The best travel safety accessories in 2019

Buying travel accessories does not break the bank, but can potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of valuables and hours of effort and inconvenience.

This is a small investment with big results.

In this section, you will find some of the best reviewed and most recommended travel safety accessories for all budget levels:

 

1. Travel locks

Prices accurate as of:

 

2. Luggage strap

 

1. TSA lock

TSA refers to the US Transportation Security Administration. When travelling to the US, the TSA requires access to your luggage for checking.

Hence, the TSA lock was born. Instead of breaking your lock, TSA agents can unlock TSA locks with a master key, and re-lock your luggage once they are done.

Travel Sentry is the company that developed this lock system and licenses it to manufacturers globally. Unfortunately, there have been two loopholes:

• In 2014, the Washington Post uploaded pictures of the special tools used to unlock TSA locks. Although they have since been removed, thieves are believed to have managed to reverse engineer the master key / tools.
• Also, TSA locks can be easy to crack, as seen in the video below:

That said, a TSA lock still serves a purpose:

• It is not meant to ensure 100% security, but meant to deter thieves.
• Is lightweight and versatile for use in many situations (e.g. check in luggage, hand carry, lockers, etc).
• To hold your bag’s zippers together, so that they do not break apart or suffer unnecessary wear and tear from rough handling.
• If you do not use a lock, travel insurance companies may reject your claims for stolen / missing items.

 

1a. TSA lock: Sure Lock TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Lock

A highly recommended TSA lock is the Sure Lock TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Lock:

 

>> More details on product site

 

The TSA lock from Sure Lock is the most ideal travel padlock as it comes packed with all the essential functionalities (a 4 digit combination, alert indicator, super easy to use and read) at a great price.

You can try looking, but it is really difficult to find another well-reviewed product with all these features at these price points.

Some other notes:

• DO NOT use a 3 digit combination lock. A 3 digit combination lock only has 1,000 combinations. If a thief takes 1 – 2 seconds for every combination, he will only need 16 – 33 minutes. If you number is in the middle, the time needed reduces to only 8 – 16 minutes. On the other hand, a 4 digit combination lock has 10,000 combinations, which means the time needed to crack it is 10 times more!

• Avoid TSA locks with a cable loop lock. Although they are more flexible, there is a chance that they might hook onto something. If they do, your zippers or bag will most likely be damaged.

 

What others have to say

Good lock for travel

By flyer549

Compact, relatively light, sturdy. The 4 number combination offers better security than 3 number locks.

I travel with just a carry on and don’t check baggage but sometimes need to gate check bags when on smaller planes and feel the protection is needed. Also, I lock bags when stored by hotel waiting for room availability. Good product.

– More user reviews below –

 

Key features

>> More details on product site

 

Most durable lock on market with money back guarantee: Sure Lock uses an ultra tough zinc alloy body to withstand the harshest of baggage handling. The hardened stainless steel internal lock mechanisms won’t rust / freeze up even after years of use.

Peace of mind with inspector indicator: if the TSA has opened your luggage, a button will pop out of the top of the cable lock. This way, you’ll know to double check your luggage for any missing items while still at the airport.

Foolproof combination setting mechanism with four digits: setting your combination which you can change anytime literally takes less than ten seconds and the use of four digits means that your combination is harder to crack and easier to remember.

Works with nearly any kinds of luggage: the standard size of the steel shackle loop on luggage locks is 21.67mm. The shackle on these locks are actually lengthened to 25.67mm. This allows them to better fit hard cases such as Pelican or gun cases.

Easy to read dials: Sure Lock uses a white numeral on a black background. These high contrast dials make reading your combination a breeze. No more squinting or searching for glasses.

 

Product dimensions

• Product dimensions: please see image below. For quick conversion to cm – 0.14 in (0.36 cm), 0.51 in (1.30 cm), 1.01 in (2.57 cm), 1.19 in (3.02 cm), 2.85 in (7.24 cm)

• Pack size: choose from 1, 2 or 4 locks
• Colors: black, green, pink, blue

 

User ratings, reviews

 

1b. Portable padlock: Desired Tools Padlock – 4 Digit Combination Lock

For a smaller padlock at a very affordable price point, the Desired Tools Padlock – 4 Digit Combination Lock fits the bill perfectly.

 

>> More details on product site 

 

The Desired Tools Padlock is the perfect portable travel padlock solution.

It is really affordable, secure (4 digit combination), sturdy and durable (zinc alloy and plated steel), very easy to use (clear instructions) and read (raised numbers), easily fits most travel needs (e.g. lockers at the hostel, gym, portable safe, etc) and there are many colors to choose from (for your preference, or to make your locker easy to spot).

We have to reiterate again, never get a 3 digit combination lock. A 3 digit lock only has 1,000 combinations. If you take 1 – 2 seconds to test every lock, that’s 16 – 33 minutes, and if your code lies in the middle, the time needed is cut to 8 – 16 minutes.

With a 4 digit combination lock however, there are 10,000 combinations, which means 10x the time is needed to crack it.

 

What others have to say

solid lock

By Milena

I have used this lock for ten years with my RV Travel Trailer. I use it to store extra keys to the trailer doors, truck door and ignition. The lock is attached to my propane tank to which I have access without a key. The lock is sheltered but does get some road mist during rain day travels.

It has worked perfectly for over 70,000 miles. That’s a lot of vibration and jostling for any key safe. Highly recommend this key safe for travelers.

– More user reviews below –

 

Key features

>> More details on product site 

 

4 digit code allowing for 10,000 combinations: if a thief was to test every combination and require 1 – 2 second for each, that will take 166 – 333 minutes, 10x more that of a 3 digit combination lock.

Ease of use: numbers are easy to read, maneuver, set and reset to your own personal code.

Warranty: 60 day money back guarantee & 3 year warranty.

 

>> More details on product site 

 

Product dimensions

• Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.25 x 1.7 x 0.7 in / 8.3 x 4.3 x 1.8 cm
• Weight: 0.31 lbs / 5 oz / 142 g
• Materials: zinc alloy, plated steel
• Colors: black, silver, blue, green, red

 

User ratings, reviews

 

2. Luggage strap

Luggage straps serve three really useful functions:

a. Prevent accidental opening of luggage. You do NOT want to lose clothings at the start of a trip, or expensive souvenir at the end. If you are using an old luggage / luggage on the brink of failure, this is a huge lifesaver.

b. Help you spot your luggage easily, and prevent others from taking yours mistakenly.

c. To secure multiple pieces of luggage together, making it easier and more convenient to move them around.

However, there is no need to get a luggage strap that has a TSA lock as an additional safety measure, as the strap can be cut / loosened and the lock can be picked anyway.

Instead, using a hard shell luggage which already has a locking system + a normal strap + not storing any valuables inside your check in luggage will be more than sufficient.

 

2a. Best value: BlueCosto Long Cross Luggage Straps

The BlueCosto Long Cross Luggage Straps is a cross luggage strap which is highly recommended.

 

>> More details on product site

 

The cross strap nature of the product ensures a more secure hold and can act as one more layer of deterrent to would be thieves.

For the quality of the materials used, this product comes at a great price point.

 

What others have to say

my bag is getting pretty beat up

By Cathy

Made my very basic black wheeled bag stand out from all the others in the airport.

Also, my bag is getting pretty beat up, but not bad enough to pitch it and replace it yet. These straps gave me extra peace of mind just in case my zipper would break. I will be purchasing another!

– More user reviews below –

 

Key features

>> More details on product site

 

Heavy duty and adjustable: this cross luggage strap is made for heavy duty use, the secure buckle closure ensures security and both horizontal and vertical belts are adjustable.

Easy to differentiate: bright color and unique cross belt helps to differentiate your luggage which saves and prevents accidental taking by another.

Identifiable if lost: this luggage strap comes with a luggage tags slot where you can write your name and phone number.

Very durable: buckle made of super durable poly & plastic material. It does not snap when bent inward or outward!

Fits most check in luggage: universal luggage strap fit for 20 – 28 in / 50 – 71 cm suitcase.

 

Product dimensions

• Product dimensions:
  • Vertical: 47.2 – 78.7 in / 120 – 200 cm
  • Horizontal: 39.4 in – 70.9 in / 100 – 180 cm
  • Belt width: 1.97 in / 5 cm
• Weight: 0.45 lbs / 7.2 oz / 204 g
• Colors: black, blue, green, orange, pink, yellow

 

User ratings, reviews

 

2b. Best budget: TRANVERS Heavy Duty Luggage Strap

If you would just like a simple, single strap, then you will not go wrong with the TRANVERS Heavy Duty Luggage Strap For Suitcase 16″ ~ 32″ With Address Tag 1 / 2 / 4 Pack.

 

>> More details on product site

 

This is the standard strap which should be an essential for any trip if you have a check in luggage.

It is a very durable product that comes at an unbeatable price.

 

What others have to say

My daughter’s hard cover suitcase opened during the baggage process

By Hillary P

My daughter’s hard cover suitcase opened during the baggage process on her last flight (the zipper had separated) and the airline baggage handlers had to carry it from the back room of the baggage area bulging open. So, I thought I would give these a try on the next flight.

We just took another flight,and sure enough, her suitcase had come undone again. However, this time, her bag was on the carousel and all of the contents were intact because it was being held together by these straps. I will never take another flight without using these.

– More user reviews below –

 

Key features

Product dimensions

• Product dimensions:
  • Sturdy webbing strap within maximum length: 79 in / 200 cm
  • Strap width: 2 in / 5.08 cm
• Weight: 0.21 lbs / 3.35 oz / 95.0 g
• Colors: black, blue, lake blue, red
• Pack size: choose from 1, 2 or 4 straps

 

User ratings, reviews

 

2c. Best fashion: ORB Travel Luggage Strap

If the standard kind of black, plain luggage strap bores you, then the Heavy Duty ORB Travel Luggage Strap with Quick Connect Buckle is the perfect luggage strap for you.

 

>> More details on product site

 

The main attraction of this strap is that the designs are really unique, which makes it a joy to use for some and also really, really easy to spot even from a distance.

Despite the focus on the design, it has not neglected its basics – it is still made of sturdy materials and is highly reliable in holding your luggage together. However, it costs more than the standard luggage strap.

 

What others have to say

Glad that I made the purchase

By llewie

The agent gave us the incorrect information and sent us to the wrong carousel, but I spotted our bags 25 meters away on another conveyor belt. Really eye-catching. I’ve seen many straps but none quite like ours, and we’re world travelers. It also is holding well against rigorous beatings.

I also only like black bags because I dislike unsightly scuff marks seen on brightly colored suitcases. And with every other bag in black, anyone can misidentify yours. I also like the double duty it does to help hold the suitcase together. Going to buy a couple more some before Amazon discontinues them.

– More user reviews below –

 

Key features

>> More details on product site

 

Adjustable and secure: heavy duty quick connect buckle closure ensures security, comes with adjustable Terylene strap.

Instantly spot your luggage from afar for peace of mind: wide variety (31) of unique colorful designs.

Stylish and functional: wide variety (31) of unique colorful designs.

 

Product dimensions

• Product dimensions: 2 (wide) x 70 (long) in / 5.08 x 177.8 cm
• Shipping weight: 0.35 lbs / 5.6 oz / 158.8 g
• Colors: 31 unique designs

 

User ratings, reviews

 

2d. Best for attaching additional items: Travelon Bag Bungee

If you are a frequent traveller with lots of luggage, travelling with family, or simply find it tiring lugging luggage and backpacks around, then the Travelon Bag Bungee is the item for you.

 

>> More details on product site

 

The Travelon Bag Bungee is a brilliant contraption, allowing you to carry more with less effort at a super affordable price.

It attaches easily to the handle system of any wheeled luggage item, including single pole or double pole handles and secures a second bag to the handle. The two items move as one.

You may find cheaper, generic versions of this item elsewhere, but these are not recommended.

The generic versions generally use thin bungee cords. This means that the heavier the luggage / bags / objects which you are securing, the less likely the bungee stops will stay in place.

On the other hand, the Travelon Bag Bungee has much thicker cords to keep the stops in place as well as a sturdier bottom piece, which will prevent your luggage / bags / objects from bouncing around during transit.

 

What others have to say

Where has this been my whole life!!!

By Donna M. Weigel

Outstanding! First, there are instructions right on the bungee how to strap it on in case you forget, not that is is hard. There is a pinch and snap in clip that goes around the handle of the bottom suitcase. There is then a stretchy bungee and a harder plastic part that will slide over your handle.

What I like is the center band that holds the bungees together can slide up and down the bungee adjusting to where you need the extra support. I can easy put a bag and a coat SOLID on top of my other case. It then sticks to the bottom case like it is part of that case. You can life the whole thing as one unit. No sliding off. I wish I had this for years!

– More user reviews below –

 

Key features

>> More details on product site

 

Carry more with less effort: the Bag Bungee allow two items to move as one.

Great for use: with polycarbonate / hard-sided suitcases.

Attaches easily: to handle system of wheeled luggage and works on single pole or double pole telescoping handles.

Secures: a 2nd bag, coat or other item.

 

Product dimensions

• Product dimensions: 11 x 7 x 3 in / 27.9 x 17.8 x 7.6 cm
• Weight: 0.5 lbs / 8 oz / 226.8 g

 

User ratings, reviews