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This is a recurring question for any traveler around the world. How to secure your suitcase ? How to choose a suitcase ? Which material is best ? Why buy a TSA lock ? For a short period or for a few months, if you take the plane and your luggage travels in the hold, it is important to secure it to the maximum, I have travel tips for you !
I consider that there is nothing more terrible than to see it opened or damaged on the carpet. The best thing is to avoid disappointment by taking the necessary measures. I invite you to discover 5 things you should do before checking your suitcase.
© Can Stock Photo / studiostoks
1. Buy a solid suitcase
I have only one piece of advice to give you. Buying a suitcase worthy of the name is a prerequisite for any trip around the world. You’ve probably noticed that airport agents ruthlessly discard passengers’ luggage, whether it’s to be taken to the hold or returned to the arrival carpet. If yours isn’t strong enough, chances are it won’t stand up to the shocks. Also, I imagine that a poor quality plastic suitcase is easy to cut. The same goes for fabric luggage.
I think that ABS, polycarbonate or polypropylene materials should be preferred. These plastics are known to be puncture-proof. Among the proposals on the market, you can opt for ABS, aluminum or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, an anti-crushing material par excellence. It is used in the manufacture of toys and for the bodywork of certain cars. Polycarbonate is also recognized as strong and resistant, ensuring an effective protection of your objects. Finally, polypropylene is extremely resistant to knocks and high temperatures. Moreover, this polymer is certified for its lightness.
2. Avoid zippered luggage
Luggage with a zipper closure has the advantage of being lightweight. On the other hand, I feel that they are much more fragile, as the zipper is easy to open. Videos showing how to do this with a simple ballpoint pen are common on the web. Also, if the zipper breaks, you will have to change the entire case. There is no way to repair this type of luggage.
To eliminate this problem of opening when you fly, it is safer to take a suitcase without a zipper or to protect your suitcase with a reinforced plastic film, either only around the zipper or the whole suitcase. This protection to be done at the airport is quite expensive, it costs between 12 € and 16 € for each flight. The best is to buy a suitcase that cannot be opened by a malicious person.
3. Use a TSA padlock
A TSA padlock is a 3-digit lock that allows you to lock your suitcase. If you are looking for a secure luggage, this is the best choice. TSA locks are becoming more and more popular among travelers, so you can easily find them in stores. Moreover, if you are going to the United States, you will be obliged to have a suitcase with a TSA system, because the American customs can open your suitcase with a special key.
- Security Made Easy - Our combination lock is an easy to operate luggage lock. The 4 digit TSA lock allows you to easily set your own combination and is reprogrammable. It only takes seconds to program your new padlock combination.
- 10X Heavy Duty Security - The 4 number combo lock provides 10,000 unique code choices vs 3 number locks. It cannot only be used as a suitcase lock or travel lock but also outdoor lock on gates, fences, storage units, sheds, meters and is rust free.
- Versatile Use - Our TSA approved locks are perfect as lock for lockers, backpack lock, gym locker lock or any school locker lock. The product can also be used on everything from gym bags to storage boxes, tool boxes and as a combination lock outdoor.
- Sturdy Material - Our luggage locks TSA approved are made of zinc alloy. The code numbers on this TSA luggage lock is written in black with a silver backround, providing easy readability and a cool design.
- Perfect Gift - These TSA locks for luggage come in Black, Blue, Red and Green colors. Your purchase will include your 4 Digit combination padlock and easy to follow instructions. Ideal gift for friends, classmates and travel mates.
Last update on 2024-12-17 / As an Amazon Partner, I make a profit on qualifying purchases./ Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This operation is done without damaging the suitcase of course. If you don’t want to find your suitcase ripped open or without a lock, I recommend that you buy a TSA lock. You will recognize them easily, the word TSA is written under the lock. Moreover, the presence of a red diamond indicates it clearly.
4. Take a picture of your belongings
In order to prove that your luggage was locked when you left, I assure you that the best way is to take a picture of your suitcase just before check-in. If by misfortune, your suitcase arrives open or damaged, this will allow you to show your insurance company your good faith.
I suggest you to purchase a travel insurance or pay with a credit card that includes this travel insurance at no extra cost
You should know that you are entitled to compensation from the airline. The steps must be taken quickly. You have 3 to 7 days to notice the infraction. The best way to avoid this type of situation is to buy a solid piece of luggage, without a zipper and equipped with a TSA lock to limit the risks.
5. Pub an Apple AirTag inside your bag !
To track your suitcase, you can attach a tracking device similar to a key finder, which makes it easy to track and find your suitcase. This beacon connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone has been around for a long time. Apple has democratized the idea by launching a very powerful connected object.
To avoid the theft of your AirTag, I think it is better to put it in your suitcase. I must point out that it is not made to follow an object moving at high speed. On the other hand, they are very useful to know if your luggage has reached its destination. Moreover, there is no problem to use them, because the AirTag does not use rechargeable batteries, but CR2023 single use batteries.
