Why TSA-approved Luggage Locks Are Useless

I don’t recall luggage locks ever being any kind of real security. The ones you saw when I was younger were the same dinky locks that came on every diary, so kids everywhere had the keys to these things, and the locks weren’t strong to begin with, either. The purpose of them were basically to keep the suitcase from accidentally becoming unzipped (always a good possibility from the way luggage is tossed around). Valuables should never be in something that will not be with you the entire time - that’s not new knowledge. My grandmother knew it, my mother knew it, I grew up knowing it, my daughter knows it. If it’s going to be tossed in the belly of a plane, everything in there should be replaceable upon landing in case your luggage doesn’t show up or shows up damaged, and with millions of bags lost or damaged every year, that should be common sense.

I have never assumed that a lock would keep out a thief—even in the days before TSA. I use luggage locks primarily to reduce the chances of the bag opening in transit, with a secondary reason of deterring thieves by making the bag a harder target. I actually started using tie twists instead of locks a few years ago, and they are better than a lock IMO. They are relatively easy to take off, but more challenging than nothing. And when I’ve flown, TSA has sometimes replaced the twist tie with a plastic zip tie, which may be a better idea than a lock in the long run. Keep valuables in carry-on bags and watch other luggage when it’s in your possession.

Just saying

oh, cool, so the only way to be safe it to spend $150-$200 on luggage using your affiliate link… seems legit.

This only applies to checked-in luggage, as of course luggage on your person is only as safe as your attentiveness.

For checked-in luggage, the only thing you can do is make your bag less tempting.  A lock helps a little.  But even more so is wrapping and strapping that would take valuable time to defeat.  As for hotel rooms, forget it.  Put your valuables in your safe.  If you’re in a country where you might be concerned about certain clothing items, then be sure to keep them out of sight.  I put such items in a detachable inner garment bag and slide under the bed.  It must be black in color, of course.  Shove it towards the head of the bed.  So even if a maid makes a quick look under the bed, they’re not going to see anything.

Another method to hide your best clothing is to insert it inside less appealing clothing.  On very nicely made jeans, you can run a small cable lock through the zipper pull and the eye of the top closure.

The TSA locks are pointless, don’t waste your time and money on them. I just got home from a trip and found that the TSA decided it was easier for them to break open my TSA lock than it was to use their master key. A lock is always good for keeping honest people out. If they want in, they’ll get in.

It is not necessary to use a TSA-approved lock. It is, nevertheless, advantageous if you enjoy traveling. One of the reasons we need a TSA-approved lock is to keep our bags safe during the flight. It makes it impossible for TSA inspectors to cut locks for inspection.