The only real purpose those locks serve is to provide the illusion of security for the user and slow down baggage handlers with sticky fingers.

I always lock my luggage and have been locking it since the 1970s. When we all had to change over to TSA locks, then I changed over. I don't want my belongings to possibly fall out and end up all over the place, and as for theft, I figure if a thief wants to try to steal my belongings then he/she can work for them as I had to work for them. To me it's sort of like leaving one's car doors unlocked or house door unlocked. Also, I've been in countries and during decades where it was best to lock one's luggage as to not have someone possibly sneak something illegal into the luggage.

Happy Travels!

You do have a point, Guenmai. Straps around your luggage will help prevent the bag from popping completely open when the baggage apes bash it about. The shrink wrap they apply in some places will both prevent the bag popping open and discourage thieves. The locks do neither. After some light fingered rogue disappeared my new and expensive camera many years ago I simply never put valuables in checked luggage.

re: someone possibly sneak something illegal into the luggage...

Unless somebody is specifically trying to frame you, what would be the purpose? How would they get their "something illegal" back? Accost you after you bring it through customs?

~Liz

I would imagine that a potential thief would assume more value in a locked bag than in an unlocked bag. I use cable ties.

I never lock my luggage. I do use a suitcase strap just to be sure it doesn't pop open (if the zipper broke or something).

I suspect that the warning about you being responsible for "something illegal" that's been put in your bag is meant for those who carry drugs or whatever and then claim the drugs are not theirs--that someone else must have put the illegal item in their bag.

This reminds me of all those years when as a teacher I had my stint at "potty patrol" and found some girl holding a lit cigarette. Invariably, every single time this happened, the girl would claim they were just holding the cigarette for a friend.

Or the guy who was arrested here in Spokane and who claimed that the drugs he had hidden in his crotch are were not his.

Well, Peg, he clearly needed a lock on his crotch!

Or a zip tie?

Ouch!

Nukesafe..HEE HEE HEE! Well put (the joke not the zip tie)!!!

Suitcase locks are very nearly useless with zippers as you can see in this youtube demonstration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5mvvZl6pLI

Maybe use a zip tie while in transit to deter the casual thief but don't waste your money on a lock.