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Disturbing video: why luggage locks are completely useless

January 14, 2008

Throw out your luggage locks. After watching this disturbing video, you’ll see how useless they are against a simple trick for getting in and out of your checked luggage quickly. Worst of all, you won’t know your bag has been pilfered until after you’re at the hotel, by which time filing a lost-luggage claim would probably be impractical.

“All you need is just a regular pen,” says the creator of this video, who sounds like he’s had quite a bit of experience.

All you do is apply pressure between the zipper, OK? Where the dents are. Press the dent to go through the zipper. And just slide it all around. That will open up the luggage and you will have access to anything inside.

Moral of the story: don’t check your valuables. Better yet, don’t check anything.

(Thanks for the tip, Tab.)

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

3 comments

  • http://www.allsafetravels.com Elizabeth

    Ack. That is disturbing! Of course, luggage locks are mention to discourage crime but they can’t absolutely prevent it (any more than locking your car means someone can’t break into it). It’s a precautionary measure, but I wonder if it invites more attention?

    Has anyone used those luggage shrink wrapping services at the airport? I wonder how effective they are as an alternative.

  • KG2V

    How about the old fashioned hard sided cases – you know, the samsonite etc – no zipper. I used to use a deep Zero Halburton atache case for overnight trips – remember those aluminum cases?

    I know one guy who packs his clothes in Pelican cases (usualy used to pack fragile gear) – you can drive over those

  • WorldTraveler

    I was a baggage screener trainer for the first wave of TSA screeners in 2002 (I left in disgust). I was shown that little trick by a trainee who had worked for one of the screening contracting companies prior to 9/11. Needless to say I was shocked! Since then, I have not used locks on any of my luggage. Even prior to that, I NEVER packed anything of real value in my luggage. I carry on anything I would hate to lose.

    The shrink wrapping services are useless. If the TSA needs to inspect your luggage they will cut through it, possibly damaging your case.

    Best practice for road warriors is: buy well made luggage and never check anything of value! Travel is hard enough these days!

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