Zipties on luggage?
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Since I don't rely on security having the "TSA Key" I put three different coloured zip ties on my checked bag on the basis that while they all have the black or white ties, they probably don't have red, yellow, green and blue ones handy so I can look for tampering. Plus they secure the bag well.
#17
Join Date: Sep 2013
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#18
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This is why I have zip ties with individual serial numbers on them. Take a photo at airport bag drop. Its obvious if they open the pocket and put on a new one.
#19
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
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I had zip-ties placed on my luggage the last time I transited NRT with DL.
For those of you putting your own zip ties on, if all you care about is tamper-proofing, you might be better off with security seals. The bonus is that you don't need cutters to remove them, and they have serial numbers so essentially impossible to replace.
https://www.seton.com/light-duty-pul...ls-am0099.html
For those of you putting your own zip ties on, if all you care about is tamper-proofing, you might be better off with security seals. The bonus is that you don't need cutters to remove them, and they have serial numbers so essentially impossible to replace.
https://www.seton.com/light-duty-pul...ls-am0099.html
#20
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: MidSouth
Programs: AA; Delta GM
Posts: 728
I've lost locks and had notes from TSA, but I have never had zip ties put on my checked luggage when flying to/from the US, Central America, South America, Europe or Africa.
Something to anticipate?
Something to anticipate?
#22
Join Date: Sep 2013
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#23
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,412
Yeah, but zipties are cheap and we have them in the house because we use them for other things ;-) We only use them to discourage casual pilfering, really.
#24
Join Date: Jan 2012
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#25
Join Date: Nov 2005
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#26
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CLT
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We zip tie our luggage and keep kiddie scissors in the front pouch to cut them off when we arrive. Extra zip ties for return are in carry on so they can't cut and replace. Always try for a weird color.
I like the idea of the serial numbered ties. Here's 100 for $20.
I like the idea of the serial numbered ties. Here's 100 for $20.
#28
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 38
I do purple zip ties because it's an odd color (although after reading FT apparently not as uncommon as I thought!). I keep the spares and a nail clipper in my carry on to replace for the trip home. Having purple zip ties came in handy on my last trip because I could tell right away that my bag was opened as it had a replacement black zip tie on it. I opened it immediately (with the nail clippers from my carry on) and found the love letter from tsa. Although it occurred to me- far fetched as the premise is- a thief or smuggler could always open it afterwards and steal/smuggle but at least having the different color zip ties gives me a heads up.
#29
Join Date: Dec 2014
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I've been zip tying for years. . . I expect to have my gear opened. I use my brightly colored zip ties to remind the macaroons (tsa in the U.S. of A.) that cut them off to seal the cases again!