How can I prevent theft from my checked luggage?

How can I prevent theft from my checked luggage? Lock Checked Luggage Some suitcases come with locks pre-installed that require a combination in order to open the bag. If your suitcase does not have this, you can invest in a TSA-approved luggage lock to keep your valueables safe.

Why do they put a padlock on a TSA?

While it's understandable that travelers want to lock their baggage to protect their personal belongings, it's also important to understand that TSA officers must be able to inspect baggage and contents when the need arises. That's where TSA recognized locks come in.

Should I put valuables in checked luggage?

We suggest that you carry all precious or other highly valuable items.” American precedes its list by saying, “A good rule of thumb is never to check anything you can't live without. If it's irreplaceable, sentimental, or you depend on it for your well-being, keep it on you or leave it at home.”

Do electronics get stolen from checked luggage?

You should keep them in your carry-on bag or personal item. This includes items such as cash, jewelry, electronics, documents, medications, keys, and anything else that you cannot replace or recover easily. These items are more likely to be stolen or lost from your checked luggage.

Do TSA locks prevent theft?

These locks won't stop the thief from stealing your suitcase or bag, but they might prevent them from stealing the things you have inside. Most thieves don't really like to complicate their life and deal with lock picking. Another advantage these locks offer you is that they prevent the luggage zippers from opening.

How often does checked luggage get lost or stolen?

According to Luggage Hero, there were more than 684,000 lost and mishandled bags at major US airlines in the first quarter of 2022 alone. The Points Guy notes that this equated to approximately seven bags out of every 1,000, or 0.7%. American Airlines' average came in slightly higher, at nine per 1,000 or 0.9%.

What should you avoid checking luggage?

Why are so many checked bags getting lost?

The leading cause of lost luggage is the mishandling of the bags between flights or from the sorting office to your airplane.

Do baggage handlers steal from bags?

Baggage handlers, airport security, and TSA agents may have access to your luggage behind closed doors. While most of these individuals are just trying to make an honest living, there have been numerous documented instances of airport personnel stealing from passengers' bags.

How common is theft from checked bags?

According to the Department of Transportation, luggage theft is a common problem. U.S. airlines reported more than three mishandled bags for every thousand in March. More than 1 million bags were stolen in 2018. It resulted in $1.2 billion in missing valuables.

What is best to pack in checked luggage?

In general, the best things to pack in your checked luggage vs carry on are the bulkier, heavier items such as your clothes, shoes, toiletries, makeup and accessories. You can't board a flight with certain items, and these should be in your checked bag.

What is banned in checked luggage?

Explosives and flammable items such as fireworks, dynamite, and gasoline can pose an extreme safety risk to passengers and the aeroplane. Weapons and firearms, including guns, replicas, and ammunition, are prohibited in checked luggage to prevent any potential threat to the safety and security of passengers and crew.

Can baggage handlers open TSA locks?

The TSA has worked with these manufacturers so security agents are able to open any of these locks with a master key, but no one else can. If you're using a lock that isn't approved by TSA, agents have the authority to break open that lock to search through a bag.

Can I zip tie my checked luggage?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), yes, you can zip-tie your luggage shut so no one would be able to simply unzip your luggage and go through it. You are allowed to zip-tie it because the TSA can snip it open if they need/want/desire to go through it for some reason.

Which airline has the most lost luggage?

When it came to airlines that lost the most baggage, that same study found that Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines came in ninth out of 17 major airlines. “Of all national airlines, American Airlines lost the most bags in 2022, losing 850 bags per 100,000.