eBags Blog

The right luggage isn’t the only thing that helps make travel go smoothly. Sure, having a carry-on that’s the right size and weight helps you avoid checked baggage fees and a checkpoint friendly laptop bag gets you through security quicker, but there’s more to comfortable and convenient travel than avoiding fees and dashing through the airport. Sometimes a good trip means avoiding potential headaches.

 

Consider, for instance, the scenario where you can’t find your luggage at baggage claim. When you packed your suitcase, you thought it was fine. Now you realize that it’s one of many seemingly identical black, gray, or blue bags making their way around the carousel. You can either pull each bag off and look for the name and address information or you can wait until everyone else has picked up their bags to see what’s left (I certainly do not recommend the latter only because it increases your odds that your bag could be stolen).

 

What could have helped you avoid this problem? Why, a set of brightly colored luggage tags and/or a luggage handle wrap of course. These are just some of the luggage accessories that can help make travel easier. Discover these and other products designed to help you avoid the headaches of travel beyond avoiding fees and security lines.

 

Luggage Handle Wraps: Luggage handle wraps are just as they sound; they wrap around the handle of your luggage. The purpose of a handle wrap is two-fold. One, they offer a bit more cushioning for your hand while you roll it around the airport. Secondly, many luggage handle wraps are brightly colored so they help you identify your luggage quicker at baggage claim. For this reason, they are particularly useful when you take along black, blue, brown, or gray bags since these are some of the most common luggage colors.

 

Luggage Tags: Another great way to help you identify your luggage easier is by using colorful or unique luggage tags. Sure you can always pick up and fill out the free tags provided by the airline, but so can everyone else. Don’t rely on those to A) hold up under the stresses of loading and unloading luggage from the plane and B) help you identify your luggage since you may not be the only one with black luggage and the airline’s tags. Luggage tags are usually inexpensive but the convenience payback can be much more than you’d expect.

 

Luggage Locks: It used to be that you could use any lock on your luggage and that would be fine. Now, if you’re checking your luggage, you need to make sure your lock is TSA compliant. Why? Because if it isn’t, there is a good chance that the security screeners will need to cut your locks in order to inspect your belongings. A TSA approved lock cuts down on that chance (but note that it doesn’t guarantee they won’t need to cut the locks off). So why bother with luggage locks anyway? Because they help keep your bag secure. Whether you’re checking your bag or not, a luggage lock helps keep your packed belongings safe from theft. It doesn’t take much for someone to reach into the overhead and into your carry-on while you’re sleeping. A luggage lock can give you that extra peace of mind. Luggage locks also help prevent your luggage from accidentally opening.

 

Luggage Scales: Luggage scales are a great way to help you avoid baggage check fees. Afterall, the carry-on rules are not only related to the size of the luggage, but also how heavy it is. Luggage scales are also a great way to avoid one particular headache. Say, for instance, you got past check-in only to be questioned later about the weight of your luggage. You might be asked to check the luggage at that time - which could even include once you’re boarding the plane. That’s a real headache to sort out when you should be finding your seat and relaxing before takeoff. Avoid that scenario altogether by weighing your luggage when you pack it and ensuring it falls within guidelines.

 

See these and all luggage accessories at eBags including products not mentioned above like luggage straps and luggage carts.

Everyone has heard of the risks of theft during travel, but not everyone knows how to protect themselves from it. From pickpocketing to stealing items from your luggage, travel theft is more common than you might think.

There are some steps you can take, though, to lower your risk of having something stolen not only from your luggage, but also from your travel bags while you’re out sightseeing. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from luggage theft and general travel theft:

 

when traveling…

• Replace the locks that came with your luggage with TSA approved luggage locks. While security screeners may have to open your bag at the airport, the locks will help protect you on the baggage carousel and at the hotel.
• Do not check valuables in your luggage. In fact, leave anything you cannot bear to lose at home or ship it ahead of time.
• Keep your most valuable items at the bottom of your carry-on bag so they are not easily accessible.
• If you set your luggage and travel bags down in the airport, leave a hand or foot on them at all times.
• Whenever possible, use the area under the seat in front of your for carry-on items. It is more difficult to access your bag there.



• If you want to use an overhead bin, try placing your carry-on bag in the bin across from your seat so you can keep an eye on it.
• Wear a neck wallet that holds your vital travel documents such as passport and tickets especially if you plan on sleeping during the flight.
• When you arrive, head directly to baggage claim.

 

when at your destination…



• Use a bag that can be worn across the body (cross body bag) so it sits closer to your body. Or use a travel bag designed with anti-theft features such as slashproof handles and protected pockets. Check out Pacsafe - a leader in anti-theft travel bags.
• In restaurants, do not place your bag on the back of your seat or on the floor. Keep it within sight. Try using a purse hanger such as a Pursehook to hold your bag out of the way but still within sight and reach.
• Never leave anything valuable in your hotel room unless it’s locked in a safe.
• Handle money discreetly. Do not flash your money around. Do not talk about how much money you have left where others can hear. Don’t pat your wallet over and over. Consider using a money belt which is hidden from plain sight (although sometimes these are more trouble than they’re worth).



• To protect your travel backpack or bag, use a carabiner to clip zipper pulls together so the bag cannot be unzipped. Consider a bag protector like one from Pacsafe with anti-slash protection. Check out this Pacsafe video to see how they work.
• Don’t look like a tourist. Dress like the locals or in plain clothes. Even if you cannot dress quite like the locals, do not dress like you’re wealthy or others will assume you are.

 

 

For more travel safety and travel theft prevention information, check out these sites:

Travel Safety Information from The Scholar of Thievery
10 Tips For Preventing Theft from The Lonely Planet

 

Travel safety, heightened airport security, and carry-on rules are back in the spotlight, so it is now more important than ever to know the rules BEFORE you pack and leave for the airport. A prepared traveler is a smart traveler.

You might be asking yourself, what can I pack in my carry on? What bags can I take on a plane? What can I bring on a plane? You’re not alone. Searches online continue to rise for these and other similar questions which means many people are trying to make sure they understand the rules so their trip goes as smoothly as possible. For answers to these questions and more, check out these carry-on tips and the airport security information below.

 

Know The TSA Rules

Check the TSA Website before you pack and leave for your flight. Knowing the procedures in advance will save you time and headaches. The TSA website has all of the information you need to get through security faster including lists of prohibited items, rules for carrying on liquids, tips for traveling with children, and information for travelers with special needs. Some of these guidelines include:

• The 3-1-1 Rule: 3-1-1 is the name for the rule about carrying liquids on board airplanes. The rule covers ANY liquids including toiletries, drinks, and food. The only exceptions are medications, breast milk, baby formula, juice, and other liquids necessary for travelers with children and travelers with medical conditions and in such cases, the items must be declared for inspection at the checkpoint. The 3-1-1 rule states that you can carry 3 ounce or smaller containers of liquid or gel in a 1 quarter-size clear plastic zip-top bag, and only 1 bag per traveler. The bag must be placed in the security bin (not packed in your carry-on luggage. See our collection of 3-1-1 Kits that meet these TSA guidelines. Many toiletries these days come in travel sizes that meet the 3 oz. requirements. Want to fill your own containers? Lewis N. Clark has a line of containers called GoToobs that are designed just for that purpose.



• Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags: For business travelers and other passengers who carry their computers on board planes, the rules state that you must remove the laptop from the bag and place in security bins separately. The only exception is when a checkpoint friendly laptop bag is used. Not all laptop bags are checkpoint friendly so make sure your bag meets these guidelines (even if the company claims it is checkpoint friendly): 1) bag has a designated laptop-only section 2) The laptop-only section unfolds completely to lie flat on the X-ray belt 3) There are no metal snaps, zippers, or buckles on top, inside, or underneath the laptop-only section 4) No pockets on the inside or outside of the laptop only section 5) Nothing packing in the laptop-only section other than the computer itself.

Check your airline’s website

In addition to reading the TSA rules, you should also check your individual airline for their rules. The airline’s website may list many of the same rules as the TSA, but the site will also provide information specific to their business including checked bag fees, additional fees for in-flight items, travel with pets, checking oversized or bulky items like skis, and, most importantly, carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions. It is particularly important to pay attention to the carry-on limits because even though a company claims their bag is carry-on sized doesn’t mean the airline will allow it to be carried on board - especially if you overstuff it. Be sure to:

• Weigh your luggage: Use a luggage scale to make sure your bag is under the weight limit - especially if you have a habit of overpacking. Check out our selection of luggage scales.
• Measure your luggage: Each individual airline has set its own carry-on luggage size requirements so make sure your carry-on luggage fits within those measurements. As a general rule, when shopping for carry-on luggage, look for pieces that are no more than 45 linear inches. This means that the height + width + length of the bag is no more than a total of 45 inches. The luggage you will find in the carry-on category on eBags meets these requirements.

Pack Organized

Forgot to remove your 3-1-1 kit? Are you being asked to open your bag so it can be more closely inspected? In the event that you need to open your carry-on bag in the security screening area, make sure you packed in an organized way so you can not only find things easier and quicker, but also so your belongings don’t spill out on the floor. The TSA website recommends packing in layers - clothes then electronics then more clothes then heavier items. Another great way to pack and keep your items safe, organized, and easy to find is to use packing cubes. For more information about packing cubes, read our packing cubes article.

Holiday Travel

Don’t wrap gifts. You hear this tip every holiday, but some people still don’t listen. You will be asked to unwrap your gifts if you do not follow this rule so do not waste your time wrapping ahead of time. The best option if you’re traveling during the holidays is to ship gifts or purchase them at your destination. If you must carry your gift on board, wrap it at your destination.

Want to bring food with you either as a gift or for the holiday dinner? Make sure you check the TSA website for the list of prohibited food items. Remember that liquid foods are subject to the 3-1-1 rule. Consider purchasing the food item at your destination, shipping ahead, or simply leave it at home. If you have purchased a food item at the airport after the security checkpoint, you can carry that item on board your flight.

Check It or Leave It

When in doubt, check it or leave it at home. You’ve scoured the prohibited items list on the TSA website, the airline website doesn’t say anything about it, and you can’t find the information anywhere else. What do you do? Pack it in your checked luggage. Don’t want to pay the checked baggage fee? Leave it at home.

 

 

Please note that these guidelines are subject to change so you should check for the most up-to-date information on both your airline’s and the TSA’s website before you pack and leave.

Information sourced from the TSA website: TSA.gov.

 

Have you ever found yourself at the baggage claim carousel, staring at the sea of black suitcases, wondering which one is yours? You bend down and move several bags to read the luggage tag only to find out it doesn’t belong to you. While many travelers these days prefer to carry on, this is still an all too common scenario. Afterall, it’s nearly impossible to use only carry-on luggage when you go on long vacations, ski trips, and family getaways.

Want to avoid this frustrating situation? Here are some ways you can help identify your luggage faster and easier the next time you check it.

 

1. Use colorful luggage. One of the easiest ways to identify your luggage at baggage claim is if it isn’t black. Black is one of the most common luggage colors. Even blue and gray these days are becoming just as common so avoid these as well. Consider something in green, orange or pink or, even better, take a look at what’s available in fashion luggage and designer luggage for something that truly stands out.

 



2. Attach different luggage tags. If you already have luggage in a common color and don’t want to buy a new set, then the next best thing to help you spot your luggage quickly is to use luggage tags. Luggage tags, as you know, are important for identifying luggage because of the information they contain. However, tags can also help you find your luggage if they are unique in some way - colorful, different shaped, patterned, etc. If your suitcase came with tags, chances are they match which means the tags will be just as difficult to notice as your luggage. The good news is that luggage tags are inexpensive, so pick yourself up a set that stand out.

 



3. Luggage handle wraps are also useful. Often luggage on the carousel ends up upside down or in an odd angle where one cannot see the luggage tags. Sure you can turn the bags around, but you can also save yourself the hassle by using a luggage handle wrap. Luggage handle wraps serve a dual purpose - they can help make gripping the luggage handle a little more comfortable and they can help you find your luggage. Luggage handle wraps are also relatively inexpensive so if you’re not looking to replace your luggage right away, consider picking up one of these handy accessories.

 



4. Luggage locators are the high tech solution. The most certain way to find your luggage, even up to 60 feet away, is with a luggage locator like the ETA Luggage Locator. A small electronic receiver attaches to your suitcase while you hold a remote. The remote activates a series of beeps and flashes that show you where your luggage is. A luggage locator is also great for letting you know your luggage arrived at its destination before you even see it (a relief for those of us who have had our luggage lost in the past).

 

Have your own way of finding your luggage quickly? We’d love to hear about it. Comment on this post with your ideas.