Will my suitcase be okay without a lock?

Customs and security can always cut it off if they want but it stops dishonest baggage handlers ratting through it… An unlocked bag could easily break open with the rough handling it takes on the carousel to take it to and from the aircraft.



In 2026, traveling with a suitcase without a lock is statistically likely to be "okay" for most domestic and short-haul flights, but it leaves you vulnerable to "opportunistic" theft and accidental opening. While modern airport security is high-tech, most thefts from luggage occur behind the scenes in areas not covered by surveillance. Without a lock, your bag is a prime target for the "pen hack," where a thief uses a ballpoint pen to separate the zipper teeth, removes items, and then reseals the zipper without leaving any obvious signs of tampering. Furthermore, a lock prevents the zippers from sliding open during the rough handling on conveyor belts. If you choose not to use a TSA-approved lock, it is highly recommended to use heavy-duty cable ties or to have your bag "shrink-wrapped" at the airport, which provides a visible deterrent and immediate proof of tampering if the seal is broken upon arrival at baggage claim.

People Also Ask

Overall, it's perfectly acceptable to use a TSA lock when travelling to Europe. It's just important to keep in mind that airport staff may not have access to the keys. Hence, travellers should be prepared to open their bags for inspection if necessary.

MORE DETAILS

Countries with TSA Lock Requirements Hence, several countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Israel, Finland, Austria and South Korea) require travellers to have their suitcases locked with a specific brand of locks that can be unlocked by aviation security.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Use zip ties for carry-on or checked luggage. We put them on for people after checking their bags if they want them locked.

MORE DETAILS

Checked Baggage Screening The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, luggage straps are TSA-approved, but they must be removable by the TSA. If the only closure is a buckle, that is acceptable. If there's a lock involved, that specific lock must be TSA-approved.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS

Lock Your Luggage on Domestic and International Flights Your luggage lock isn't just for traveling between cities in the US. While not every country has similar access to TSA approved locks, most do. There is no need to stress about luggage security when crossing the ocean.

MORE DETAILS

Simply look for the 'Red Diamond'. Every lock that carries the Travel Sentry® Approved mark is accepted by the TSA and other security agencies.

MORE DETAILS

TSA locks are the way to go. They can be opened if needed by airport security and you will have the locks for your travels in Italy. If you are taking the trains from city to city you will want the locks.

MORE DETAILS

There's no TSA PreCheck in Europe (womp womp), but at select Europe airports, travelers can head to the front of the security line, free of charge. Here's how. London's Heathrow Airport just became the latest to offer the service.

MORE DETAILS

Luggage straps are very helpful in securing and ensuring that your bags would not accidentally popped open during the rough handlings of tossing and turnings by the baggage handlers at the airports.. It ensures that even when the luggage zippers breaks, the contents will not readily be thrown out of the bags..

MORE DETAILS

There's a reason for plastic-wrapping your luggage, and it's extra protection. It's a great deterrent against baggage theft, especially when you realize that bag thieves don't steal bags as much as they take individual items of value from bags. A fully-wrapped bag is often too much trouble for them.

MORE DETAILS