in 2004 DH and I traveled. Our TSA approved locks disappeared after the bags were checked in! Such is life.

It really depends on the airline. I have taken blunt tip scissors on some international flights and domestic flights and then not been able to on others. I usually always carry either a dental floss container to cut thread, a round Clover thread cutter or the Clover yarn cutter with no problems. I leave it in my notions case in my carry on with no problems.

Thankfully, I have not had that happen yet. I would be very upset about that!

we use bright colored painters tape.. yep the stuff that is kinda like masking tape only it comes in colors.. I know it is supposed to be easily removed and when i am ready to remove it it does come right off with out leaving any residue. But I normally leave it on there until it is ratty looking.. which is MANY trips.. We usually mark a BIG X on front and back of suit case.... and then run a strip around the outside edges... we never have a problem spotting out luggage. We get many grin and " good idea remarks" about it too.
I also have an older suitcase that is burgandy but appears black... I used craft paint and stencils to paint flowers and leaves and such on it... it too is easily spotted... but I think the tape is the easist!

I love all the suggestions. I hope I get to use them one day. Another simplistic identifier I thought about. Take the brightly colored tape & put your initials on all sides. Don't put your name!!!! Or maybe a favorite sports team or hobby?

In the past, we used the ribbon on the handle, but if the handle is turned away from you, you have to straighten the luggage sometimes to see it. That can be annoying & taxing on the back. I vote for something that is removable on all sides. Have fun...I am very envious.

many years ago, my dear aunt simply tied a red plaid ribbon to the handle. she no longer travels and i asked her for that ribbon - it's been on my luggage for a few years now. have a great time in Australia... what a wonderful opportunity.

We had TSA approved locks they(TSA) ripedthe zipper off we had to buy new luggage,

With all the suggestions of stencilling and decorating the suitcases ........ I can't believe that no one suggested quilt blocks!!!!!!!!!

I bought black the last time ... and have regretted it ever since! First trip out, I discovered right away that everyone has black, and they all look, almost alike!! And too that it looks absolutely filthy all the time!

And to think I'd bought a nice olive green and returned it thinking I should have the classic look of the black ... and seldom, have I seen its mates! :(

I have a couple of suitcases that are jungle prints. They're pretty easy to recognize. I think I got them at Big Lots a few years back.

I crocheted a bright orange mess of chain and wadded it up like a flower. Worked perfectly. That colored duck-tape sounds really good on the handle..and lots of it.

I was thinking of getting a few bright patches and ironing them on, but I'm not sure. I like the stenciling idea and the quilt blocks too. Thank you!