The Luggage Blog

The folks over at TwinCities had a great question from a reader regarding luggage locks.

“I bought a couple of TSA-approved padlocks. But we just returned from Rome to find the locks had been snipped off — along with most of the zipper pull. Leaving bags unlocked seems like an open invitation to any baggage handler with a little spare time, but locking invites the security people to ‘make their day.’ What is best today?”

They suggest that you use your best judgment to decide whether or not to use the locks, and mention that if you don’t use a lock, you shouldn’t store anything valuable in your checked luggage.  Even if you chose to lock your bag, you really should avoid checking valuables in case your bag is lost or damaged.

TSA spokeswoman Sterling Payne urges travelers to use a TSA approved lock because the officers are aware of which locks are approved. We’d like to point out that ANYONE can recognize which locks are approved since all of them are clearly marked.

If the TSA does damage your luggage you can file a claim here.

We’d also like to add that it’s never a bad idea to report any damage or loss to the Department of Transportation as well.

View TSA friendly locks on Luggage Online.

Photo by msmail.