Should I lock my luggage?

[Tootsietoo]

Leaving tomorrow and have a question about locking my luggage. Should I? My sister (who flies quite frequently) just told me not to put any locks on my luggage because if they decide to search it after I check it, it could get damaged.

 

[sgtdisney]

We just got back about a week ago and we locked all our luggage, well except our carry ons.... We didn't have any problems with them needing to open it at all.. We even had boxes containing car seats and fabric my MIL was bring back from South Florida (long story) they didn't open either of those either..

Maybe somone else here has had a different experience?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

They won't search it without you being there. That being said, I never lock my luggage. My idea, take it don't break it. I have yet to loose anything. I would pass on the locks.

Have a GREAT time!!!!

 

[betterlatethannever]

I lock my luggage because of the spring locks. Some of them are sensitive, expecially when the suitcase is stuffed. Usually, at least one latch springs open when I put them in the car trunk. I wouldn't want to see my clothes all over the tarmac when they throw the luggage on the conveyor belt.

 

[Mskanga]

I used to lock it...until someone decided to get into my dd's luggage anyway and broke the suitcase, so now I don't, I don't put any valuables in the check in luggage, so whoever opens my suitcase may be a bit disappointed and I don't overstuff it either. I tend to travel light!

 

[ducklite]

I lock my luggage, and also sometimes use cable ties on the way home so that if the luggage has been tampered with I'll know it right away (souvieniers!).

I use combo locks purchsed from a locksmith and all have the same combo so no fumbling. I've had too many items pilfered out of unlocked luggage, I'll never check an unlocked bag again. And if they destroy it trying to open it the airline will pay for it. End of story.

Anne

 

[Gillian]

Anne, do you just lock the zippers together with the locks? I've seen straps sometimes, with locks. I'd like to lock our luggage for our september trip, especially on the way home, but I have to figure out how to do it!

We use soft sided suitcases. I guess they could just knife them open.

 

[ducklite]

I lock the zippers together. The way I look at it is that I'm giving them my locked luggage. If it comes back knifed open, ripped open, etc. they are responsible. If it comes back pilfered because I didn't lock it, it's their word against mine, and I'd be hard pressed to prove my claim.

And BTW--Those locks that come with the luggage? You might as well not even bother to use them. The same key fits every single brand!!! (And I can open one with a paperclip)

Anne

 

[Gillian]

I saw cute Mickey locks today at AAA. Didn't get a good look at them though.

good point about knifed luggage vs something missing but no evidence of tampering. Looks like I'll add lock shopping to our list of things to do!

 

[steph]

I don't usually lock mine but I do use a color strap, this helps me see it comming when I go to pick it up and it helps keep it shut.
Just a thought.

Steph

 

[peg2001]

This is probably a good thread to remind everyone to NEVER check anything that is irreplaceable. Don't check your family photo album, the watch that Grandpa gave you, or anything that you would be crushed to never get back again. It is also a good idea not to check anything of value (camera, cash, etc.) but at least you COULD replace that if necessary. Pilfering is a problem, and sometimes luggage disappears without a trace.

Peg