Zip ties, or more formally know as cable ties are incredibly useful when it comes to air travel.
These sturdy plastic things go right past the metal detectors, but prove to be venerable padlock alternatives/supplements when securing your baggage for check-in. (Obviously the point isn’t so much to prevent theft than it is to deter and detect any form of break in).
Other uses include mending sandals, fixing the occasional broken handle and tagging your bags.
