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.

Luggage locks are an essential "deterrent" but not a foolproof security measure. Their primary importance lies in preventing "opportunistic" theft—stopping a dishonest baggage handler or a curious passerby from quickly unzipping your bag and grabbing a valuable item. They also prevent your suitcase from accidentally bursting open during the rough mechanical sorting process at airports. In 2026, you must use a TSA-approved lock (look for the red diamond logo), which allows security agents to open and relock your bag using a master key for inspections. If you use a non-TSA lock, security is legally permitted to cut it off, often damaging your zipper in the process. While a determined thief can bypass most zippers with a simple ballpoint pen, a lock forces them to spend more time or cause visible damage, making your bag a less attractive target than an unlocked one. For high-value items, locks should be used in conjunction with "anti-theft" zippers or hard-shell cases.