Locked Luggage is a Good Idea

For the most part, we tend to secure our valuables on a daily basis. We lock our houses, we lock our cars, we lock our computers, we lock our offices, etc. So why not our luggage? After all, it’s sort of our extension of home while we’re traveling. Well, we should lock our luggage. Unless of course, you’re someone looking for an excuse to shop and a few items missing may necessitate a shopping trip to replace them. For everyone else, locking your luggage is the responsible thing to do and here are three reasons why.

1. Locking luggage deters thieves. Thieves are looking for easy and quick access. If there are two cases sitting side by side – one locked and one unlocked, a thief is more likely to open the unlocked case and rummage through it before trying to struggle with the locked case. Thousands of claims are filed each year by airline passengers regarding items missing from their luggage. Granted, TSA workers can simply open luggage locks but a little protection is better than none.

2. Locking luggage helps to protect your belongings. Locking luggage may not provide 100% protection from thieves, but it can help prevent your belongings from being stolen. Remember, when it comes to checking in luggage at the airport, there is never any guarantee that your luggage will arrive let alone arrive with everything in it. A lock just adds a little extra protection and every little bit helps.

3. Locking your luggage helps to keep your bags closed. Luggage often undergoes some pretty rough handling. If a case is hit at just the right angle, it could pop open or zippers could be separated. Locking your luggage can help prevent this from happening.

Regardless of what locking mechanism you decide to use, NEVER, ever keep valuables or medications in your checked bags. If you must travel with valuable items or medications, always carry them on the plane with you and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. In addition, keep your bags locked.

When you’re looking for luggage locks for airline travel, make sure they are TSA approved locks. The packaging should indicate that they are TSA approved. This means that TSA has the ability to open the lock with a master key rather than cutting the lock off and damaging it.

Here are some luggage locks worth checking out.

This pink ribbon lock is just plain cute. It’s the lock I use most often when traveling. It’s a combination lock so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of a key and it has a flexible loop so it can fit through various locking mechanisms. The best part about this lock is that proceeds from sales go to help the fight against breast cancer. I’ve never seen anyone else using this lock so it helps me to quickly identify my bag…plus it’s nice to be different.

Belle Hop Pink Ribbon Lock

WordLock(r) Lock
If you find it hard to remember the combination of your numeric luggage lock, here’s a clever alternative. WordLock(r) uses letters instead of numbers, so you can select a “four letter word” that’s easy to remember. And with over 10000 unique letter combinations, you’ll have lots of words to choose from. Available in Neon Green, Platinum, Red or Black. (2-1/2″ tall)

Magellan’s (www.Magellans.com) – WordLock(r) Luggage Locks

PacSafe ProSafe 750 Lock
No more struggling to remember combinations or looking for tiny keys – just slide the card-key through the slot and the lock pops open. This Travel Sentry Approved key-card lock is recognized and accepted by the Transport Security Administration (TSA). The Travel Sentry logo alerts TSA agents that they can open your lock and relock it using codes and secured tools during inspection.

Magellan’s (www.Magellans.com) – PacSafe ProSafe 750 Luggage Locks

ThriveOnTravel.com
Sima Kimble