What kinds of things do you pack in the outer zipped compartments of checked baggage? With the possibility of things being stolen from luggage, in recent years I have stopped putting ANYTHING in the outer pockets. But it is such a waste of space to not use it! Obviously, I wouldn't put anything of value, i.e, electronics, jewelry, etc. But it would be nice to have a little extra room inside the bag. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Hi lanord, I don't put anything in the outside pockets when flying to a destination. I have sometimes put items such as maps, brochures, things like that in the outer pockets when flying home. I don't put anything of value inside the checkin luggage either. Just clothes, shoes etc. Well they are valuable to me but I think you know what I mean.

I do use the outside pockets, mostly for things that could easily be replaced at the destination. Things such as suntan lotion (in plastic bags), swimsuits, dirty clothes on the return, etc. are good. I also sometimes put flat shoes, such as sandals, in these pockets because they are often dirty and are bulky inside the suitcase, but fit nicely in the flat pockets outside.

Yes, I know people who put their dirty clothes in the outside. Flat shoes are a good idea too. Hopefully no one would want my "used" shoes!! ;-) It was nice this summer on vacation traveling by car to use those pockets. Thanks for the ideas so far...

A small pocket knife or scissors for cutting the plactic cable ties I use instead of a lock.

Last trip I put a pack of those disinfectant wipes (Lysol or Chlorox?) in case the flat I rented in London needed it. I like those things. Nice to wipe down the bathroom sink, etc. Also put bedroom slippers in there. On the way home, any dirty clothes that fit.

On all of our overseas trips to Europe, I have put our jackets in a compression bag in the outside pocket along with gloves. Never had a problem with them being stolen.

Small pair of scissors for snipping the nylong ties I use to "lock" the zipper compartments of the bag.

Learned that one the hard way... couldn't get the bag open when I put scissors INSIDE... had to ask for scissors at the front desk of my hotel. Live and learn... lol

We've sometimes stuffed plastic laundry bags in the outer pockets to cushion the inside contents.

Why do you need scissors -- you can clip cable ties w/ a nail clipper.

I don't use cable ties but always travel with manicure scissors so not a strange thing to pack in the outer compartment of checked luggage.

"Why do you need scissors -- you can clip cable ties w/ a nail clipper."

Bee in you bonnet again today janis? You remind of the nasty old Aunt we all have.

A small pair of scissors is more versatile than a pair of nail clippers. Why carry the latter at all?

It's ok to offer nail clippers as as suggestion but please stop being so condescending of others' perfectly good ideas. It's snooty attitudes like yours that drives many people away from fodors.

"Why do you need scissors -- you can clip cable ties w/ a nail clipper."


Why do you need a nail clipper if you have scissors?

I use my large outside pocket for my shoes. I like keeping them separate from my clothes.

I use the smaller pocket for maps that I don't need immediately upon arrival (those are in my carryon), an umbrella, and other small non-breakable objects.

Underwear and socks.

...a collection of PLASTIC BAGS, of all kinds and sizes.... I find it always needed and very useful (not only for dirty laundry), and they don't take any space, but can also serve as a CUSHION...

Actually, thanks to mamamia's post I just remembered, I too put ziplock bags of various sizes in my outer pocket.

I don't put shoes in the outside pockets Toeds..I am afraid they will get sqaushed and thus ruined. But I have shoe covers that go over each shoe so the shoes don't touch my clothes. I bet those shoe covers are 50 years old lol, handed down through the family, but they are still like brand new.

Yes, ziplock bags! We've had to search for them in Europe. The Europe version is called Toppits (sp) and they are sold in the housewares department at the COOP/St Annahof store in Zurich... lol
Lesson learned... take ziplock bags from home!

BTW, I didn't realize my scissors suggestion would bring such ire... lol

A small umbrella in case it is raining at my destination.

Almost forgot - friends here love getting London newspapers & UK magazines so I save what I read & bring them back using the outer pockets if I'm travelling with the sort of bag. (Cheap souvenirs, too.)