Do luggage locks prevent theft?

Putting a lock on your bag is not obligatory, but you might still consider getting it. These locks won't stop the thief from stealing your suitcase or bag, but they might prevent them from stealing the things you have inside. Most thieves don't really like to complicate their life and deal with lock picking.



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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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Lock Checked Luggage Some suitcases come with locks pre-installed that require a combination in order to open the bag. If your suitcase does not have this, you can invest in a TSA-approved luggage lock to keep your valueables safe.

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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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Even though locking your checked luggage can be a good idea, it's not a solid guarantee that your personal belongings will be safe. Unfortunately, there are a lot of clever folks who know how to bust open a combination lock. Also, some thieves simply slice through a soft-sided bag to grab its contents.

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Lewis says that he always recommends that customers use luggage locks to protect the contents of their bags but that less than half of them do. If you're checking your suitcase with an airline, be sure to use a lock labeled TSA compatible so that agents can open it with a master key if it's selected for scrutiny.

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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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According to the Department of Transportation, luggage theft is a common problem. U.S. airlines reported more than three mishandled bags for every thousand in March. More than 1 million bags were stolen in 2018. It resulted in $1.2 billion in missing valuables.

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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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The 12 Best Travel Luggage Locks
  • Sure Lock Padlock, Keyed TSA-Accepted Luggage Lock.
  • Wordlock LL-206-RD TSA Approved Combination Luggage Lock.
  • Eagle Creek 3 Dial TSA Lock & Cable.
  • Lewis N Clark Triple Security Lock.
  • Calslock Portable Door & Travel Lock.
  • Pacsafe 55L Backpack and Bag Protector.


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Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. This is to inform you that an officer conducted an inspection of your property.

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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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Five easy ways to tamper-proof your suitcase
  1. Use a TSA lock in North America. ...
  2. Use numbered cable ties. ...
  3. Zippered bag? ...
  4. No fixed lock? ...
  5. Shrink wrap your suitcase.


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Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for baggage loss and, if your baggage is not permanently lost or damaged, baggage delay. Some coverage may include the cost of essential items you purchase while you wait for your delayed luggage to be returned.

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