also help distinguish the luggage on the belt.

For those who want TSA certification without spending too much, the OW-Travel with TSA padlock is probably the best value for money. It costs about 13 euros, has corner reinforcements, a 3-digit combination, and a lock that can be opened by U.S. security personnel. It is also one of the longest around, so no problem with large suitcases.

If you prefer to play it safe with a well-known brand, the Samsonite Global Travel Accessories TSA is the classic frequent flyer's choice. It costs about 20 euros, has the TSA combination, superior materials and the Samsonite guarantee. It is available in several colors and the buckle is among the sturdiest on the market.

How to put it on the right way

A common mistake is to run the strap around the case without running it through the handle. If you don't loop it through the handle, it can slip off at the first bump, and at that point it is useless. Pass it through under the top handle, adjust it well without leaving too much play and preferably place it on the short side of the case, where it is less exposed to shocks during handling.

If you use a strap with combination, the advice is to take a picture of the code with your smartphone. After months without traveling it happens to forget, and being at the airport without being able to open your own strap is not the most fun. Another practical tip: adjust your luggage strap at home calmly, not at the last moment at check-in with the queue behind.

It is worth spending those few euros

For between 5 and 20 euros you take home an accessory that weighs a few grams, takes up zero space and lasts practically forever. It saves you the panic of an open suitcase at the belt, makes you recognize your luggage in an instant, and adds an extra layer of security against accidental opening and prying hands. If you travel frequently to the U.S. get a TSA-locked luggage strap; for all other destinations a good combination strap is more than enough.

• hand luggage