Whether you’re boarding a flight or traveling via train, bus, or taxi, protecting your luggage has never been as important as it is today. The vast majority of us pack expensive devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, alongside delicate pieces of jewelry and designer gear without a second thought.
However, these items can be difficult and/or expensive to replace if stolen or damaged, which will instantly put a damper on your trip.
Now, you might think that the luggage lock on your suitcase will keep your valuables safe while you travel, but security experts suggest otherwise. And here we look at just a few things you can do to ensure that your belongings are kept safe and secure as you travel from A to B…
3 top tips to keep your luggage safe in transit
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Choose a suitable lock for your bag
When it comes to securing your luggage, you have several options to choose between. For example, you can opt for a:
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved lock which allows screeners to unlock, inspect and relock your baggage without damaging the lock
- High-security lock that ensures maximum protection but could end up broken during a search
Let’s not forget that there are plenty of good quality padlocks on the market too – you only have to look at the vast range available at LockShop Direct.
The choice is entirely yours. And if you don’t want to secure your bag with a conventional lock, it’s worth fastening the zips with a cable tie or tape tag so you can tell if your case has been tampered with. This way, you’ll know whether to check your bag for missing items.
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Keep your bag within sight
It’s almost impossible to keep your bag next to you at all times – especially if you’re travelling by plane or via public transport at peak times. But when your bag is by your side, you are in a better position to protect it.
Most buses and trains have a dedicated luggage area that’s perfect for storing holdalls, suitcases and prams, and overhead cabins/lockers for any other bags or items that are too big or heavy to sit on your lap for the whole journey. The bottom line is, if you have to leave your bag unattended, you want to be able to keep a close eye on it.
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Be mindful of using lockers and safes
Whether it be at the railway station or in the hotel, many safes and lockers can be compromised by burglars or sometimes even employees. You can never be too sure how many people have access to the key or code, which is why it’s worth using your own padlock or, better still, investing in tamper-proof luggage (e.g. bags that are slash-resistant or have anti-puncture zippers).
We’d always recommend carrying items of value on you, so things like cash and expensive pieces of jewelry or electronic devices. However, if you insist on stowing such items in your luggage, you must hide them in an orthodox fashion. Try and make your valuables look inconspicuous.
