Every airport has a sign up at baggage claim that says “many bags look alike.” And boy, are they right. It seems like with the shifting trends of luggage style, people end up buying the same types of bags made from similar materials and in similar colors. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached out to grab a bag that ended up belonging to someone else. You can always pretend you’re just trying to help out, but it does make you look a little suspicious sometimes. You can avoid this embarrassment and confusion by using luggage straps.
The original purpose of luggage straps really had nothing to do with personalization. As I’m sure you’re aware, your luggage can take a lot of abuse getting from point A to point B. As it whisks down conveyor belts, is thrown from truck to plane, and makes its way back again, there’s a good chance that it will become damaged. At the very least, the travel process puts great stress on your luggage’s zippers and clasps. Nothing is worse than seeing your luggage slide onto the carousel hanging open with everything you’ve packed on display. Plus, who knows what you might have lost along the way?
Luggage straps were invented to wrap securely around your bags to keep them from popping open. These straps, usually made of nylon or leather, could be cinched up tightly to keep your bag closed in case of a fastener failure. And they usually accomplished this job very well. Some companies took to adding locks to the strap closure, but this was kind of comedic, since any self-respecting luggage thief will use a knife to slice the straps right off. I suppose it keeps the honest people honest.
But I digress. The great new use of luggage straps is to mark your bags uniquely and make them easy to spot at baggage claim. Straps with neon colors or outlandish designs allow you to purchase standard, functional luggage and then dress it up on the outside making it easier to find.