Locks on Luggage

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

What type of locks do you use on your luggage when you travel?

After getting some of our locks cut or lost; we do not lock our luggage anymore. I have never had anything stolen, but then, I do not pack anything that is worth money either.
Just curious what everyone else is using as locks and if they ever get taken off ?

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

You can now buy locks that allow the TSA to unlock them with their special key. But I am like you now after having my locks destroyed by the TSA, I normally don't lock my suitcases anymore.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I don't even bother with locks anymore. I didn't know that there were locks you could buy that would allow the TSA to unlock them, without ruining them, tho. Maybe those would be worth a try.

[jfitz Member Find all posts View Profile Close jfitz]

I stopped using locks after 9/11; don't see much point to a lock that has a skeleton key. If TSA agents have copies, I suspect any thief could get one as well. I usually put plastic wire ties on the bags to prevent a zipper from coming open during handling

[funtime2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close funtime2]

I do not use locks either. I use plactic tie-ties and pack extras for the return trip home.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

I still use the TSA locks. I have yet to have them cut off. They don't really offer a lot of protection other than the keep the amature sneak thiefs out of you luggage.

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

I'm not sure if I posted this here, but my BIL sent me a video of someone showing how to open a locked suitcase that has a plastic zipper. All you have to do is insert a pen between the two rows of teeth and then pull the zipper open. Then after you remove what you want, you can just move the locked zipper tabs over the opening and the zipper heals itself with no indication that the bag has been opened. It's that easy for a thief to get into your bags and you wouldn't know until you get to your hotel room. I leave my bags unlocked and keep my valuables with me in my carry-on.

Sue

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

We use ties

Locks are definitely a thing of the past. But to keep the bag from being opened on the conveyor belt or in transport, we use twistie ties. I usually bind two ties together to give it added strength, and then when I tie the zipper pulls together, I try to place the pulls in line with some landmark on the luggage, like the left side of the handle. This way if the ties are very much out of place where I put them, I know the bag has been "inspected". We never put anything in our luggage that we cannot afford to lose....all valuables are either left home or in our carryon.

[NancyK Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close NancyK]

We don't use locks on our luggage anymore. My sister brought one that TSA approved & it was cut off. She said is cost more than regular locks. I like the idea of twist-ties or plastic ties.

[x3skier Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close x3skier]

I use the TSA locks just to keep the zipper closed. If it gets cut or broken, I use zip ties that I keep in a baggie in the luggage. Never had to do that yet even when TSA had inspected the bag.

Cheers

[Faust Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Faust]

TSA Approved SearchAlert Suitcase Locks
The TSA Approved SearchAlert Luggage Lock

[davhu1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close davhu1]

We use plastic wire ties.

TSA locks are a waste of money. Have 2 cut on different trips. One suitcase had snow boots only and the other one had snorkel gear.

[1950bing Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 1950bing]

There is a newer type of combo. luggage lock the uses words instead of numbers that has TSA key entry. It does not offer anything new for security but is kind of cool. They leave out certian letters on each wheel so some words can not be used. I learned some time ago not to put anything in check I could not live without. Not so much about the chance that someone would go through it, but that I may not ever see my luggage again.

[Guest Close monaco]

TSA Locks

FYI, I've been using TSA locks since they were approved for domestic and international travel. On about 10 flights I've never had one cut yet. I also suspect that using TSA locks results in fewer bag openings. The locks signal that the bag owner is aware of the TSA rules, but is OK with the bag being opened and inspected. If TSA locks are cut, then suspect non-TSA thieves.

[PigsDad Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close PigsDad]

Maybe I have just had bad luck, but on 3 of the last 4 trips we have been on, at least one of our TSA-approved locks have been taken. This last time there was no "inspection" note in the bag either! I think I am going to switch to using wire ties.

Kurt