Hepzibah: When going on short overnight side-trips from where I'm staying and only needing a small bag, I cable and padlock my suitcase (if it has stuff in it) to an
immovable object if possible. I knew someone once who put the bed
leg through it!
Not foolproof, but better than nothing. A determined theif will find a way.
On more than one occasion I have unavoidably had to spend long periods in transit, and if I need to sleep can group my luggage to the seat/lounge I'm on. I use my handbag as my pillow to protect that.
newcastle: Absolutely
no problem, three easy digits I've used for decades. It's part of my DNA now I think!
I also use padlocks that can be opened by airport officials so no damage or loss of padlocks is necessary. I always carry a spare, plus a spare label in my
hand luggage.
I use
LuggageLocks (https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/detail ... -10-pack-/) through the loops of my zipper tags, which work like cable ties. There are other brands, surely available in UK. Tamper Tags is one here, but LuggageLocks have brighter colours (see below).
From their website:
Upon arrival at your destination, inspect the seal to ensure that no one has tampered with your luggage. If the number on your tab is different to that on the seal, it's very likely your luggage has been tampered with,
and you should report it to the authorities as soon as possible.
From me: They are the best ones to deal with this. As soon as you leave the airport you will have major troubles with your insurance claim if you haven't reported it. They will want proof you've taken the correct steps; get something on paper from the airport.
No sharp implements or tools are needed for the removal of the LuggageLock - just rip the tear-off tail until the seal breaks apart.
Cable ties are not uniquely serial numbered and are commonly available; anyone may purchase another cable tie and relock your luggage.
Tear-off number tab - This convenient number tab allows you to apply the seal and check-in the bags without wasting time memorizing numbers or writing on reference cards.
Unique number - Every seal has a unique serial number. You will not find any LuggageLock with the same number in its colour type.
Metal Jaw - A metal jaw locking mechanism provides a higher level of security while delivering a user-friendly smooth pull action.
Tool-less removal - There are times where you may need to open your bags during your journey. The ability to remove the seal by ripping the tear-off tail will allow you access to your luggage easily and without additional tools such as knives and scissors.
Small diameter stem - The small diameter of the stem allows the seal to be applied to even tiny zipper heads.
In addition to these features, LuggageLock is designed and manufactured by an internationally renowned security seal company. LuggageLock's locking mechanism has been approved by the UK and US Customs.
They are bright fluoro colours which help identify your luggage on airport carousels. I also use GO brand labels,
(https://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/brands ... gage-tags/) which have a cover to conceal your details from easy perusal, in the same colour as my locks to also add to quick visual ID. On other sides of my suitcase I superglue a matching small spot sticker, available from newsagents and stationery suppliers, so no matter which side is first visible as it comes around the carousel, I can see it clearly. Not to mention the "NOT YOUR BAG" plastic label
(https://www.colourblocker.com.au/funny- ... ge-id-tags) I always try to stand near the end where luggage comes out, but I once I couldn't, and I saw a woman go to grab my bag before I would have been able to reach her, saw her read that with a smile, and leave it to wait for hers. Phew! Having had a bag taken once, it was worth the few dollars for the tags (I bought more than one, having lost one in transit once). Spare stickers and funny label also kept in my hand luggage with the spare address label and lock. Tiny, and weigh nearly nothing so no burden.
Don't forget to take some replacement LuggageLocks with you for the return journey, or for each destination. I just take whole the packet.