I started using the small 5-6 inch wire ties. You can get them at flease markets @ $ a bunch, multicolor. I loop them all over the luggage, bottom, top, wheel axels, ect. Looks like a porcupine. Additionally, they are GTG for all the little "locking" zippers.
Nothing worse than fighting the masses at an international AP, all vying for their gear and headed to customs..