ugh the zippers) and shrink wrapping services are also available as an alternative. A broken seal or cut plastic makes luggage tampering more obvious – therefore the bags are a less desirable target for theft. However, seals and wrap are broken the first time you open your luggage so they are not ideal for journeys involving multiple destinations. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and consider the cost when making your purchase.

No security device is 100% theft-proof, but it's a deterrent for smuggling, tampering and theft. A little research before you buy can save you a lot of

Today's travelers are often unclear as to whether to lock their luggage, and advice from airlines is conflicting. WestJet recommends that passengers lock all of their bags, but Air Canada warns those who lock their luggage may face baggage delays and have their locks damaged or destroyed. In addition, many people also doubt that locks actually offer protection from determined thieves.

So are locks worth the money? Yes – according to Andrea Fitzgerald, a salesperson and manager in the luggage industry for eight years.

"The biggest misconception people have is that locks are worthless because someone could just break the zipper or cut the case," explains Fitzgerald. "It's true; but thieves are more interested in what they can easily get into without detection. An unlocked bag doesn't put up a fight, and you can't immediately tell it has been tampered with."

Fitzgerald remarks that locks prevent easy access to your luggage, and can be a significant deterrent to another crime that is often overlooked: contraband.

"People tend to focus on what could get stolen from their luggage, but in some parts of the world they should be more worried about what someone might slip into their luggage. Smuggling is a real threat and the consequences can be pretty severe," Fitzgerald adds. "Thieves might not care if they damage your suitcase, but smugglers don't want to attract attention."

Locks versus Airport Security

But what happens when you hit the airport? Many airlines warn that airport officials have the right to cut off locks to inspect luggage – with no compensation for damages. But does easy access for officials translate to easy access for thieves?

Not if you're careful about your lock purchases. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends an alternative to leaving your baggage open: TSA-approved locks. These locks can be opened with a master key or an access device, thereby providing access without destroying your lock. Screeners can open, inspect and re-lock your luggage. Some products can even alert you if your lock has been opened.

A word of caution: not all airports worldwide have the master keys. You should still keep valuables with you in carry-on luggage.

What about luggage seals and shrink-wrap?

Luggage seals (tags that thread through the zippers) and shrink wrapping services are also available as an alternative. A broken seal or cut plastic makes luggage tampering more obvious – therefore the bags are a less desirable target for theft. However, seals and wrap are broken the first time you open your luggage so they are not ideal for journeys involving multiple destinations. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and consider the cost when making your purchase.

No security device is 100% theft-proof, but it's a deterrent for smuggling, tampering and theft. A little research before you buy can save you a lot of h

less because someone could just break the zipper or cut the case," explains Fitzgerald. "It's true; but thieves are more interested in what they can easily get into without detection. An unlocked bag doesn't put up a fight, and you can't immediately tell it has been tampered with."

Fitzgerald remarks that locks prevent easy access to your luggage, and can be a significant deterrent to another crime that is often overlooked: contraband.

"People tend to focus on what could get stolen from their luggage, but in some parts of the world they should be more worried about what someone might slip into their luggage. Smuggling is a real threat and the consequences can be pretty severe," Fitzgerald adds. "Thieves might not care if they damage your suitcase, but smugglers don't want to attract attention."

Locks versus Airport Security

But what happens when you hit the airport? Many airlines warn that airport officials have the right to cut off locks to inspect luggage – with no compensation for damages. But does easy access for officials translate to easy access for thieves?

Not if you're careful about your lock purchases. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends an alternative to leaving your baggage open: TSA-approved locks. These locks can be opened with a master key or an access device, thereby providing access without destroying your lock. Screeners can open, inspect and re-lock your luggage. Some products can even alert you if your lock has been opened.

A word of caution: not all airports worldwide have the master keys. You should still keep valuables with you in carry-on luggage.

What about luggage seals and shrink-wrap?

Luggage seals (tags that thread through the zippers) and shrink wrapping services are also available as an alternative. A broken seal or cut plastic makes luggage tampering more obvious – therefore the bags are a less desirable target for theft. However, seals and wrap are broken the first time you open your luggage so they are not ideal for journeys involving multiple destinations. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and consider the cost when making your purchase.

No security device is 100% theft-proof, but it's a deterrent for smuggling, tampering and theft. A little research before you buy can save you a lot of

might slip into their luggage. Smuggling is a real threat and the consequences can be pretty severe," Fitzgerald adds. "Thieves might not care if they damage your suitcase, but smugglers don't want to attract attention."

Locks versus Airport Security

But what happens when you hit the airport? Many airlines warn that airport officials have the right to cut off locks to inspect luggage – with no compensation for damages. But does easy access for officials translate to easy access for thieves?

Not if you're careful about your lock purchases. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends an alternative to leaving your baggage open: TSA-approved locks. These locks can be opened with a master key or an access device, thereby providing access without destroying your lock. Screeners can open, inspect and re-lock your luggage. Some products can even alert you if your lock has been opened.

A word of caution: not all airports worldwide have the master keys. You should still keep valuables with you in carry-on luggage.

What about luggage seals and shrink-wrap?

Luggage seals (tags that thread through the zippers) and shrink wrapping services are also available as an alternative. A broken seal or cut plastic makes luggage tampering more obvious – therefore the bags are a less desirable target for theft. However, seals and wrap are broken the first time you open your luggage so they are not ideal for journeys involving multiple destinations. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and consider the cost when making your purchase.

No security device is 100% theft-proof, but it's a deterrent for smuggling, tampering and theft. A little research before you buy can save you a lot of

ation Security Administration (TSA) recommends an alternative to leaving your baggage open: TSA-approved locks. These locks can be opened with a master key or an access device, thereby providing access without destroying your lock. Screeners can open, inspect and re-lock your luggage. Some products can even alert you if your lock has been opened.

A word of caution: not all airports worldwide have the master keys. You should still keep valuables with you in carry-on luggage.

What about luggage seals and shrink-wrap?

Luggage seals (tags that thread through the zippers) and shrink wrapping services are also available as an alternative. A broken seal or cut plastic makes luggage tampering more obvious – therefore the bags are a less desirable target for theft. However, seals and wrap are broken the first time you open your luggage so they are not ideal for journeys involving multiple destinations. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and consider the cost when making your purchase.

No security device is 100% theft-proof, but it's a deterrent for smuggling, tampering and theft. A little research before you buy can save you a lot of

ugh the zippers) and shrink wrapping services are also available as an alternative. A broken seal or cut plastic makes luggage tampering more obvious – therefore the bags are a less desirable target for theft. However, seals and wrap are broken the first time you open your luggage so they are not ideal for journeys involving multiple destinations. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and consider the cost when making your purchase.

No security device is 100% theft-proof, but it's a deterrent for smuggling, tampering and theft. A little research before you buy can save you a lot of hassle and provide you some piece of mind. Ask about these devices when making your next luggage purchase or do a little research online before you hit the store.