I keep seeing that I should get some locks for my luggage on trip to Europe. I thought airlines would not let you lock luggage for security purposes. Am I wrong?

Also, how do you people who travel light with one "well-packed bag" manage to bring back any souvenirs? Just curious.

You can get locks now that the airlines can unlock I think are called TSA and then relock. Otherwise at times I have used plastic gadgets that you cut off and they usually put another one on. Also I generally take a smaller duffle or fold up bag within the other and on the way home, put the dirty clothes in that one and your "treasures" in the other, thus checking two bags. Happy traveling. Halfpint

They will let you lock them and always have, I think. In the US, they have these special TSA locks that they are supposed to know how to open, but even if they don't, you can lock them.

The only thing is they warn you that if they see something suspicious on the xray or think they need to open it, they can break your lock. I don't think foreign countries have anti-lock rules, at least I've not noticed them.

I don't travel as light as some people, but my bags are probably as full. I bring back some souvenirs, I just don't buy big, heavy or bulky ones very much. I buy jewelry, scarves, small things like that. Occasionally I buy one small porcelain plate or something and that I can fit in-between my clothes.

I've only bought a few big things more than that a couple times, and those were not that big -- a vase or something. I would just have it wellwrapped and carefully bring it in my carryon, and I usually can cram a couple books into that, also, which I may buy.

When I was at the Paris Airport last June the security lady was quite upset with me because she did not have the scissors to cut the plastic ties that secured my luggage.
The woman was quite stressed and told me to never tie or lock my baggage again..
She should have had a Cynar for her nerves.(Cynar is a bitter Italian aperitif that is very good for stress) The slogan is this:
Contro il logorio della Vita Moderna, bevete un Cynar..
CinCin..

Agree with the above: we use the cable ties and keep a pair of nail clippers in the outside pocket of luggage to cut them off. Look for a large duffel bag that folds flat to take along. You can also buy them cheaply in many airports. We stuff it with the dirty laundry -- tee shirts, socks and undies and put the souvenirs in our rolling bags.

Have fun.

There are TSA approved locks that allow the TSA personnel to access your bag. It's easiest to assume all bags will be searched and do not pack anything irreplaceable in your checked baggage. Usually you can take two bags, and I like the idea of packing souvenirs in one and your stuff in the other, especially on the way home.

Of course, don't buy bulky, space consuming sourvenirs. Another traveler suggested small items like, scarves, jewelry, books. We travel to experience, not to shop. We can shop at home, and get the same or better goods for a smaller price in the US. I can't tell you how many times we've seen similar goods outside the US but with a much bigger price tag. Be sure you understand what you are buying in US dollar terms. Go for the "experiences" rather than the souvenirs that you will probably never look at again.

I use plastic cable ties and carry extra in case they are cut off. Or twist ties.

On the way home if I've bought extra stuff I bring a large duffle, tote, or even department store shopping bag on the plane with me.

Some people pack an empty nylon duffle in the bottom of their suitcase, and use that for dirty clothes on the way back, clearing the suitcase for souveniers.

Dear Ducko,

Cable ties are as secure as locks.

Any thief that wants into your soft-sided luggage will use a utility knife on it.

I don't buy souvenirs in general, but to the extent I know I'm going to be collecting stuff (books, maps, etc.) I travel wearing my oldest socks and underwear, which I toss as I go.

Also, you'll scream when you hear this, but I've gotten so good at packing and collecting lightweight all-weather travel clothes that scrunch up into nothing that I can now pack for a two-week trip in a carry on and still have room in my bag -- and I don't do laundry when I vacation and I still smell sweet!

Practice, practice.

I also use cable ties and keep extras, along with a small pair of cheap wire cutters (some of the cable ties I have are a bit difficult with just fingernail clippers), in a outside pocket. I don't, however, kid myself that I'm stopping thieves - to paraphrase ira, locks only keep the honest people out - but they will keep the zippers from opening inadvertently.

If you choose the TSA locks, remember that the TSA personnel in USA "may" have the key to open these, but not so with security personnel in Europe or elsewhere around the world. I use the cable ties and pack a nail clipper in the outside pocket to cut the ties at my destinations and when I arrive home.

I used the TSA locks on my trip back from Germany without a problem.

I'll put in a vote for keychain rings. Can be taken off if need be and (I hope) enough of a deterrent for theives.

I have stopped locking my checkin suitcase. I never put anything in it that would be a trauma if it was stolen. Just clothes etc. One can always replace those.

TSA locks are a waste of time and money. I have had two broken at JFK and now simply do not lock my luggage when traveling to Europe. Out of Europe and USA, I might be tempted to use one of those machines that shrink-wrap your bags. You should be carrying anything of any value, and any medicines.

Thank you O Experienced Ones! Where does one pick up some of the cable ties? Are those the ones that are plastic and slide one-way to lock?

I really appreciate this forum's advice!

Ducko, I will echo the responses of many. The plastic "zip strips" that many suggest can be purchased at any hardware store or Home Depot type store. Ask for cable ties or electrical wire cable ties. They do come in various sizes and strengths. An alternative can be something as simple as a wire twist tie (as used on a garbage bag) or the already mentioned circular key ring. Bon chance!

Travel comfortably and smart! Use the local postal service to mail back unneeded gear and such! Most POs have standard boxes for sale. Bring a roll of plastic package tape, plus printed address labels with you. Check the services available; air or surface. Plastic bag ties with embedded wire will secure zipper fasteners.

"I thought airlines would not let you lock luggage for security purposes. Am I wrong?".

Totally wrong, it's only the anal-retentives of the US TSA who insist on unlocked bags.

The rest of the world - including airlines are able to cope with locked bags.

I buy my cable ties at the local hardware store. They have packages that come in a variety of neon colors, so I know if its my original cable tie or a new one placed by TSA upon arrival. Plus my hot pink cable tie helps identify bags on the luggage carrousel.