Locking Luggage

[jtdl]

Do you lock your suitcases when you fly? I'm wondering if there is really any need to. I'm leaving in 2 days, just started packing and realized I need those special locks that the airline employees can open and I really don't have time to go shopping...yet again!!! In all reality who can get into your bags other than airline employees from the time you check them until you get them off the conveyor at your destination? And if they want into them, they can open those locks anyway! I always carry my valuables in my carry on bag, so it'll be just clothes and the like in our suitcases. Just wondering what everyone else does.

 

[winterman]

No we do not lock our luggage. I know that there have been thefts from checked bags but like you we put anything of any value in our carryons.

 

[Taja]

I'm one of the people who locks my luggage--as much to avoid accidental opening as theft. And I would be seriously ticked if someone took my clothing--it's custom made--off the rack stuff doesn't fit properly and drives me crazy! Nothing is valuable, just made to fit me!

If you are concerned, use cable ties. That's what I did until they developed the TSA approved locks. And realistically, if someone wants to get into a locked bag, they will do it! *sigh*

 

[I'mNoPrince]

We also just use the ZipTies to stop from the zippers opening.

If TSA removes them they replace them most of the time.

Just remember to pack something (nailclippers) in one of the outside pockets that don't get tied.

 

[pr surfer]

I use zipties. I previously used locks, then when the TSA came out, I used TSA approved locks. They never worked though, because the TSA would still cut/pry them' off and I would find them in my luggage along with their love letter, or not at all.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

I use zipties. I previously used locks, then when the TSA came out, I used TSA approved locks. They never worked though, because the TSA would still cut/pry them' off and I would find them in my luggage along with their love letter, or not at all.

Thats because the Baggage handlers go up at night and steal the TSA keys so they can open them in the back.

The ones I knew years ago just used Icepicks they would just stick it right in the zipper and open it right up. Then the lock would just give them more leverage to close the bag back up.

If they want to get in tey will this way I know someone was in and the biggest thing is the zipper won't just open if it catches on something during transit on the conveyors

 

[dg39]

Last year our luggage was locked, when we picked up our luggage, the locks were gone and a note was left inside stating that our luggage was randomly searched.
The next time we flew we bought the TSA approved locks at AAA. With these locks the TSA can open them without breaking them and just put them back on if/when they decide to do a search.

I never have anything of value in my checked luggage anyway, only our clothes.

I just like to lock our luggage.

 

[northriver]

When I head to the airport I always try to stick several twist ties in my pocket. Then if we don't get searched, or after we do, I use the twist ties to secure my luggage. Wouldn't stop theft, but it will keep luggage closed in the event if a zipper just accidentally coming unzipped, yet it allows security people access. Decades ago when I went on a school trip to DC I remember one of the boys luggage popped open and down the conveyor belt came his clothing, one item at a time. How awful, especially for a 14yr old traveling without parents.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

I use zip ties so they don't open up. The TSA just cuts them off if they want in, and the one time we had a bag searched, they left us a note.

We really don't check anything worth stealing.

 

[maciec]

I use either zip ties or twist ties

 

[DisMN]

We usually use twisty ties just to keep the luggage closed. I've seen one too many zippers come undone so it just feels more secure than leaving them open.
Our problem is is the TSA uses zip ties to secure them after searching them and there isn't always a way to clip them off once you get to your destination.......the TSA CONFISCATES everything you NEED to do the job!

 

[Uncleromulus]

We don't. It may prevent an "accidental" opening, but not much else.