To lock or not to lock ... luggage.
 

First of all - *are* there luggage locks that are appoved internationally, or are they just for use in US airports?
Second - DH feels that a lock on a suitcase is a red flag for (the few) unscrupulous baggage handlers. Any thoughts on these 2 points would be appreciated.

I don't lock suitcases.. nothin' but ordinary clothes in there.

If I have to check my carry-on for some reason (usually don't check a bag) I just use a cable tie. It secures the bag a bit and then I can cut it w/ my nail clippers on arrival.

I always lock my cases - heard too many stories about stuff going missing. Not that I'd put anything valuable in my case but I don't like the idea of anyone going through it. I've recently seen "US approved" locks for sale in the UK but believe this is only an issue for those travelling to/from the US.

I value locks.

Zipper locks are less crucial to me, though I have them. But on my larger, hardside bag that gets to fly only now and then (an Atlantic made of plastic that seems as sturdy as a new car), the locks serve the purpose of keeping the bag closed when (not if) it is dropped or thrown. I don't want latches to spring open, so I've always had the habit of locking them, going back to my first Samsonite. It's not just a question of theft.

That said, friends of mine have had items disappear from bags enroute. The strangest may have been a blazer - or not strange at all if it happened to be the right size ...

The problem with locks today is the search issue. If you've passed through all the checkpoints with your carryon unlocked for examination, should you lock it on the plane? Well, if it's a "sleepover" flight there could be security in that. Also, consider using the zipper locks on train travel - it's very easy for someone to unzip, slip a hand in for whatever is in reach, and move to another car while you are in the restroom or dozing.

More relevant, since checked baggage is now subject to random search, will locking it lead to random latch-breaking by security? As said, I principally want that bag to be locked tight so the goods stay inside, not scattered across a runway or the carousel. I guess I'll have to check on guidelines before I use it again.

Lastly, I sometimes lock things up in my bag in my hotel room. Especially if there is no in-room safe. But even then, some items might go in the bag before I leave for the day, and it will sit - locked - in the back of the closet. Sometimes this is as benign as ephemera from the trip: receipts, ticket stubs, brochures - things I want to be sure don't get mistaken for trash. Sometimes it's new purchases, or things I just don't want cluttering up the room. The neater the room, the less likely things are to disappear, by whatever means.

Last month, a group of us were in Lisbon. We brought our suitcases to the Lisbon airport. Two suitcases were unlocked and one was locked. All three were searched through and a bit of money was stolen. The lock was missing on the locked suitcase.

Moral? Don't trust airport employees. And don't put anything of much value or money into your suitcase, locked or unlocked.

Thanks for the responses. I should have been more specific. I meant to ask if international airports (say, CDG, for instance) have "universal" keys that open locks which are approved for use by US airports. I've looked at a lot of locks & none mention Euro/non-US use. I'd rather not lock than have a Euro-inspector break it off, & damage the case (superficially)in the process. Like tomassocroccante, I tend to lock my case in the hotel to keep track of paperwork & to secure new purchases that could attract attention.

I've thought of writing the simple (3 number) combination on a piece of tape next to the lock on my big bag, so an inspector could open it if necessary. Then rip off the tape on arrival, replace it later, etc.

Key locks are another matter - I haven't heard about any standards. BUT, check out these sites:
http://www.christinecolumbus.com/products.asp?pID=971
Is a sales site for "TSA" locks - not Transportation Security, but Travel Sentry. Combination lock with "master keys" supposedly in the hands of inspectors, who can unlock when needed. But will they replace the lock?!
http://www.safeskieslocks.com/
Also claims that "inspectors are trained to look for locks with our symbol." How many keys are baggage inspectors carrying, and do they really keep them sorted?
http://www.masterlocktsa.com/apps/tsa/tsa-approved.jsp
The well-known Master lock company also uses the Travel Sentry symbol - and they have keyed locks as well.

This doesn't answer your question as to whether European screeners have the keys! My question is, who else has the keys who shouldn't?

Like janisj, I've converted to using cable ties as someone suggested in a prior thread. I put them on ALL of the zippers on a soft-sided suitcase. Didn't have a problem going to South Africa in January--none of them were cut. And I take a bunch with me to use for return and/or extra flights.

Hi C,

As best I know, European Security does not have universal keys to TSA-approved locks.

I believe that this question was asked, not too long ago (since I still seem to remember it), and the answer was "no".

Luggage locks, like cable ties, will discourage the casual thief, but not the pros. They just snip off the lock.

We use cable ties for airplanes (pros) and locks on trains (amateurs).

((I))

Cable ties or bits of string to secure a bag aren't that hard to open for a thief, but they can reduce the chance of accidental opening or the casual, amateur "bag dipper."

I definitely say "lock." The FSA has approved locks to use on bags on planes - I got mine at radio shack. Last fall, my husband and I took a train from Cerbere to Nice and three people got robbed at night when they slept! A friend of mine had her digital camera stolen out of her bag while she was at Rome Airport. The thieves don't have time to snip a lock on a train or in an airport- they have to work fast, and if they see a lock, they'll move on.

We always use TSA approved locks with a combination for us and a key entry for inspectors. Here is what one "expert" says:
<<a TSA lock is better than no lock, says Kevin Coffey, a Los Angeles police detective and owner of Corporate Travel Safety (www.corporatetravelsafety.com), a company which advises businesses on travel safety and sells anti-theft products online.

The temptations are great with so many travelers checking bags and so many people handling them.

"If a dishonest luggage handler wants to get into your bag, he or she will," Coffey says. "If they can open it really quickly, they'll do that, but if it's locked and they can't, they'll go onto the next one. They're looking for a quick, easy hit.">>
As well, I figure (rightly or wrongly) it strengthens my claim if something is missing).
We, too, use the locked suitcase in hotel rooms for purchases etc.

I've never known (or heard of) European security breaking into locks (with keys or otherwise) to search cases. The only cases I have heard of were from people travelling to the US. In 18 years of European air travel I've only once had a bag opened and searched - that was at a time of high security when I was called back to have the bag unlocked and searched while I was present.

Yes, it's good to rmember that a huge percentage of petty thievery is "opportunity" based = a locked bag will be passed by for one that is easily and quickly opened. My experience in the restaurant biz has taught that a pickpocket (pro) will ask to sit next to a woman whose bag has been tossed over the back of her chair or left on the floor.

A thief who plans to steal your luggage doesn't worry about the lock. But one who wants to take what's on top in a quick unguarded moment are foiled by a locked or otherwise secured bag.

Of course all of you seem to know that already!

Clarin, looking at your original question, I'd say to your husband:
A bag without a lock is an invitation to enter - you wouldn't leave your hotel room unlocked to give the impression that there is nothing valuable inside!

<<As best I know, European Security does not have universal keys to TSA-approved locks>>
Ira, I believe that in Europe tere is no restriction as to type of lock that can be used (as there is in the States). Apparently you will be "paged back" if there is a need to get into your luggage. If it has been removed - you 'bin robbed.

You can buy the TSA locks most any place..Wal-Mart, K-Mart, AAA etc. I always use them..........

We locked our suitcases out of habit when we traveled from Colorado to Copenhagen last year. TSA cut the locks and put their standard note in the suitcases. Best bet is to carry any valuables with you and don't worry about your clothes, shoes, hair dryer, underwear, etc. getting stolen.

Stuff like that is easily replaced.

We didn't bother to buy new locks and haven't locked a suitcase since.

Tonig, did you use regular locks or TSA approved (with diamond)?

tonig - sorry - I don't get your reasoning here. Had you complied (using a TSA lock) your lock would not have been cut.
You do realize that it was cut in the US - (Colorado to Copenhagen). The luggage is inspected in the country of origin not at destination.

robjame,

re: "in Europe tere is no restriction as to type of lock that can be used"

my lock was cut on my return trip from Florence to Newark. Nothing was taken or even touched. The lock was gone and the zipper-pull damaged by the cut.

And do you think it was done by inspectors or thieves or the lock catching on something?
What did the airline say?
My guess would be mishandled luggage - lock cathches on something and is wrenched free ripping zipper. What do you think?

There are going to be some thieves who go for the locked bags because they are looking for expensive/valuable items.

There are going to be some thieves who go for the unlocked bags because they're easy to access.

My decision was to not put anything of value to me (that's monetary, sentimental, or both) in my checked bags.

Since there's nothing of value in the bag, I don't bother locking it.

However, I do bring locks with me (I attach them to my carry on for the trip) and use them when I leave my luggage in the hotel room and to lock my backpack/carryall when I'm trotting around.

We flew from LAX/JFK/Heathrow/Madrid in 04 (not a great ride)

Bought the TSA approved locks prior to the trip. Upon arrival in Madrid, we found all the locks bent and could not be reused. Just not sure exactly at what point they were squashed.

Although at the onset of the trip waited in the plane in L.A. to take off, several of us watched a crew flinging luggage around. It was not a surprise when we saw the bent locks.

Gee whiz, if what was in my baggage was of no value, I would leave it at home. In fact, I'd get rid of it before I left home so I wouldn't have to come back to it!

I lock my bags every time and until last spring used an antique lock that I am sure was not TSA approved. And the new lock is only because I was sick of worrying about the key and wanted a combination.

When I moved from Boston to Switzerland 7 years ago I had a lock on my giant bag with wheels and when it arrived in Switzerland there was no lock on it. When I opened the bag, there was the lock - on top of all my clothes. I don't know if it was opened (it wasn't cut) in Boston or Zurich but somebody got into it.

Tom - by items of "no value", I meant items that I don't mind losing - clothing, toiletries, books... :-d

Basically, I don't worry about my checked bag. If something goes missing, oh well; if the bag doesn't arrive, oh well - I'll just go shopping.

Not that I want to spend my money replacing clothes, etc. on my trip, but I'd rather spend a day going on a shopping spree than spend several stressing over a missing item or bag.

Nah, I never bother to lock checked bags. Someone is going to go through them anyway. I have a sort of zen attitude about checked luggage: if it gets there intact, it gets there intact. My luggage usually seems to have been gone through, and I often have a little note inside telling me so, but nothing stolen so far.

I don't really believe that locks slow anyone down. "Padlock" type have universal keys and are easily picked, and anyone can easily figure out the combination by the shiny numbers.

I think fancy bags with really good locks attract attention.

I used twist ties to keep the zipper pulls together.

If theft is going to happen it will happen with or without locks. I work for a US airline and we get just as many pilfrege reports so I don't think it matters. We also have lock cutters in the office and use them frequently when we have bags with no tags.

I'm flying to Rome tomorrow. I will be checking bag with clothes in it since I am working there next week. I will put a safety pin on my zipper just because it's a bit slippy.

My carry-on will have everything I need to survive a few days just in case the bag doesn't arrive because in reality that's more of an issue than theft.

I switched to plastic cable ties or twist ties a while back. I don't see the point of locking a suitcase, either domestic or international travel.

Obviously locks are no deterrent to thievery. Safety concerns override personal security demands. Leave the family jewels at home! Insure! Use UPS or such and post/ship ahead. Most personal valuable items can surely be carried on person. I have seen passengers wearing three layers of clothing to avoid weight restrictions on luggage.

Even if you have a TSA lock, TSA don't bother to unlock it when opening/checking checked luggage. They just break the lock.....this has been our experience since 2001. So, like most of you, we just put cable ties upon checking, bring extra on our way back and bring a real lock for when we take the train or if we have to leave the luggage at the hotel.

My experience with the TSA locks has never been a problem. A few years back when checking in I watched the person search my bag and then asked that they call their supervisor as they had taken books out from around the edges and just stuffed them on top. I told them it was unacceptable to me. I carefully pack and certainly did not need them to make a mess.

Since then, I automatically ask them to call a supervisor when checking in and tell them the story..they usually check it themselves, using a wand device that goes around the inside edge..put the inspected notice inside and sticker outside and tell me it will not be looked at again.

Since I take a shuttle to either ATL or CVG for my International flights..making certain that I have a spare flight in case of plane problems,I am always with plenty of time in either ATL or CVG. I then ask if they can tell me if my luggage is aboard the plane. They check and have always been able to advise me that it is on the plane. I can then relax that my luggage will probably arrive at CDG with me!!

Never had a TSA lock problem...

I, too, feel it is inevitable that my bags will be robbed so I leave the zippers unzippered just to make it easier. I put my valuable items in the outside pockets with little labels such as "camera in here" or "watch at bottom of this pocket". I feel so sure that they will never reach their destination, that I send them to Zimbabwe at the start of the journey.
I keep my hotel room unlocked, spare change on the desk and anything really valuable in plain sight on the bed. I use a backpack (unzippered and on the back) with my camera of the day in plain view. I never bother with a money belt, in fact, this next time I am going to give my credit cards and money to the first shifty person that I see (probably in the Metro).
And I don't lock my suitcase because " locks are no deterrent to thievery".

Robjame :-d

Seriously, I think it's like a car. Locking the doors will reduce the chance of theft, but not eliminate it completely. Not leaving valuable items in the car will reduce the chance of theft, but not eliminate it completely.

We each do what works for us and hope for the best. I know folks who lock their suitcases and have never had a problem, folks who lock their suitcases and have them broken into, folks who don't lock their suitcases and never had a problem, and folks who don't lock their suitcases and have them gotten into.

Since there has never been any collection of statistics (in my knowledge), then we're all guessing at what works best.

<<we're all guessing at what works best>>
One thing we do know for sure, it is more difficult to open a suitcase WITH a lock then it is to open one WITHOUT. We have a saying about locks on houses - it keeps the honest people honest. With homes, breaking and entering is more serious a crime than walking in an open door.
By locking my suitcase, I take away the "opportunity" in a crime of opportunity. I also have a stronger case when I tell the authorities that I took every reasonable precaution. Where are the lawyers when I need one? LOL

LOL robjame!

I do exactly as Toedtoes describes. Right down to taking small combination locks with me to use while at a hotel or on a train.

Actually I am smiling because Toedtoes thinking and mine is exactly the same.

I do agree Robjame. I lock my car everytime I leave it. However, I don't leave anything valuable in it unless absolutely necessary because even with it locked, there's too much chance of someone breaking into it.

There are some places I can't really reduce the "enticements" for a thief (i.e., I can't remove everything of value from my home), so I make sure I have a good security setup to protect those items. However, in places where I CAN reduce the "enticements", I do and spend less time worrying about protecting what doesn't need protecting.

P.S. I have actually seen some locks that come apart when you pull them - they honestly made access no more difficult (might have made it easier because you had a bigger zipper pull to grab a hold of). If you're going to use a lock, definitely get a quality one.

LoveItaly - are we sure we're not related? :)

..certainly when I flew through LA airport there was a sign not to lock your bag. If the checked bag was locked and needed to be opened, the lock would be destroyed.