Do you need to lock your luggage?

[katypop]

we are flying for the first time and i am wondering if it is necessary to lock your luggage? we only have one suitcase that we can lock. if we only had clothing and no valuables in the other luggage do you think it would be ok?

thanks!
katypop

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I never lock my luggage, my mantra for this "take it, don't break it". Have never had one problem even flying to and from Jamaica.

 

[inkkognito]

We used to "lock" our luggage with cable ties prior to 9/11, but once the paranoia about carrying nail clippers or small pairs of scissors started, we switched to combination locks. We fly a lot and have never had a problem, but hubby just likes to be overly cautious.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[DisneyHumbug]

I always lock our luggage. We use combination locks, so we don't have to worry about losing those little keys (which probably unlock every little lock ever made!).

 

[CarolMN]

I always lock my luggage, but not for protection against theft. Suitcase locks are not a deterrent to most thieves. I lock my luggage to prevent it from accidentally coming open. Airlines do not always treat luggage gently.

Lately, I've been using "luggage straps" for this purpose. When I do that, I don't always lock the suitcases. The straps also help me to identify my luggage very quickly. As they say, lots of bags look alike!

 

[katypop]

thanks for all of your comments everyone. i still can't decide whether it will worry me or not leaving them unlocked. i never thought about straps to keep belongings secure, sounds like a good idea.

katypop

 

[Susie Dismom]

My mother recently flew from Tampa back to Cleveland, and they made her remove her combination locks on the luggage she checked. She was told she could put them back on, but she would have to wait about an hour and a half to do that - well guess when her flight was to take off (1 1/2 hours ), so she flew unlocked. Don't know if this is standard in Tampa? I hope to fly locked from Columbus to Orlando!!!!!!!!

 

[Margie J]

I always lock my luggage on all flights. Not only does it help stop it from popping open during handling but may prevent theft. I know that thieves probably have a set of keys to fit every type of lock (there are only a few key types out there). However, why make it even easier for someone to take a quick look.

Whether you lock or not it may be a good idea to make a list of everything you've packed in the bags. If the bags or contents are ever lost you can easily describe not only the bag but the contents as proof that it's yours. I once lost my baggage claim tag and upon landing at one airport and a staff member asked me for proof that those were my bags I was trying to carry out. I showed him my list and offered to open the bags right there.

Another thing I do is mark my luggage with some bright tape or other stuff. Lots of luggage looks the same and it might be tough to spot your bags coming off the belt. I can see mine easily.