Do I need to padlock my luggage?

The decision is ultimately up to you. The TSA strongly recommends that you carry your valuables–such as jewelry, money, identification, and electronics–in a carry-on bag. If you're not packing any valuable items in your checked bag, you don't necessarily need a lock.



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If you're not packing any valuable items in your checked bag, you don't necessarily need a lock. All bags will go through security screening, and you'll know if your bag has been physically opened if you find a notice inside your bag or if your non-TSA-approved lock is missing.

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Lock Your Luggage on Domestic and International Flights Your luggage lock isn't just for traveling between cities in the US. While not every country has similar access to TSA approved locks, most do. There is no need to stress about luggage security when crossing the ocean.

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This is a common concern for many travelers, as theft can happen at any airport or airline. I will give you some tips to protect your luggage and your belongings. The first tip is to avoid packing anything valuable or sentimental in your checked luggage. You should keep them in your carry-on bag or personal item.

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The Benefits of Locking Your Luggage Using a suitcase lock makes it more difficult for baggage handlers or strangers to riffle through your goods at the airport. Not to mention, luggage locks are a great way to ensure your personal belongings won't fall out because the zippers are held together.

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A stolen luggage report can also be filed with the airport police, in the event your property is recovered on baggage handlers or other employees. If you believe items may have been stolen during security screening, you can also file a report with the TSA.

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Countries with TSA Lock Requirements Hence, several countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Israel, Finland, Austria and South Korea) require travellers to have their suitcases locked with a specific brand of locks that can be unlocked by aviation security.

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You will be asked to declare to a U.S. Customs Inspector what you have brought into the U.S. You may have to open your luggage to Customs Officers before it goes through the scanning machines. Customs Officers will also ask from you verbally what you have in your luggage.

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According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), yes, you can zip-tie your luggage shut so no one would be able to simply unzip your luggage and go through it.

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A TSA lock is one to which only TSA officials have a key. You set the combination yourself and, if a TSA agent has to look inside your bag because they see something suspicious on the scanner, it can be easily opened with their master key.

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While it's understandable that travelers want to lock their baggage to protect their personal belongings, it's also important to understand that TSA officers must be able to inspect baggage and contents when the need arises. That's where TSA recognized locks come in.

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If you don't have any luggage locks, cable ties will serve the same purpose in a pinch. If your luggage has lockable zips (two zip pulls, with small loops at the base of each), just thread the largest cable tie that fits through the loops, and pull tight.

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The TSA combination lock has been designed to prevent damage to the locked suitcase when it is forcibly opened by the airport authority. The TSA lock can be easily opened and closed by the staff at the airport with a master key.

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Security is Strict in EU Airports Security measures at airports in the EU make it very difficult, though not impossible, for someone with criminal or terrorist intent to exploit them. Typically, you'll find not one but two security checkpoints in the airports of many EU regions.

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