An airport security expert explains why using a padlock on your suitcase may not protect your belongings as expected.
Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to airport security.
Many travelers are concerned about keeping their belongings safe, which often leads them to use padlocks on their suitcases.
However, an airport security expert has shared some important reasons why this might not be the best idea.
The risk of padlocking your luggage
One of the main reasons not to use a padlock is that it can actually attract unwanted attention.
When thieves see a locked suitcase, they might assume that it contains valuable items.
This perception can make your bag a target.
Instead of protecting your belongings, a padlock could make your suitcase more appealing to potential thieves.
Moreover, if airport security needs to open your locked suitcase for any reason, they might end up damaging it.
Security personnel are trained to ensure safety, but they are not responsible for the condition of your luggage.
If they encounter a padlock, they may have no choice but to force it open, potentially ruining your suitcase in the process.
Thieves can easily open suitcases using pens.
A Transport Security Administration (TSA) worker recently shared a simple method that thieves could use to bypass padlocks.
In a TikTok video, he demonstrated how easy it is to open a zipped suitcase with just a pen.
By inserting the pen into the zipper, a person can manipulate the zipper and gain access to the contents inside.
This technique has been known for years and highlights the vulnerability of locked suitcases.
The expert explained, “The pen to the zipper technique has been around for tons of years.”
He showed viewers how quickly a suitcase could be opened using this method.
This revelation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of padlocks and other locking mechanisms.
Consider using suitcases with covered zippers instead.
Instead of relying on a padlock, travelers are encouraged to consider other security measures.
One simple suggestion is to choose a suitcase with covered zippers.
These types of zippers provide an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
With covered zippers, it is much harder for someone to use the pen trick, making your luggage more secure.
Additionally, some suitcases come with built-in locks that are designed specifically to be more secure than traditional padlocks.
These locks often use a combination mechanism that is harder to manipulate.
Investing in a high-quality suitcase with advanced security features can provide peace of mind while traveling.
Other travelers shared their opinions
The TikTok video demonstrating the pen trick received a lot of attention, with nearly 450,000 likes.
While many thanked the TSA agent for sharing this information, others expressed concern that it might help thieves.
Comments ranged from gratitude to frustration, with some users noting that they never place valuables in their checked luggage.
Only people that would steal from the suitcase are TSA employees, one user said.
Thanks for telling the thieves at the airports….SMH, the second user wrote.
Thats when u put tape on that and initial it so if someone tempers with it u would know it, the third user commented.
Thats when u put tape on that and initial it so if someone tempers with it u would know it, another user wrote.
this is old bag and new one not like that and why no trust or no cctv at the airport who will open my bag, someone said.