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.

Yes, you should lock your suitcase, but you must use a TSA-approved lock. These locks feature a specific "red diamond" logo that allows airport security officers to open them with a universal master key if they need to perform a manual inspection. If you use a non-TSA lock, security is legally authorized to cut it off, which often leaves your zipper damaged and your bag unclosable for the rest of your trip. Locking your bag serves as a vital deterrent against "opportunistic" theft, particularly during the time your bag is on the carousel in the arrivals hall or being stored in hotel luggage rooms. While a determined thief can still bypass most locks by "popping" the zipper with a pen, a lock signals that your bag is not an easy target. In 2026, many travelers also combine a physical lock with a GPS tracker like an AirTag inside the bag, providing a "dual-layer" of security that helps you locate the bag if it is stolen or simply lost by the airline's baggage handling system.