That's the big question we're raising this week.
To lock or not to lock - it's a dilemma for many travellers, but thank goodness those teeny-weeny miniature keys, which always seemed to go missing no matter where you stashed them, are a thing of the past.
These days most suitcases come with their own built-in locks and all you have to do is remember the code. Smarter Travel's expert writer Sarah Schlichter says locking your suitcase makes it difficult for opportunists to access your things and a lock also helps to hold your bag zippers together so they don't work their way open while in transit. "Some travellers even lock their suitcases during the day at hotels to deter theft," she says.
But not everyone is a fan. Perth businessman and frequent flyer, Brett Harney says he's spent too many late nights struggling with faulty or damaged locks and doesn't lock his bags at all.
"I've wasted too much time fiddling with locks after long-haul flights when I am so tired and on the odd occasion I have marched downstairs to reception and borrowed tools to open my case - I always carry valuables in carry-on - so I don't lock anymore and haven't had anything stolen over the years," he says.
So are locks necessary? Certain countries used to demand cases were locked but these days it's mostly up to the individual.
Certain countries used to demand cases were locked but these days it's mostly up to the individual.
Inexpensive zip ties are an alternative so you can quickly see if your luggage has been tampered with but you need scissors to cut them at your final destination. Others opt for plastic wrapping to deter the inquisitive, and this also protects the cases from damage and the weather.
Secure Travel operates a wrap service at both Sydney and Melbourne International airports and manager Jason Yi says the demand is growing, especially with the rough handling of luggage.
"Plastic wrapping provides greater peace of mind for travellers compared to locks that are usually fastened at the most vulnerable part of a bag," he says. "They offer very low measures of security and are only designed to hold two ends of the zip together, which does not guarantee protection to the zip itself. All it takes is a sharp object - even the tip of a ball point pen - to pry open the zipper's teeth," he says.
A TSA-approved lock should be used for the US so suitcases can be inspected without breaking the lock. All bags go through security screening, and you'll know if your bag has been physically opened if you find a notice inside or if your non-TSA-approved lock is missing. But whether you are a locker or a knocker, these days the only sure way of security is carry-on.
- To have more of your big questions answered, see exploretravel.com.au
