Indeed. :D
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.)
… tend to draw. sheesh.
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.