To Lock or Not? Why Securing Your Luggage Is a Weighty Travel Decision

As summer travel heats up, the question of whether to lock your luggage is sparking debates among globetrotters. With millions hitting the skies—AAA reported 3.61 million Americans flew over Memorial Day weekend alone—securing your bags is more than just a passing thought.

Travel expert Francesca Page, based in New York, emphasizes that luggage security has long been a sore spot for travelers. "It’s not just about bags going missing," she told WTFNewsRoom. "There’s a real concern about theft and mishandling at airports." From sneaky hands at baggage claim to the chaos of crowded terminals, the risks are real.

Yet, not everyone agrees locks are the answer. Texas-based travel guru Gary Leff, who pens the blog View From the Wing, argues that locking checked bags might be overrated. "The odds of an airline losing your luggage far outweigh the chance of theft," he said. Leff advises against packing valuables in checked bags, noting that a TSA-approved lock won’t stop someone from snagging your suitcase at the carousel. Plus, as he wryly points out, losing the key or forgetting the combination can turn your lock into a self-inflicted travel nightmare.

The TSA adds another layer to the puzzle, reporting that 90,000 to 100,000 items are left at checkpoints monthly. With Deloitte’s 2025 summer travel survey showing 53% of Americans planning leisure trips—up from 48% last year—travelers face a balancing act: protect your stuff without adding hassle. So, should you lock up? It’s a personal call, but as airports buzz with record crowds, a sturdy lock might just offer peace of mind—or at least keep your socks safe.