Checked luggage
 

It's been awhile since I've checked luggage, but in a couple of days I'll be flying to Paris from the US and will have one large checked suitcase.

In the past, I've always locked any checked luggage. However, I've been told that any checked luggage needs to be unlocked, and any that isn't will have the lock broken!

Does anyone have any idea whether or not I should lock my suitcase? There's nothing terribly valuable inside, but I will not be happy if anything is missing!

I'll be flying NW/KLM.

Thanks,

Jennifer

This is not a 100% sure bet, but it works most of the time.http://www.travelsentry.org/

The TSA approved locks won't work on traditional
 

handsided suitcases. There is no way to use them. If you plan to use a traditional suitcase I wouldn't count on locking it at a US airport.

I have hard sided luggage and I bought the samsonite straps with the combo locks. If they need to cut something let them cut those. They have never cut my straps.

It is rare for me to check luggage but when I do I always lock it. I'd much rather have them cut my lock off and spend $5 for a new one than risk having stuff stolen, and they have not cut the lock off yet.

Thanks for your replies. I think I'm just going to go ahead and lock it. I can't imagine anything inside arousing suspicion on an x-ray machine. At this least way, I don't have to "wonder" if anything has been taken, not knowing for sure if it was opened or not.

Books and certain types of food will do it.

- Pat

That's a good idea, it's a lot less damaging than cutting through a lock might be.

I use a very thin and wide tape and tape my hardsided shut. If it is opened at any point, I would know immediately when I picked it up and can check the contents before I leave the airport. It's never happened because I think it deters thieves as it's obvious you'll know immediately that it was open. The tape also keeps the bag closed. And, TSA has never opened mine yet.