Do I "Need" a luggage lock in the US?
I understand that this is a question that easily becomes subjective, so let me phrase it as objective as possible.
I am a person who so far has been traveling within Europe and the middle East, so far without any kind of lock. My luggage typically is clothing and things of lesser value (think gadgets); I carry phones and computers in the carry-on.
I'm staying in the US for a year now and learned about this whole business of having traveling locks such that there even exist TSA approved ones that they can open without damaging the lock (read: locks are apparently a big thing over the ocean).
Is this really a thing that everyone does - or do I just get the biased perception from this side? Should someone with my traveling habits now adjust? Is this perhaps airport or state specific?
Best Answer
The primary purpose of most luggage locks is not to guard against a bag being opened by unauthorized persons, but rather to ensure that the bags don't get opened by things they brush against. They may also provide some protection against the possibility of a bag being opened by the owner of a similar-looking bag who mistook it for his own (unless that other person by some coincidence happened to choose an identical-looking lock for his own bag, the sight of the unfamiliar lock on his bag should prompt him to examine the rest of the bag more closely). Even before 9/11, small luggage locks were usually manufactured with interchangeable keys, and were not expected to provide security. I think the "TSA slots" were primarily intended to save work for TSA personnel, rather than allow them to do anything they couldn't do otherwise.
As to whether you "need" a luggage lock, I would suggest that would depend largely upon the types of closures used on your baggage, and the likelihood that items could get lost if the bags open partially or fully while they are in transit.
Pictures about "Do I "Need" a luggage lock in the US?"
Should I lock my suitcase when flying to USA?
For a trip to the USA, it is recommended to lock the suitcase or bag with a special TSA lock. This is a lock that can be opened by the border control staff using a special key. TSA locks are available in various forms: as a combination lock, lock with key or lock with key card.Can I lock my checked luggage USA?
Luggage locks are permitted by TSA, especially if they're TSA approved (meaning security agents can open any of these locks with a master key). If you're using a lock that isn't approved by TSA, that won't affect your bags from being opened for a close inspection.Do I need a TSA approved lock?
Do I have to use a TSA lock? It is not mandatory or a legal requirement to use a TSA-approved lock, but it is recommended. If you do not use a TSA lock and your luggage is searched, the TSA will either have to break your lock or cut your luggage to gain access.Should I put a lock on my luggage?
It is strongly recommended by TSA to carry your valuables such as jewelry, money, identification and electronics in a carry-on bag. If you're not packing any valuable items in your checked bag, a lock isn't necessarily needed for air travel.Should You Lock Your Luggage?
More answers regarding do I "Need" a luggage lock in the US?
Answer 2
Baggage theft in the USA is no worse than in Europe, as long as you have no valuables in your luggage you have no worries.
And for the opportunistic thief, a lock is a flag that says there maybe something worth stealing in the bag.
I never lock my bags, and with more than a million miles flying have only lost one maglight flashlight out of my bags in all those flights.
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Images: Ivan, cottonbro, Vlada Karpovich, Vlada Karpovich