Luggage locks?

[Hidden_Mickey]

Do they really deter theft, or are they a waste of $? I can't decide. What is your experience? Did TSA ever cut the lock or your bag to inspect, even though it had a TSA approved lock on it?

Should we just use plastic zip ties? But how do you open them once you arrive if you can't bring scissors in your carry on, lol?!

 

[GoodFairies]

Anything you use to lock your luggage, will be gone when you retrieve it. They will cut locks off.

 

[M5ward]

I use TSA approved combination locks when I travel. I have never had a lock missing from my luggage.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I have not had TSA locks cut off the few times I have travelled with them. They do put a sticker on them if they go into the bag to check anything. They really don't do a whole lot with soft sided luggage, though. If someone wants in they will cut the bag.

My concern usually is just that the bag will come unzipped in handling. We run an ordinary key ring through the two zipper tabs. Keeps them together, but easily removed (without scissors )

 

[msmayor]

Nothing of any value should be in your luggage anyway, so in my mind locks are a waste of money.

I use neon-colored zip ties to make sure the zippers stay shut. They easily cut off with a nail clipper, which can be in your carry-on.

 

[sjs314]

For the past few years I have not put locks on my luggage like in the past, but just bought a new bag with a built in TSA combination lock , I shall see how that works come November

 

[snarlingcoyote]

I don't bother with locks. If someone wants to steal something and they're an airline employee, they'll just cut the locks off. Anyone else will just steal the bag entire and leave the remains in a dumpster.

 

[kimblebee]

I use locks all the time and have never had one cut off. I think the appearance of a lock is a deterrent and if someone is so inclined to steal something they will move onto a bag that is not locked.

 

[KristaTX]

I don't usually use locks for the plane/airport, but I do use suitcase locks in the hotel room when we have things like cameras, cords, mp3 players, jackets, etc. that I'm going to leave in the room for any period of time. I figure it will at least deter hotel staff from swiping anything.

 

[Philagoofy]

Ohh, two threads about travel. I'm not going anywhere this year. Can I live vicariously through you and ask where you are going? Hopefully it's a pleasure trip & not business!!!

We also used TSA approved locks & haven't had a problem.

Hope you have a wonderful vacation.

 

[Hidden_Mickey]

Ohh, two threads about travel. I'm not going anywhere this year. Can I live vicariously through you and ask where you are going? Hopefully it's a pleasure trip & not business!!!

We also used TSA approved locks & haven't had a problem.

Hope you have a wonderful vacation.

Yellowstone! We have been planning this for over a year... only a few weeks to go now so I'm tying up loose ends, like locks and worrying about connections, lol.

 

[Philagoofy]

Yellowstone! We have been planning this for over a year... only a few weeks to go now so I'm tying up loose ends, like locks and worrying about connections, lol.

OMG. That was one of the most beautiful, interesting, unique places I've ever seen (not that I've been a whole lot of places). But it is truly wonderful. I'm sure you've read alot about it & you know all the great places to go but I'll say it anyway...don't miss Artist's Point. It has the most amazing views of Lower Yellowstone Falls. And there are many more geysers than Old Faithful, just have to walk around some. I won't go on because I'm sure you've read all about the amazing sights.

Have a wonderful time. And if you need to take another suitcase, I think I can fit in one.

 

[DBL101]

It's like locking your car. It will deter the casual or opportunistic thief, but not the determined or professional.

 

[marymouse]

On a recent trip with some friends we got to the hotel to find that the TSA had put a lock on one of our suitcases. We had no way to get it off since it wasn't our lock.

The suitcase owner was chewing the TSA out on the phone when another friend managed to break the lock with manicure scissors.

I don't have much faith in luggage locks.