Should I lock my suitcase?

We are going from Laguardia to Orlando checking some luggage in. My gf said that I shouldn't lock the luggage because they want to open it up and don't want it locked.
Is that true? I swore the last time I traveled, about 2 years ago I locked the same luggage and was never asked to open it up.
Thanks :)

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

No - they say not to lock it. They may open it when they are going through the scanning process. If this is done, a note is inserted in your suitcase letting you know it's been searched.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

You need to leave it unlocked. I forgot a few years back and they went to do a random search on my checked bag and broke the lock. Then they used a grip lock plastic tie to secure after the search and I didn't have anything to cut it off with when I got to my hotel!

So Yes you need to be prepared to have it searched, even if you check it!

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

Should I even BRING the locks then?
Thanks :)

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

That would be one less thing I needed to do before leaving-lol!!
Thanks :)

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

There are TSA approved locks that they have 'override' keys for.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

I wouldn't lock them.. if they do a random check, they will break your locks

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

Leave the locks home. They will break them if they want to search and locks on the bags are probably a red flag for them.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

I never lock mine, but you can use the TSA approved locks ( which you can buy in the airport) if you want to.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

I know someone who used to work with TSA who gave my family this suggestion we always use it and my parents travel several times a year and it has always worked.

yes you can buy TSA approved locks - but some have trouble with them and I have read on other boards some TSA don't have the keys so they get cut off anyway.

I always use baggage ties. Like those electrical cable ties. I find them cheap at target and buy the florescent color ones. Not only do they work like a lock BUT they make your bag easier to spot with them on.

TSA can easily remove them if they wish to search your bag and from what the TSA person told me they are supposed to replace it with another tie after they search your bag.

You can easily remove them when you get to your destination with a pair of nail clippers that you are allowed to put into your carry on.

Someone can remove those - just as they can remove a lock but honestly if you have someone who wants to steal something they are more likely to go for the easier bag with no lock than one that they have to cut off a tie. Besides if you get your bag back and it doesn't have a letter saying TSA searched it and your tie is missing you know someone at the airline/baggage went thru your bag.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

I used to use the ties because I couldn't find my locks years ago-lol!!
I think I might have a few. Thanks :)

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

I don't use locks - I use those toggle keyrings. They hold the two zip pulls together but can be opened easily.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

I have used the zip pulls for many years w/o a problem. (The worst is trying to open it at your destination without a pair of scissors!)

Those or a TSA approved lock, which they can open. I would NEVER leave my luggage unlocked.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

nope, locks are a thing of the past. if it is locked, they will ask you to unlock it before checking it.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?

Posted by mrskparetta

nope, locks are a thing of the past. if it is locked, they will ask you to unlock it before checking it.

Re: Should I lock my suitcase?