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.
What happens if you forget to lock your luggage? For unlocked luggage, it's possible that it might be opened by airport security even without the TSA lock. If your luggage is selected for a random search or flagged for any reason, airport security may open your luggage to inspect its contents.
Across the board, the chance of an airline losing a suitcase — at least for a little while — is around 0.4%, according to LuggageHero. That's about one in every 250 bags. Meena Thiruvengadam is a Travel + Leisure contributor who has visited 50 countries on six continents and 47 U.S. states.
However, Apple AirTags have perhaps found the most unexpected success in tracking luggage, particularly after a few high-profile airline operational meltdowns. AirTags are a relatively cheap and easy way to keep tabs on your luggage, making them a helpful accessory for Apple-owning travelers.
No, you are not required to have a TSA approved luggage lock on your bag to fly. You can use any luggage lock you want but if your lock is not TSA approved, then if the TSA does search your luggage, they have the right to cut off your non-approved TSA lock because they do not have a key to open it.
So you're probably wondering if all these locks have the same key. Even though TSA locks can be operated with a universal key, not all of them are the same. Depending on the location, TSA agents have different keys that can open your luggage lock.
Lufthansa created all sorts of unnecessary confusion after it initially banned AirTags out of concern that they are powered by a lithium battery and could emit radio signals and potentially interfere with aircraft navigation.
The FAA allows AirTags on U.S. flights. Most airlines in other countries do as well, but you would have to check with the airline to confirm. That being said, most international travelers do not really check with the airline, and the airlines are aware of this.
Hiding it in one of the bag's interior pockets, or attaching via an AirTag holder for luggage, ensures that a bag thief won't be able to locate and remove the tracker at first glance.
When it came to airlines that lost the most baggage, that same study found that Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines came in ninth out of 17 major airlines. “Of all national airlines, American Airlines lost the most bags in 2022, losing 850 bags per 100,000.
If you must check your suitcase, try to book a non-stop flight whenever possible — especially if you're flying international. According to SITA, the mishandling rate on international routes is 8.7 bags per thousand passengers; on domestic routes, it's 1.85 bags per thousand. Go carry-on only.
This seems to be a responsible choice when traveling, however, some airlines state that they hate these small trackers. Airlines expressed their concern over the fact that AirTags have the potential to interfere with the aircraft's navigation system.
Have airlines banned AirTags and other tracking devices? No. Last fall, German carrier Lufthansa left some passengers with the impression that it had banned tracking devices when it said on Twitter that it considered activated AirTags to be dangerous. But it quickly clarified that they were allowed.
Sometimes it's best to go with an old-fashioned lock and key, especially if you don't trust yourself to remember a combination at the end of a long-haul flight. This basic padlock design from Master Lock is constructed from a solid metal design and features a cut-resistant steel shackle for added peace of mind.
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.