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Post by cadoodlebug on Mar 22, 2016 5:07:02 GMT
When flying since they randomly look through luggage we haven't locked them. I'm thinking of buying some of those locks that TSA has a key to. Do you use those locks or just leave your luggage unlocked?
ETA: Thanks for all your replies. We haven't locked in years but I was just curious if other people do. When we were in Europe they searched then zip tied tied our luggage. It was a pain because, of course, we didn't have any scissors since they weren't allowed in our carry on luggage.
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tanya2
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1604
Posts: 4,486 
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Post by tanya2 on Mar 22, 2016 5:08:33 GMT
I just leave them unlocked. I would rather not have my suitcase cut open to be searched if they so choose
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LeaP
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Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
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Post by LeaP on Mar 22, 2016 5:11:22 GMT
Unlocked. I wouldn't want my luggage to be delayed or lost because the TSA struggled to get it open for a search.
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Post by sacteach on Mar 22, 2016 5:13:01 GMT
I use the TSA locks. Mine have been inspected before and they weren't cut open, they just used the key.
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Post by cmpeter on Mar 22, 2016 5:31:10 GMT
No, never in the U.S. We did use locks when traveling internationally but to lock our suitcases together on the train and closed at the hotel because the safe was too small for dh's laptop.
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Post by katlady on Mar 22, 2016 6:01:53 GMT
When we fly, usually no. I just tie together the zipper pulls with those twisty ties to keep the bag from accidently getting unzipped. If we have to leave the bags with a bellhop at a hotel, I will put a lock on them.
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Post by gale w on Mar 22, 2016 7:31:10 GMT
We just used cable ties. All of our suitcases except one were inspected.
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Marina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,543
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Post by Marina on Mar 22, 2016 8:12:00 GMT
We used the tsa locks as recommended by our travel agent when going to Europe. My son also recently flew to both Canada and Indianapolis using them as well. None of us had any problems.
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Post by littlemama on Mar 22, 2016 10:18:08 GMT
I haven't lately. If I did, I would use the TSA approved locks.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Mar 22, 2016 11:08:16 GMT
I can't remember the last time I locked any checked luggage including multiple overseas trips. I never place anything of value in a checked bag. Any electronics and all jewelry always stays with me in a carry-on bag.
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Post by AN on Mar 22, 2016 11:11:10 GMT
I try to check luggage as infrequently as possible, but when I do check, I don't lock them. The only reason I would lock then is if I was concerned about the zipper coming open. If a thief wants in my bag, he is getting in - you can just pop the zipper or those locks are extremely basic. Instead the most important thing is to not put anything particularly valuable in your luggage... if your luggage is clothes, shoes, and toiletries like everyone else'a and doesn't look flashy, it isn't much of a target.
No real downside to using the locks either, just a hassle with minimal benefit besides holding the zippers together in transit.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,039
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Post by Nanner on Mar 22, 2016 12:00:32 GMT
We don't lock them when we're flying to the U.S.
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Post by lodgelady on Mar 22, 2016 12:06:23 GMT
No, I never lock my bags. If someone wants to get in, they're going to do it. I figure my unlocked bag will be less enticing than one that is locked.
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Post by mari on Mar 22, 2016 12:12:19 GMT
Yes, always. I have a double cable lock (tsa approved) that connects to both the inner and outer pocket of my suitcase.
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,635
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Post by amom23 on Mar 22, 2016 12:27:12 GMT
I've never locked mine and never had a problem.
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rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,185
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Post by rickmer on Mar 22, 2016 12:49:02 GMT
we didn't lock our suitcases going to orlando in '14 or going to dominican last month.
they had those plastic handcuff style things on the counter at the airport in puerto plata so i just attached the zippers to each other with those. i figured if someone needed to get in after xraying them, they would just cut them off, no damage to our luggage.
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maurchclt
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,654
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Post by maurchclt on Mar 22, 2016 12:53:10 GMT
We use the TSA approved locks, I have had them checked and they always relock the suitcases.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:22:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2016 13:10:34 GMT
No. There's nothing I put in my checked bags that I need to keep locked. I carry few items that would be worth stealing and those are in my carry on.
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Post by Scrapbrat on Mar 22, 2016 13:16:22 GMT
I use the TSA locks. They are inexpensive and work great.
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Post by hollymolly on Mar 22, 2016 14:20:45 GMT
I travel for work and never lock my luggage. I don't see the point. I have TSA locks, but they were more trouble than they were worth, because I will lose the key. Why lock it if TSA is just going to have to unlock it? Anyone else would just pop the zipper or damage it in some way if they really wanted to get inside.
I understand if you are concerned about keeping it zipped, or if you want to keep valuables locked up on a train or bus or hotel room. I've just never been in those situations. If I were, I would use my TSA locks, and then worry about losing the key the whole time.
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happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,083
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Post by happymomma on Mar 22, 2016 14:23:15 GMT
I've never locked mine. I'm not sure what the point is in locking them? The only people who have access to them are the airport employees and they have keys to the locks anyway.
I will also ask a question, if I may: What percentage of the time do you all have your bags searched? I don't fly a great deal, maybe 2 trips a year, but every single time I fly, my bags are searched at least one way on the trip. They put a little slip of paper in it saying that they've opened it and searched it. I just wondered if that is normal, or if I am just 'lucky'. I've wondered if it is because I have a curling iron and that might look like a weapon?
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Post by compwalla on Mar 22, 2016 14:24:30 GMT
I can't remember the last time I locked any checked luggage including multiple overseas trips. I never place anything of value in a checked bag. Any electronics and all jewelry always stays with me in a carry-on bag. That's how we do it. Anything we don't want to get stolen travels on our person. If some jackhole wants to break into my luggage, all he's going to get are my underpants and tank tops and socks and my toothbrush. Go for it, idiot.  |
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Post by kellybelly77 on Mar 22, 2016 14:27:58 GMT
I can't remember the last time I locked any checked luggage including multiple overseas trips. I never place anything of value in a checked bag. Any electronics and all jewelry always stays with me in a carry-on bag. Me too! never in my life have I locked a suitcase. It's just my clothes and shoes and bathroom stuff. Electronics get carried with me on the plane. |
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Post by Susie_Homemaker on Mar 22, 2016 14:30:09 GMT
Suitcases are way too easy to get into. They rip just being handled so a small razor would open it in seconds. If someone wants in my suitcase a lock won't stop them.
No, I don't use a lock. I don't see the point really.
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Post by kellybelly77 on Mar 22, 2016 14:31:09 GMT
I've never locked mine. I'm not sure what the point is in locking them? The only people who have access to them are the airport employees and they have keys to the locks anyway. I will also ask a question, if I may: What percentage of the time do you all have your bags searched? I don't fly a great deal, maybe 2 trips a year, but every single time I fly, my bags are searched at least one way on the trip. They put a little slip of paper in it saying that they've opened it and searched it. I just wondered if that is normal, or if I am just 'lucky'. I've wondered if it is because I have a curling iron and that might look like a weapon? We've flown 6 times in the last 2 years, so 12 different flights. I take a curling iron and a straightener with me every time! My bags have not been checked. Out of those 12 flights dh's suitcase was checked on our way to Charlotte last year. So once, out of 12 flights. And 3 of those times it was 5 people with 5 suitcases on each flight. The other 3 flights were just dh or I so only one suitcase.
I think you are just lucky!!
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Mar 22, 2016 14:32:05 GMT
We always lock with the TSA approved locks. I know it won't keep the professional crooks out. But it gives me some peace of mind.
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psiluvu
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Post by psiluvu on Mar 22, 2016 14:33:03 GMT
I don't bother to lock. all my valuables are in my carryon.
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Post by melodyesch on Mar 22, 2016 14:37:13 GMT
We use the TSA approved locks, I have had them checked and they always relock the suitcases. This. We very rarely check luggage, but if we do, I figure that if someone has a brief moment to unzip and go through luggage while it's in transit, they would more likely chose and unlocked suitcase over a locked one. |
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Mar 22, 2016 14:39:17 GMT
I've never locked mine. I'm not sure what the point is in locking them? The only people who have access to them are the airport employees and they have keys to the locks anyway. I will also ask a question, if I may: What percentage of the time do you all have your bags searched? I don't fly a great deal, maybe 2 trips a year, but every single time I fly, my bags are searched at least one way on the trip. They put a little slip of paper in it saying that they've opened it and searched it. I just wondered if that is normal, or if I am just 'lucky'. I've wondered if it is because I have a curling iron and that might look like a weapon? The last time I traveled with a curling iron was on a business trip to Beijing in 1995. It was confiscated by the Chinese airport officials AFTER going through my entire suitcase with my boss standing next to me. LOL. At least my boss was gentleman enough to avert his gaze. That was also when I gave up trying to curl my very straight hair. I've been hair dryer and curling iron free since. It's very liberating. |
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happymomma
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,083
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Post by happymomma on Mar 22, 2016 14:58:53 GMT
I've never locked mine. I'm not sure what the point is in locking them? The only people who have access to them are the airport employees and they have keys to the locks anyway. I will also ask a question, if I may: What percentage of the time do you all have your bags searched? I don't fly a great deal, maybe 2 trips a year, but every single time I fly, my bags are searched at least one way on the trip. They put a little slip of paper in it saying that they've opened it and searched it. I just wondered if that is normal, or if I am just 'lucky'. I've wondered if it is because I have a curling iron and that might look like a weapon? The last time I traveled with a curling iron was on a business trip to Beijing in 1995. It was confiscated by the Chinese airport officials AFTER going through my entire suitcase with my boss standing next to me. LOL. At least my boss was gentleman enough to avert his gaze. That was also when I gave up trying to curl my very straight hair. I've been hair dryer and curling iron free since. It's very liberating. Ha, I never blow dry and rarely curl my hair anymore, and you're right it is liberating! I'm the ultimate over-packer though and always take it along even if I probably won't use it. |
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