How to secure your luggage against theft

Use TSA-approved cable locks on all zipper pulls and secure your bags to fixed objects in public spaces using a steel-core locking cable. Never leave your bag unattended, and always keep your most valuable items on your person rather than in checked or overhead luggage.

1. Lock your zippers. Use TSA-approved combination locks to secure the zipper pulls of your main compartment together. Avoid key locks, as you will inevitably lose the key while traveling.
2. Use a tamper-evident seal. For checked luggage, apply a plastic zip-tie through the zipper pulls. If you arrive at baggage claim and the zip-tie is missing or cut, you know someone has been inside your bag.
3. Lock your bag to fixed structures. Carry a 3-foot braided steel cable lock. When sitting at a cafe or on a train, loop the cable through your bag's handle and around the leg of the table or a seat mount.
4. Create a 'do not steal' appearance. Avoid expensive-looking luggage brands. Use a standard, slightly worn-looking suitcase and cover it in random, colorful stickers to make it less appealing to professional thieves looking for quick resale value.

Are TSA locks actually secure?

Not really. Anyone with a master key can open them, and a pen can easily pop a zipper open. They are primarily a deterrent for 'crimes of opportunity' by baggage handlers or opportunistic thieves.

Should I wrap my suitcase in plastic at the airport?

Plastic wrapping deters casual thieves and keeps your bag clean, but it is not foolproof. It is better for preventing items from being slipped into your bag (trafficking) than it is for stopping items from being taken out.