About the padlocks- the last few times I've traveled, the TSA has broken the padlocks on my bags to search them, a waste of my money... anyone else had this happen?
so maybe not padlock them until you get off the plane at your destination?
I use cable ties (those skinny plastic ties) instead of a padlock, the TSA guys can cut them if they want to check my backpack/suitcase, I just put on another one when my luggage arrive (IF they arrive!!!). Just put one through the zipper loops. They come if various sizes and colours too.
I also bring along bungy cords for hanging up wet laundry, shoes, or food, also good for securing bags to the overhead racks on buses/trains.
And of course, duct tape! Endless uses - including taping my paranoid friend's boots to her ankles when we spent the night inside the Bogota Airport. Don't ask!
Oh, and a roll of (soft) toilet paper, because if you have a cold or tummy problems (polite way of saying - getting the .....), you don't want sandpaper quality loo paper next to your skin
