How can I prevent my checked luggage from being stolen?

Keep checked luggage secure by using a TSA security padlock. The TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be only opened by you and TSA security officers using universal “master” keys, so they do not have to cut locks when searching through luggage.



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Following are the top 12 tips to reduce the chance of someone stealing your luggage and minimize stress and hassles if it happens.
  1. Carry Your Bag on Instead of Checking It. ...
  2. Pack Extra Things in Your Carry-On. ...
  3. Make Checked Luggage Easy to Identify. ...
  4. Never Pack Valuable Items in Checked Luggage. ...
  5. Invest in an Apple AirTag.


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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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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now suggests you lock your checked baggage with TSA-Approved and recognized locks. Travel Sentry® Approved locks are approved and recognized by the TSA. Look for the Travel Sentry® symbol when shopping for these TSA-Approved products.

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If your bag is unlocked, then our officer will simply open and screen the baggage if any item alarms. However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open it through other means, then the locks may have to be cut. For soft-sided baggage, this process will not damage your zippers or zipper pulls.

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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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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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Airport security scanning equipment is used to check carry-on items and checked luggage for items that are not approved for air travel. Some of the equipment used during the screening process can emit low-levels of radiation.

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You can report or submit a claim for stolen, lost or missing items on the Transportation Security Administration's website.

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However, having a luggage cover won't prevent security from getting into your stuff. If they're nice, they'll unzip it or peel off the Velcro. If not, they'll slice right through.

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Travel Sentry® Approved locks are approved and recognized by the TSA. Look for the Travel Sentry® symbol when shopping for these TSA-Approved products. Master Lock has joined together with TSA and Travel Sentry® to use the special Travel Sentry® mark on luggage locks that meet the requirements of the TSA.

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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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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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Yes, once you check them in and they go off on the conveyor belt, your baggage will be screened by an X-Ray machine and also often with chemical sniffers. If there is any doubt or something suspicious about your bag, a member of security personnel will inspect it by hand.

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Baggage handlers, airport security, and TSA agents may have access to your luggage behind closed doors. While most of these individuals are just trying to make an honest living, there have been numerous documented instances of airport personnel stealing from passengers' bags.

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Why Do Airlines Lose Luggage? As with anything, accidents do happen. The leading cause of lost luggage is the mishandling of the bags between flights or from the sorting office to your airplane. Depending on the airport you fly out of, the actual sorting of luggage is done by a robot or workers.

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American Airlines is the number one worst airline for losing or damaging your luggage, with 5.34 incidents per 1,000 bags. Although it's a low percentage compared to the total number of bags checked, American Airlines still takes the dubious distinction of being the airline most likely to lose your luggage.

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Once an airline determines that your bag is lost, the airline is responsible for compensating you for your bags' contents - subject to depreciation and maximum liability limits.

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Do airport detectors detect lithium batteries? Batteries are picked up very vividly by baggage scanner machines used in the airport security process, and they are diligently assessed by security.

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