Can You Lock Checked Luggage? ( TIPS To Protect Your Luggage)

So can you lock checked luggage? and can you zip tie your checked luggage?

When traveling one of the priorities is to protect your luggage, especially in this digital age when travelers carry some expensive devices.

And YES in addition to taking a sturdy and not easy to tamper bag it is recommended and necessary to lock your checked baggage, with a TSA approved lock, that won’t make the TSA break your lock in case they want to open your checked luggage.

Losing items in either the airport or during your trip will make you feel demoralized and won’t enjoy the journey anymore.

In this post I will walk you through some tips to protect your luggage and belongings while traveling.

Let’s dive right in.

Tip: Using a solid a robust luggage lock is important to protect your belongings, check out this bestselling STA approved luggage locks on Amazon, they are top rated and most used among travelers, you can choose the one that suits your needs, cable, combination or with Key.

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Can You Lock Checked Luggage?

Yes,you can choose a good lock for your suitcase or checked luggage and make it secure in both domestic and international flights; if you don’t lock your suitcase you run the risk of losing your items because you don’t have an eye on it.

Note that even when you securely lock your checked suitcase it is not advised to place your expensive items on it, your laptop or any electronics should go inside your carry on or personal item bag.

Can I Zip Tie My Checked Luggage?

So can you zip tie your luggage?

If you don’t want to use a lock it’s a good idea to zip tie your luggage. It will secure your bag also in addition it will give you a sign at the airport to know if there is an attempt to open your bag and check if there are missing items before leaving the airport.

The TSA allows using zip ties, however they don’t encourage them in case they want to open your bag for further inspection and mostly the TSA will not replace your zip ties .

This passenger asked the TSA on Twitter if zip ties are okay to use if he can’t use luggage locks.

The TSA replied that Zip ties are allowed but not encouraged as they may need to be removed if the bag alarms and must be opened for inspection.

But in this tweet the TSA replied to john that zip ties are allowed to secure bags. The TSA screening officers will make every attempt to ensure that opened luggage, personal belongings and the lock are placed back to the original state in which they were received.

Can You Lock Carry-On Luggage?

Yes you need a lock for your carry on luggage. It is okay if it is locked all the time as long as it is next to you, and if the airport security wants to inspect your bag you will be there to open it.

Though securing your bag is never a bad idea, no matter where you are, especially when traveling with some of your valuable items.You can use master a TSA Accepted Cable Luggage Lock , it works for almost all kinds of carry on luggage, backpacks, bags, small cabinets, briefcases, computer bags.

How do I protect my checked luggage?

black luggage bag beside door — _{Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com}

When traveling you want two things, your bag to be in a good shape all the time and protect your items and here is to achieve both of them while you are in your journey.

Invest in a solid hard side bag

Investing in a solid and hard sided suitcase for your check bag is one main solution to protect your bag and belongings.

hard sided luggage is known worldwide for its durability and backed by reliability warranties. you can rely on hard side luggage especially if you choose Samsonite or any other well known brand , you’ll have peace of mind that your luggage will hold up through rigorous use.

Do not place your expensive items in checked baggage

To protect your luggage it is always better to not put your expensive items inside your check bag, cash, rings or any jewelry can go in your pocket, purse or personal item.

In addition most airlines do not cover expensive items, and they take custody for any damage also.

So just remember do not put anything expensive or valuable item in your checked bag.

What Is A TSA Approved Luggage Lock?

A TSA approved lock can be opened by the TSA agent without need to to be broken, the TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by the TSA agent with a universal “master” key, and they are recognized with their packaging that indicates they are TSA approved.

You can choose a solid and sturdy TSA approved luggage lock, so you don’t need to worry about your expensive lock being cut at the airport.

I Forgot To Lock My Checked-In Luggage, What Will Happen?

Most of the time you don’t need to worry if you forgot to lock your checked baggage, it is rare that your bag will get opened by a stranger or luggage handlers, but it depends on the airport.

And as long as you don’t put any expensive item, they won’t take your clothes.

Honestly when i check in my bag, i don’t worry about it anymore and as long as i don’t control how my bag will be handled or if it will be tempered, all what i do is i choose a solid hard side bag and i don’t place my expensive items inside it and ask the airline staff at the check in counter if they will handle my bag carefully.

Hand Picked TSA Approved Luggage Locks

Here is the The Different Types of Luggage Locks.

Cable Locks
Combination Locks
Key Locks

I did my research to find some of the best TSA locks in the market and what are travelers’ opinions, and to help you narrow in on your search, here’s all the information you need to know about the best luggage lock that will suit your needs.

Final Thoughts: Can You Lock Checked Luggage?

Using a good luggage lock will secure your belongings and items.

Ensure that you pick a luggage lock that is sturdy and TSA approved if you’re traveling in the US; it will easily help the TSA access your bag if they need to without breaking it.