Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Do you lock luggage before a flight

74 replies

fatgirlswims · 31/01/2025 21:50

I do this and I thought everyone did

My colleague said they didn't and then we asked another and they said they didn't really know.

I fly quite often and wouldn't check in an unlocked bag.

I know they can opened and search but it still dint want many my pants escaping.

(And yes I use packing g cubes too)

OP posts:
BashfulClam · 31/01/2025 21:52

No I don’t bother. Your case can be opened with a pen.

TheBoysAndTheBallet · 31/01/2025 21:54

I used to maybe 15 years ago but I wouldn't bother now.

dementedpixie · 31/01/2025 21:54

We don't lock ours either. We put straps on them to make them easily identifiable and that stops them being opened easily too

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Flying Holidays
Original poster
fatgirlswims · 31/01/2025 21:54

How can it be open with a pen?

I know it can be opened but I still have to lock it!

OP posts:
ShrubRose · 31/01/2025 22:22

It's a good idea.

Yes, they can open it (they opened mine once - there was a notice on it saying so).

But if it's lost (that also happened to me) you don't want it sitting somewhere unlocked.

spacepies · 31/01/2025 22:24

I never take a suitcase i only ever take my lucky backpack.

MuthaHubbard · 31/01/2025 22:26

You can just put a pen or something similar through the zip

OneDenimRobin · 31/01/2025 22:30

No. I never have. Anything of value goes in my hand luggage. I’d rather any thieving baggage handlers open my bag, check for valuables and then zip it up again rather than damage the case forcing it open.

feelingalittlehorse · 31/01/2025 22:30

Nah, fuck it. I literally own nothing of value, so if someone wants to rifle through my Marks and Sparks keks and bikinis then they can knock themselves out.

NigelHarmansNewWife · 31/01/2025 22:31

I don't bother anymore. I've nothing of high value in there. In the past I forgot the combination on a case and had to spend 20 minutes systematically going through them all until I got the right one and it popped open.
I also once had the lock on my case broken by the TSA when we returning home. It was a Samsonite case so I was able to get a replacement lock for free.

EternalSunshine19 · 31/01/2025 22:31

NO i never do. I carry all my valuables in my hand luggage.

Precipice · 31/01/2025 22:34

I do, yes.

Even if it's not a guarantee of security, why wouldn't you increase the security of your belongings just a bit if you can so easily do so? Helps as another thing to see that it's your bag and not a similar one too.

I also lock it for train travel. Basically if the suitcase is going anywhere, it's with the lock. It's quick to undo if you know the combination and will slow down an opportunistic thief.

RedToothBrush · 31/01/2025 22:36

Precipice · 31/01/2025 22:34

I do, yes.

Even if it's not a guarantee of security, why wouldn't you increase the security of your belongings just a bit if you can so easily do so? Helps as another thing to see that it's your bag and not a similar one too.

I also lock it for train travel. Basically if the suitcase is going anywhere, it's with the lock. It's quick to undo if you know the combination and will slow down an opportunistic thief.

Edited

If you have a locked suitcase you say "I have something of value in here" plus nothing says 'search me' quite like a lock. Thus risking damage to your bag.

Fedupandstressed · 31/01/2025 22:38

I just don't bother changing the combination. Anything valuable and necessary is in my carry on, like medication.
I always have at least one change of clothes with me as well, after my luggage was delayed once, so if a few pair of knickers go missing, then at least I have enough.

I also have a sheet with a qr code and details for lost luggage to get back to me, inside the case

Frapbap · 31/01/2025 22:40

No, I don't lock.

BridgetRandomfuck · 31/01/2025 22:40

I always lock it with a TSA approved padlock - if you go to the US by law they’re allowed to search your bag, so I have a compatible padlock (and have had them search a couple of times, they put a slip of paper in - hope they enjoyed my dirty clothes!). It just seems a no-brainer to me. I carry anything valuable in my hand luggage, but if a random opportunist wants to look in a bag, one with a padlock is more faff, and it seems there are many unlocked bags according to this, so hopefully they won’t look in mine!

Ohnobackagain · 31/01/2025 22:42

we never lock ours @fatgirlswims

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 31/01/2025 22:42

No, for the reasons above.
I do use a dry bag to pack my clothes. I can compress it to keep things rolled nicely, and if the bag does fall open everything is still together.

Precipice · 31/01/2025 22:44

RedToothBrush · 31/01/2025 22:36

If you have a locked suitcase you say "I have something of value in here" plus nothing says 'search me' quite like a lock. Thus risking damage to your bag.

Show quote history

Who'd put valuables into a check-in bag?

I wonder what you'd say to those people who wrap their suitcases in plastic? Or about people more generally taking small measures for security? Nothing like locking your car to say you have valuables in there?

Honestly, I don't care about possible damage to my bag. It gets damaged through not being that sturdy and being overpacked by me. What I want is to slightly increase the protection of the contents in a way I can.

I see lots of locks at airports (despite the comments here). I don't imagine those people are checking in valuable belongings. In the same way, when I see a lock on a gym locker, I don't think people have put anything special in there either.

HungerGames · 31/01/2025 22:45

Have never locked, and has never occurred to me to do so

Goatblu · 31/01/2025 22:46

I do even though I know it's not secure. More out of habit really, and I find it comes in useful to be able to lock things in my case if there isn't a safe wherever I'm going.

MerelyPlaying · 31/01/2025 22:48

No - what’s the point? If someone wants to get in they will, I’d rather they opened it than broke it. Anything valuable is in my handbag.

suki1964 · 31/01/2025 22:51

Never have because as it passes along though security checks - dog handlers etc, if there is ever a reason for them to decide my case needs further investigation, Id rather they open it and put it back together again, rather then having to crack it open

GretchenWienersHair · 31/01/2025 22:53

I thought everyone did.

Bournetilly · 31/01/2025 22:53

No never have

Swipe left for the next trending thread