Making Luggage Standout
 

Here's a question that I must ask!

First the reason for my question. I am leaving in August for Cairns, Australia (actual destination is Robina, Gold Coast, Australia, but my Bridging Cultures program is in Cairns). I bought black luggage, I don't know what possessed me to do this, but I did. Maybe it was the sale on the luggage. ($99 for a 5 piece set that was normally $230, I could not beat that with a stick!) I want to make my two bags stick out, any ideas of what I could make to make them stand out?

My program is giving us bright colored tags for our luggage, but I want to take extra percautions. Should I also buy brightly colored locks?

Also, any ideas for things I could do on such a long flight? Other than sleep! I already planned on that! I am also hoping to invest in a kindle, just so that I can have some books on me, and not have to lug them.

I don't really know where you live but we flew from Los Angles, USA, to Christchurch, New Zealand on a direct flight. We were lucky enough to leave at our night time and arrive at their daytime. (The same on the return flight). I asked my doctor if a should take a sleeping pill and she said definitely. I slept both ways, no jet lag. I don't take sleeping pills, but I would again for a long nighttime flight.

You can't lock your luggage because of security. Maybe some velcro on handles. I have a Kindle and there are plenty of games for Kindle as well as books. http://www.flickr.com/photos/52997412@N06/5142983155/

I'm getting TSA approved locks, which means I can lock them, but TSA is allowed to open them. I don't know how that works, but it's what I'm doing.

I'm flying from Chicago to Los Angeles, and then Los Angeles to Brisbane. Brisbane to Cairns and then Cairns to Brisbane. My flight from LA takes off at 11:35 pm. I plan to sleep on the flight, but I'm not going to sleep 14 hours.

Congrats on being able to spend time in Australia.

I'd also like to mark my black luggage to make it stand out when traveling, it would save lots of time looking for it at airport carousels. Will be checking back to see what ideas others have.

I bought straps for our luggage, you can get them anywhere that sells luggage and even Walmart and Target. They go around the luggage and buckle, many many bright colors to chose from. I think they were about $5 each

I took brightly colored tape, it wasnt duct tape, had a shiny surface and put a big X on both sides. I could spot that coming down the luggage ramp. Duct tape come is all colors so I guess that would work too. Bright yellow!!

I stenciled a bright design on our black luggage. It really helped. it was quick, easy and origional.

Be sure and check with your airline regarding the straps that go all the way around. When my daughter went to Europe she had to remove them as they catch on other luggage I guess. Fortunately we had also put colored ribbons on her handles. :)

Actually - you are allowed to lock luggage. The TSA just has the right to remove them for searches, if they decide your bag needs a physical search. Non-TSA locks are normally just cut off. The TSA has partnered with luggage & lock companies to make TSA approved locks that essentially have a master key for the TSA to use. This allows the TSA to have access, yet protects your luggage from non-TSA personnel.

Here's the TSA webpage explaining them: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ant/locks.shtm