Should I put a lock on my checked luggage?

The decision is ultimately up to you. The TSA strongly recommends that you carry your valuables–such as jewelry, money, identification, and electronics–in a carry-on bag. If you're not packing any valuable items in your checked bag, you don't necessarily need a lock.



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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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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 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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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. Another advantage these locks offer you is that they prevent the luggage zippers from opening.

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Stick with TSA Approved Locks TSA agents have a master key to open TSA-approved locks, including multiple-digit combination locks. If they're unable to open your bag's lock with their master key, they will end up cutting the lock to gain access to your bag. Only use TSA-approved locks to avoid this happening.

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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. You are allowed to zip-tie it because the TSA can snip it open if they need/want/desire to go through it for some reason.

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These are ten tips you need to know!
  1. Roll up everything. ...
  2. Stuff your shoes. ...
  3. Solid toiletries are key. ...
  4. Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane. ...
  5. You only need two pairs of shoes: one casual pair for walking, one for going out. ...
  6. Bring more accessories than clothes. ...
  7. Pick more versatile outfits.


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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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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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Yes, sometimes, so NEVER put anything valuable in it. There are plenty of reported stolen items from checked luggages all around from travelers. It is advisable not to put pertinent items In a checked luggage but have it all in your carry-on bag.

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Jewelry, electronics, and cash are all easy targets in checked baggage. Keep these items in your carry-on or on your person at all times. Pack light. What's better than keeping your valuables nearby?

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Explosives and flammable items such as fireworks, dynamite, and gasoline can pose an extreme safety risk to passengers and the aeroplane. Weapons and firearms, including guns, replicas, and ammunition, are prohibited in checked luggage to prevent any potential threat to the safety and security of passengers and crew.

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Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

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If you're traveling with a checked bag, you can pack your deodorant there instead of your carry-on. There are no restrictions for packing any form of deodorant in your checked luggage.

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The TSA has worked with these manufacturers so security agents are able to open any of these locks with a master key, but no one else can. If you're using a lock that isn't approved by TSA, agents have the authority to break open that lock to search through a bag.

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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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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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According to Luggage Hero, there were more than 684,000 lost and mishandled bags at major US airlines in the first quarter of 2022 alone. The Points Guy notes that this equated to approximately seven bags out of every 1,000, or 0.7%. American Airlines' average came in slightly higher, at nine per 1,000 or 0.9%.

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“Of all national airlines, American Airlines lost the most bags in 2022, losing 850 bags per 100,000. That was followed by JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines,” Travel and Leisure magazine reported in a recent article published before the holiday meltdown.

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Airlines are legally required to compensate you for lost items and any baggage fees you paid.

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Probably because you pack something in there that is suspicious, and shows up as questionable on the X-ray scan. Or, if you don't pack correctly, even “normal” items can look suspicious if they are packed densely which makes it look odd on the scanner. Are you packing electronics or batteries in your checked bags?

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