Protecting Your Luggage: How to Avoid Theft While Traveling

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 23, 2024 16:30 PMNews
Share:
Backpacks and suitcases lined up on the floor
Durable suitcases and minimalist design increase luggage security. Source: pixabay

When we travel, many of us assume that checking our luggage is a simple and secure process. However, every year millions of travelers face the loss or theft of their belongings. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), approximately 25 million bags are mishandled annually. Moreover, nearly 10% of them are stolen or tampered with. This means one in ten suitcases could be compromised by criminals. In this article, we will explore how to protect your luggage and avoid issues while traveling.

Types of Luggage: What to Choose for Safety

The first step in protecting your belongings is choosing the right type of luggage. Soft-sided suitcases are much easier to break into, while hard cases made of polycarbonate or aluminum are far more resistant to tampering. These materials not only withstand impacts but also deter thieves looking for easy targets. Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to the zippers. Double zippers are much harder to pry open, especially if they come with anti-theft features. Using luggage with reinforced zippers reduces the risk of theft.

Zipper Vulnerability: How to Protect Against the Pen Trick

One of the most common methods thieves use to break into luggage is the "pen trick." Criminals can use a simple ballpoint pen to penetrate the zipper and leave no visible trace. To prevent this, it is recommended to choose luggage with anti-puncture zippers or even zipperless models that use latches instead. These options may be more expensive, but they offer a higher level of security.

TSA Locks: How They Help Secure Luggage

Close-up of a hard-shell suitcase with a built-in TSA-approved lock
TSA locks and durable cases enhance luggage security. Source: unsplash

While many travelers think locks are only for security checks, they also help deter thieves. Luggage with a lock, especially a combination lock, is harder to break into and requires more time, something thieves usually don’t have. Luggage with locks is less likely to be targeted by criminals.

Using Modern Technology: GPS Trackers and Smart Luggage

Modern technology can also help protect your luggage. GPS trackers, placed inside the suitcase, allow you to track its location in real time, which is especially helpful in case of loss or theft. Smart luggage goes even further, with built-in GPS, USB ports, and electronic locks, giving travelers the ability to monitor their belongings remotely.

Protecting your luggage requires a thoughtful approach and the use of both traditional and modern security measures. Choosing the right suitcase, using locks, technology, and other tools can significantly reduce the risk of theft. It's important to remember that your peace of mind while traveling depends on how well you've prepared to protect your belongings.

Top Articles
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM
Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM

The Best Travel Luggage: Choosing Guide and Top Brand Reviews

Jan 21, 2025 19:00 PM
More News
A luxury resort in Thailand with a tropical pool, wooden villas, and lush greenery in the background

The Impact of 'The White Lotus' on Tourism in Thailand

Feb 16, 2025 21:47 PM
AirAsia airplane wingtip with logo against a blue sky

AirAsia’s Fare Shake-Up: How Travelers Can Benefit in 2025

Feb 16, 2025 19:21 PM

New SAS Lounge at Arlanda: Easier, More Comfortable Travel for Passengers

Feb 15, 2025 19:32 PM

Universal Studios Singapore Expands with Minion Land, Offering New Experiences for Visitors

Feb 15, 2025 14:26 PM
A view of an easyJet airplane wing above the clouds during sunset, with a gradient sky in shades of pink and purple

EasyJet Expands Flights for Half-Term

Feb 15, 2025 11:49 AM
A high-speed train passing through a station near a tunnel, captured in motion

Rail Travel in Bressanone Disrupted After WWII Bomb Was Found

Feb 15, 2025 08:33 AM
ANA aircraft parked at an international airport terminal during sunset

ANA Expands Meal Selection for International Passengers

Feb 15, 2025 05:25 AM
Snow-covered canal-side street with parked cars and historic buildings in winter

Snow and Ice May Disrupt Travel Plans in Northern England

Feb 15, 2025 02:48 AM
Interior of an AirAsia airplane with red and black seats, viewed from the aisle

AirAsia Announces Free* Seats Promotion for 2025 Travel

Feb 15, 2025 00:31 AM

Brighton Main Line: Travel Disruptions and Passenger Impact

Feb 14, 2025 20:32 PM

Michelin-Starred Dining: The New Spots for Travelers in the UK

Feb 14, 2025 17:46 PM
Aer Lingus aircraft in flight against a blue sky with scattered clouds

Aer Lingus Expands Reward Travel with Avios-Only Route

Feb 14, 2025 14:29 PM
A young woman wearing glasses, using a smartphone while working on a laptop at a creative workspace with art supplies

Expedia Introduces Flight Deals to Improve Travel Savings

Feb 14, 2025 11:33 AM
A solo traveler sitting by an airplane window with a backpack on their lap, gazing outside

Solo Travel on the Rise: How the Trend is Reshaping Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 08:45 AM
Frost-covered leaves lying on the ground

Prolonged Chill May Influence UK Travel Plans

Feb 14, 2025 05:28 AM

Wizz Air Expands Summer Travel Options with New Route

Feb 14, 2025 02:31 AM

Rail Disruptions Pose Challenges for Travelers Amid RMT Strike

Feb 13, 2025 23:36 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off against a cloudy sky

Emirates Introduces Exclusive Valentine's Day Travel Experience

Feb 13, 2025 21:41 PM
Person tapping a card at a train station gate

Southeastern’s Silent Cuts: How Ticket Office Closures Are Reshaping Travel

Feb 13, 2025 19:29 PM
A commercial airplane parked on a busy Manchester airport tarmac

Escape the Cold: Top Winter Getaways in High Demand

Feb 13, 2025 17:33 PM
A cozy hotel room with sunlight filtering through sheer curtains, overlooking a cityscape

Hilton Expands Affordable Stays: More Budget-Friendly Hotels for Travelers

Feb 12, 2025 23:36 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off under cloudy skies

Emirates Elevates Inflight Dining with Gourmet Cuisine

Feb 12, 2025 21:42 PM

Amsterdam's Infrastructure Overhaul: What It Means for Travelers

Feb 12, 2025 19:38 PM

Lufthansa Expands Premium Cabin Offering

Feb 12, 2025 17:21 PM
Woman with a backpack looking at cherry blossoms in front of a European-style building

Spring Travel Outlook 2025: Key Trends and Opportunities

Feb 12, 2025 15:43 PM
A silhouette of a traveler with a suitcase at an airport terminal, with a plane visible in the sky

Smart Luggage Choices: How to Avoid Travel Hassles and Lost Bags

Feb 12, 2025 12:45 PM