Do you lock your checked luggage?

[CJMickeyMouse]

I always used to use the little luggage locks because I had them.

Now with the new "approved" locks I would have to purchase all new for five of us, two bags each. So is it worth it? I always felt like if someone really wanted to get into my bag they would find a way.

BTW, we have a direct flight both ways, using ME.

 

[Jcricket Fan]

I don't use locks but I do use the plastic zip ties just to keep the zippers closed so they don't open up.

They are easy to cut off and you are correct that if someone wants in to the bag they will get in.

We never pack any thing of value in the checked luggage so if someone needs my well worn clothes they are welcome to them!

Peace.
Colleen

 

[TosaTrio]

Nope, never have, never will. I just make sure they are securely closed and the zippers are always together on the top to limit the risk of them opening and things falling out. I don't check anything that is so valuable that it can not be replaced

 

[tmoret]

never have locked checked bags. If I have anything worth anything you can bet I carry it on with me.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't use locks but I do use the plastic zip ties just to keep the zippers closed so they don't open up.

They are easy to cut off and you are correct that if someone wants in to the bag they will get in.

We never pack any thing of value in the checked luggage so if someone needs my well worn clothes they are welcome to them!

Peace.
Colleen

that’s what we have done for years.

 

[bookgirl2632]

I have the TSA approved locks. I purchased them several years ago from ebags. Two came in a pack, so I believe I purchased four packs of them. I just feel better having the locks on them.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Thanks everyone!

We are about a month out and we are trying to sort out what we are going to use for luggage. It almost looks like duffle bags are the way to go.... and the zip ties will work great on there!

I feel "better" when they are closed somehow... and hopefully the zip ties will do the trick!

 

[Alesia]

I just use twisty ties. They work well, you don't need to remember to bring scissors to cut them off, and they're easy enough to put back on if TSA agents need to get in your bag.

 

[aussietravellers]

We always lock our bags with TSA approved padlocks or the zip tie things.

 

[twinklebug]

I use twist ties too, simply to keep the zippers closed.

If anyone wants to get into the bag to steal a lock won't deter them. All they have to do is go through the outside pocket and rip the lining between it and the main compartment... had it happen on my best piece about 3 years back, but there was nothing of resale value to be stolen.

Many many trips later and it's still a great piece of luggage, just repaired the torn liner today by sewing an old pillowcase in (harder to tear )

 

[jamstew]

Nope, I've never locked a bag in my 60 years of traveling and don't intend to start now.

 

[DaniB]

I'm confused about this.

I keep reading that TSA's have the right to open people's luggage and check through it. So if you lock your luggage, doesn't that mean TSA will just cut the lock? Or do they go through the luggage first before you had over your luggage to be checked in? Is it at that point you lock the luggage?

And what is the difference between a TSA approved lock and a regular lock?

I'm a newbie at flying, so any information provided will be a great help! We will be flying out of Buffalo.

Thanks!

 

[twinklebug]

I'm confused about this.

I keep reading that TSA's have the right to open people's luggage and check through it. So if you lock your luggage, doesn't that mean TSA will just cut the lock? Or do they go through the luggage first before you had over your luggage to be checked in? Is it at that point you lock the luggage?

And what is the difference between a TSA approved lock and a regular lock?

I'm a newbie at flying, so any information provided will be a great help! We will be flying out of Buffalo.

Thanks!

TSA approved locks all open with a master key the airline security folk have. They're ultra simple locks, more for looks than actual security.

If you use a regular lock it will be cut off and discarded.

Use twist ties and keep an eye on your luggage until it's out of sight. Behind the scenes nothing will deter a thief from getting in. The best approach is to keep all valuables and medications with you at all times when traveling.


Question:
I know the airlines will reimburse us for lost luggage, but what about luggage that was broken into while in their hands?

 

[pooch]

locks on checked bags must be TSA-approved. These locks can be opened by TSA for screening if necessary and then locked again (if they bother to) without damaging them.

We always use duffle-type luggage and heavy twist ties to keep the zippers closed. I agree if someone wants to get into the bag, they're getting in. I don't have designer clothes or toiletries so - whatever!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

I'm confused about this.

I keep reading that TSA's have the right to open people's luggage and check through it. So if you lock your luggage, doesn't that mean TSA will just cut the lock? Or do they go through the luggage first before you had over your luggage to be checked in? Is it at that point you lock the luggage?

And what is the difference between a TSA approved lock and a regular lock?

I'm a newbie at flying, so any information provided will be a great help! We will be flying out of Buffalo.

Thanks!

Yes, unless you use the new TSA approved locks that the OP mentioned he/she was considering buying.

An old style luggage lock can only be opened with your key so the TSA would have to cut the lock to search your bags if they are selected. The new TSA locks have a unique key to the purchaser 'you" but also a "universal TSA" key so the TSA agents can quickly unlock the locks and search the bag. So in theory I can't unlock your bags with my TSA approved key only my bags but the TSA can unlock all of them.

I just use key rings to keep the bags closed and even when I have had my bags searched the key ring is back on the bag as wells as the zip tie the TSA uses.

Never put anything you need for the first 24 hours or anything of value in your checked bags any you shouldn't have problems. This inludes medical supplies as well as medicines!

The TSA website is a great resourse for info prior to traveling - everything you need to know is addressed and IMHO in a pretty straighforward way.

 

[shoes99]

We also use cable ties to keep the zippers closed. They can easily be cut off by TSA if necessary. We have never had a problem using cable ties. I buy a pack at the dollar store. I also keep a scissor in the pouch of the checked luggage.

 

[Brian Noble]

We never pack any thing of value in the checked luggage so if someone needs my well worn clothes they are welcome to them!

Me too. Anything of real value (camera, computer, etc.) is with my in my carry on. If anyone wants to steal my skivvies, they need them more than me.

 

[Detailor]

We also use cable ties to keep the zippers closed. They can easily be cut off by TSA if necessary. We have never had a problem using cable ties. I buy a pack at the dollar store. I also keep a scissor in the pouch of the checked luggage.

We do pretty much the same thing, though we use nail clippers rather than scissors.

Dick Taylor

 

[Alexander]

The only reason I used to lock my suitcases was to prevent them from opening and my undies being out in the wide open when my suitcase came through the baggage claim! I put nothing of value in my suitcase and don't bother locking them. If someone other than TSA or airline employees are going to take something, they'll probably take the whole suitcase anyways.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Agreed.
And locks are simply "eye candy" that suggest to TSA (or airline employees) that something valuable just might be inside.