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.

People lock their suitcases primarily as a theft deterrent and to prevent accidental "spillage" during the rigorous baggage handling process. A lock acts as a physical barrier against "crimes of opportunity" from prying hands in high-traffic zones like baggage carousels or hotel storage rooms. In 2026, it is also a vital way to prevent the unauthorized introduction of items into your bag by third parties. Beyond security, a lock keeps the zippers securely together, ensuring the bag doesn't burst open if it is tossed onto a conveyor or stacked under heavy weight in the cargo hold. While it won't stop a determined thief with a knife, it provides immense peace of mind. It is a high-priority recommendation to use a TSA-approved lock (look for the red diamond logo), which allows security agents to open and relock your bag with a master key rather than cutting your lock or damaging your zippers during a mandatory inspection.