# Zip tied bags. Check. No knives. Check. Hmmm... **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 17, 2003, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zip-tied-bags-check-no-knives-check-hmmm/155643 "2003-02-17T16:01:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Random](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/57b2e6/32.png) [@Random](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2003, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zip-tied-bags-check-no-knives-check-hmmm/155643/21 "2003-02-17T23:44:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Early Out \* > \*\*Ah, **Nightsong** , great minds think alike! \*\* ``` Indeed. :D ``` > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Random_ > **(Best I can do so far is to tuck a single-edge razor blade in a side pocket of my checked luggage, but that might trigger a hand search.)** ---
**Author:** ![Will\_Repair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a698b9/32.png) [@Will\_Repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Will_Repair)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2003, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zip-tied-bags-check-no-knives-check-hmmm/155643/22 "2003-02-18T01:31:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Random \* > \*\*Acid, as I mentioned, if the tie can be readily removed without cutting or tools, it defeats the purpose of using it. \*\* Noted, however wouldn’t a theft be armed with a knife? To defeat a theft just use the cheapest luggage available. ---
**Author:** ![Random](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/57b2e6/32.png) [@Random](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2003, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zip-tied-bags-check-no-knives-check-hmmm/155643/23 "2003-02-18T02:08:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by AcidKid \* > \*\*Noted, however wouldn’t a theft be armed with a knife? To defeat a theft just use the cheapest luggage available. \*\* Knives in airports tend to get to draw attention these days. Also, the zip tie gauge I’d use would require some sawing action, even with a good knife. Yes, it’s not foolproof, but the kind of locks used on luggage would be just as easy to beat (with wire cutters.) ---
**Author:** ![Random](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/57b2e6/32.png) [@Random](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2003, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zip-tied-bags-check-no-knives-check-hmmm/155643/24 "2003-02-18T02:09:50Z")
… tend to draw. sheesh. ---
**Author:** ![obfusciatrist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/4af34b/32.png) [@obfusciatrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obfusciatrist)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2003, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zip-tied-bags-check-no-knives-check-hmmm/155643/25 "2003-02-18T04:33:16Z")
Here’s what I do: Don’t check any bags. I’ve not yet been on the trip, no matter how long or how far, that couldn’t be accomplished with a single carry-on\*. And it isn’t all that hard to pack a carry-on bag that’ll pass the current restrictions. \*Plus my laptop, if needed for the trip. But if you’re going to. I would just zip tie everything that provides access to valuables, and then put a lighter or a pocket knife in an exterior pocket of the bag. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2003, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zip-tied-bags-check-no-knives-check-hmmm/155643/26 "2003-02-18T05:03:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by obfusciatrist \* > \*\*Here’s what I do: > > Don’t check any bags. I’ve not yet been on the trip, no matter how long or how far, that couldn’t be accomplished with a single carry-on\*. And it isn’t all that hard to pack a carry-on bag that’ll pass the current restrictions. > > \*Plus my laptop, if needed for the trip. > But if you’re going to. I would just zip tie everything that provides access to valuables, and then put a lighter or a pocket knife in an exterior pocket of the bag. \*\* Lots of things can’t be carried on. My guitar couldn’t. And I sure as hell don’t know how I would have gotten through a semester in the Soviet Union with a single carry-on. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zip-tied-bags-check-no-knives-check-hmmm/155643.md?page=1)