Do you use TSA approved locks on your luggage?

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Now that Disney is coming into DVC rooms everyday now and the number of complaints from guest saying things have been stolen prior to the new DVC room rules, yes we will use locks.

 

[BadPinkTink]

Yes I have been using TSA locks for over 15 years.like others have posted for me

1. its a deterrent from opportunist thieves, they wont waste time trying to open my bag when there are unlocked bags
2. to keep the zippers closed, those bags go through alot between the checkin at your departure airport and the bag claim carousel at your arrival airport
3. to make sure no one tapers with my bag, lots of people have access to the bags after check in

Never had my bag opened without my consent or had anything stolen

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't lock my checked luggage as anything of value is in my carry on.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Just so you know, those locks can be opened by anyone.

Don't you set your own code for the room safes? No idea because honestly I don't carry anything valuable enough for anyone else to want when traveling.

 

[Alesia]

Don't you set your own code for the room safes? No idea because honestly I don't carry anything valuable enough for anyone else to want when traveling.

You do, but there are keys out there for anyone who wants one. Also, it's not hard to open them without a key. You can learn how by googling.

 

[joelkfla]

You do, but there are keys out there for anyone who wants one. Also, it's not hard to open them without a key. You can learn how by googling.

I guess when there are thousands (millions?) of locks out there that have to be opened by thousands of low-paid employees with thousands of copies of the same key, it's kinda hard to keep it secure.

 

[MillauFr]

I never use them and if someone wants to steal my clothes.... c'est la vie...

 

[AquamarineSteph]

I always lock my checked luggage with TSA approved locks. While 'anyone' may be able to get into the locked bags, I consider it a deterrent much like locking the doors of my house. If someone wants inside, of course they'll find a way. But a police officer once told me that even the simplest of locks can work in your favor, because a thief will go for the easiest score with the fewest roadblocks. So my locked bag might be less tempting than an unlocked one.

 

[BadPinkTink]

thank you to all of those who dont lock you bags, you are attracting the opportunist thieves AWAY from our locked bags

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes, TSA approved. Nothing mysterious can show up in ur suitcase while it’s away from u.

Well, ok.

I mean, there are YouTube videos on how to get into the plain old zipper (not using the zipper pull) out there, so I’m not sure that’s true....


Someone on a princess weekend FB page mentioned that she ended up with a medal in her checked luggage that wasn’t there before. I figure tsa was checking multiple bags at once (therefore the question of it being locked is irrelevant) then put the medal into the wrong bag. So mysterious things can indeed show up.

 

[goofy4tink]

When I fly home, I have my dirty laundry on the top of my checked bag, so if they want that, have at it. There isn't anything of value in my bags, it's all in my carry on bag.

 

[DLgal]

We have had zippers open up and things fall out in the past, so we ALWAYS lock our luggage. Also, it's just extra insurance when we leave our bags with bell services to hold. Anyone looking to steal is looking for an easy target. Why give them that?

 

[Lola10]

I used a TSA approved lock which got cut open when they searched it (at LAX on a different holiday). Bit confused about that but I’m assuming that either the lock I was using was not actually TSA approved (but had the symbol etc on it) so people pay extra for it (I’m from the UK if that helps any) or they just fancied getting the lock cutter out. They left the broken lock in my bag as well as the note, just so there was no doubt about the fate of my padlock

 

[maxiesmom]

thank you to all of those who dont lock you bags, you are attracting the opportunist thieves AWAY from our locked bags

Or maybe the lock screams "I have something valuable in my suitcase!!"

 

[sam_gordon]

thank you to all of those who dont lock you bags, you are attracting the opportunist thieves AWAY from our locked bags

What’s in your bag that you’re worried about someone stealing?

 

[nacho113]

thank you to all of those who dont lock you bags, you are attracting the opportunist thieves AWAY from our locked bags

OR... the thieves will think there is nothing of value in our unlocked bags...
...and that your locked bag is trying to secure something of value...

Just something to ponder...

 

[ozliz]

When I fly home, I have my dirty laundry on the top of my checked bag, so if they want that, have at it. There isn't anything of value in my bags, it's all in my carry on bag.

Yep, lost a bag of dirty laundry from a suitcase once. Also lost a small frost aid kit on that trip but no evidence that the locks had been opened (which makes me think it was Hong Kong rather than London but I’ll never know). I’m convinced they just didn’t put everything back in when they opened it to rummage.

I use TSA approved locks and have had my suitcase opened on many occasions. I like that TSA leaves a note as many other countries don’t do this. I also put a lock on my carry on for when I’m sleeping on planes (I’m from Australia so lots of long haul flights for me).

On average for longer trips I expect to lose about 1 lock per trip either cut off or bumped off from rough handling. One time I had a locking luggage strap as my suitcase zipper was starting to buckle and split - lost that too despite having a TSA approved lock. I’m convinced they just couldn’t be bothered putting it back on after searching my case because it was a cross over one rather than a single loop so it was difficult to fasten if you didn’t know what you were doing.

The one time the Chinese authorities searched my suitcase it came back packed more nearly than I could ever do myself - can’t complain there.