People who travel frequently must avoid having to deal with the hassle of an opening suitcase at all costs. Zippers and clasps do not guarantee that the bag remains perfectly closed; belts, on the other hand, are an excellent tool that prevents this risk. It is advisable to buy one that makes the suitcase even more easily recognizable, even better if it is equipped with a padlock or combination. You can use the strap to keep your luggage compact or to connect two bags to each other during a transfer.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Securing your Baggage
Step 1. Wrap the strap around a hard suitcase
One of the functions of the sling is to prevent luggage from accidentally opening while on the move. This type of suitcase is equipped with a lock or clip that can be damaged due to impact during loading and unloading.
- If you have a hard suitcase that has some kind of clasp on the top, you need to wrap the strap so that it keeps it tightly closed; place the buckle in the center of the front or rear face of the bag and tighten the band, so that it is snug to the surfaces but without bending them.
- The strap should form a right angle to the luggage opening.
Step 2. Make sure the band intersects the zipper of a soft suitcase
If you have this type of luggage very full, the seams can burst, but a strap can keep the suitcase compact even in that context.
Tighten the strap just enough to keep the container closed even if the zipper fails
Step 3. Wrap several suitcases together
Hold the larger one vertically with the elongated handle and place the second in order of size on top of the first, taking care to rest one side against the extended handle. Bring the strap under and around both containers by passing it through the handle with two rods or near the edge if the handle has only one rod.
- Bring the buckle to the center of the front face of the larger suitcase. Tighten the band just enough to keep the top piece from moving, but not to the point where it bends under the pressure.
- You have to do your best to make sure the handle closes anyway, as it cannot stay open during transport.
Step 4. Securely secure any free portion of the strap
Once well wrapped around the suitcase, there may be a part of the band dangling; to prevent this from getting stuck somewhere during loading or unloading, slip it under the taut portion of the belt itself and secure it with a knot.
Most of these devices can be adjusted to different lengths; consequently, if you have to secure a small bag instead of a large one, there is likely to be a long slack segment left
Part 2 of 2: Choosing the Belt
Step 1. Choose a striking color
It's pretty easy to confuse your luggage with someone else's, and the strap is a detail that helps you recognize it. Whether you opt for a pink, bright green or multicolored sash, give the suitcase the necessary feature to make it stand out among the others.
If you are traveling with other family members and have similar bags, the sling allows everyone to take possession of their own
Step 2. Pay attention to the type of closure
Most of the bands have a buckle that opens by squeezing it on the sides. This is probably the simplest release model you should choose; you should try it out to make sure you can open it smoothly, but at the same time it does not inadvertently unhook it by tugging on it.
Some straps have a plastic or metal clip similar to that of belts, through which you have to thread the free end of the band; however, such a model is not recommended, as you have to tinker for a long time to secure your luggage
Step 3. Choose a padlocked strap
This model keeps the luggage closed but also provides some protection against theft. Some buckles have a three-digit combination lock that must be selected for opening; it is a deterrent against thieves who would like to get their hands on the contents of the suitcase.
- Although safety is important, some travelers advise against this type of belt because it slows down control operations; officers who would like to inspect baggage could not do so because of the combination strap.
- If you travel to the US frequently, you can buy a TSA-approved belt. These are models equipped with a passepartout in possession of the security agents who can open the padlock in case of need. You can buy them at most airports and travel accessories stores.
- To make things easier, you should write down the combination and store the card in a place where you have easy access; that way, you won't get stuck somewhere with a suitcase you can't open.
Advice
- It is advisable to wrap the luggage with two straps arranging them crosswise to make the closure even more secure.
- If you have been using the same strap for some time, you should inspect it from time to time to make sure it is in excellent condition; if it is worn, it may break while you are using it.
