Locks on suitcase

TSA locks are only for the US but some say that foreign security have the keys. Personally don't think they are worth the price. We use cable ties -- heavy nylon plastic ties to secure all zippers. Carry a toe nail clipper to cut the ties off once we are there. Very cheap and easy.

They are the numbered locks like on here; didn't think about the ties - clippers could be a good idea but wouldn't they take them at security check point? Thanks for your help! Greatly appreciated.

LuAnn, You didn't say specifically which Lock you'd be using, but the Samsonite TSA Travel Locks are probably much the same as those sold here on the Travel Store, or in other locations. I normally lock the zippers on my Pack during transit, and only once has the Lock been cut-off. It's a reasonable precaution (IMO). You could also use the numbered Luggage Locks (sold here on the Travel Store) or Cable Ties (of course you'll need a way to remove those at destination, since any scissors or whatever will be INSIDE the bag that's locked. Happy travels!

Good note, LuAnn. I believe that only US airport security, perhaps Canadian, and, only barely likely, Heathrow, can access the so-called TSA-approved combination locks, so, on our most recent trip, to Spain in 2009 on Air France from Seattle, I used the little yellow plastic TSA-cuttable bag "locks," the kind you have to snip with those figernail clippers and, of course, our clippers were safely stored in our checked, and plastic-locked luggage (in our case, at the bottom). As it turned out we had to borrow a scissors from our Madrid hotel to open our own bags. Those little plastic locks are pretty tough.

hi LuAnn
I travel several X a month & have used mini plastic zip ties on my bags for years- I also carry mini nail clippers & yes, they are allowed. HTH

We use the combination TSA locks. Never had issues in Europe, but Houston airport people have twice destroyed my zipper and suitcase. The locks are also handy for when you store your luggage and for daypacks. Just don't do what our nephew did. He got a bunch of the locks for his and his new bride's luggage and had different combinations for each lock. This was a very bad idea.

I use the flight lock travel tabs from the RS store (12 for o/a $5) One time use. Additionally I thread a couple twist ties through the two zipper tabs and have done with it. (I use the ones you get to fasten produce bags at the grocery store.) The flight lock plastic tab lets you know if your suitcase has been opened and the twist ties act as a backup to keep the zippers from coming apart.

We also use the nylon ties and carry a small pair of clippers to cut them off. It works well. I use a small combination lock though on my camera bag zippers if I'm going to be on a crowded train or bus or in a dense area where I'm more concerned about pick pockets. You should be fine with the combination lock.

Take a wheelie that fits in the overhead and one small bag, that is all you need and forget about locks and lugging heavy luggage. We stay a month in Europe with just what I mentioned. If you need sundries or the like you can buy it over there.