Baggage handler issues warning to passengers buying suitcases with TSA approved locks
Ellie Kemp
Featured Image Credit: Douglas Sacha/Getty Images
A baggage handler has issued a warning to passengers who use suitcases with built-in TSA-approved locks.
While the idea of a relaxing vacation is great, in reality, it can be pretty stressful.
The hassle begins before you've even landed at your destination, when you've got all your packing to sort out.
You might be the sort of person to just chuck everything into your suitcase and hope for the best, or perhaps you've meticulously planned your outfits for every single day.
Advert
Either way, you want your personal belongings to arrive at your destination safely, so of course, your suitcase matters.
We already know that adding ribbons to our suitcases isn't the best idea, while you should probably avoid soft-shell suitcases, too.
But if you thought you were protecting your stuff with an in-built, TSA lock, then think again.
One baggage handler who commented on a previous UNILAD story explained exactly why they're such a nuisance.
"I'm a baggage handler of nine years and I keep trying to tell people to stop using that TSA approved lock that's built into hard-cased bags," they began.
"It's TRASH! You're begging to lose your things."
They continued: "When your bags burst, we have to fix it. When it's very close to bursting, we fix it by re-zipping it. When zipper tracks fail, we fix your bag by re-zipping it.
"We can't fix your bag when you lock the zippers to the bag itself. It happens too often, and we HAVE to send it out [half-busted] if it hasn't fully come apart yet."
I mean, no one wants a half-empty suitcase greeting them at the carousel, right?
The baggage handler added that they grimace whenever they see suitcases with built-in locks, 'especially' when it has a lot of connections still and weather in other states or countries are unknown.
But you don't have to forgo locking your case up altogether.
If you still want the peace of mind locking your zips together gives you, then the baggage handler recommends: "Just get a general lock and lock your zippers together, so we can move your zippers 'as one' around your bag if needed."
"Plus side, the bag can't be opened," they added. "Zip-ties work too."
They offered up some other handy travel tips too, including how best to pack your liquids.
"A trick for lotions, shampoo bottles, etc," they began. "Untwist the cap, cover with a piece of saran wrap, and twist the cap back on tight.
"Still put them in a plastic bag though!"
The more you know!