At some point, you’d be travelling within the country or overseas for business or pleasure. But before that could happen, you should think about the safety of your personal belongings. Lost bags, luggage theft, or damaged items can stress you out instead of enjoying your trip.
With many travellers like you going in and out of crowded spaces, it’s now more important to take extra care of your items and luggage. Read this guide to protect your luggage from theft and make your travel more enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Luggage for Security
Before you pack your things, a reliable extra-large suitcase, or even a small or medium one, is your outer defence for any potential theft. Here’s what you should look for in high-quality luggage:
- Hard shell suitcases for top-grade durability and better resistance to forced entry.
- Sturdy and lightweight frames for ease of mobility.
- Built-in safety features, like Transport Security Administration (TSA)-approved locks and zippers that withstand tampering.
- Easy-to-spot design to avoid confusion with similar-looking bags at baggage claim.
Get larger suitcases when needed. For short trips, use one bag or carry-on luggage, which is more secure for your valuable items.
The Art of Secure Packing: Where Should Your Things Go?
Packing smart reduces the risks of luggage theft or damage. Your items are tucked inside, and you won’t lose anything. Follow these simple steps:
What goes inside carry-on luggage
- Important documents, such as your visa, ID, boarding passes, and passport.
- Medications, jewellery, and electronic devices.
- Headphones, power banks, and chargers for easy access.
- Essential toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and wet tissue.
- A change of clothes in case the checked baggage gets delayed.
What to pack in checked luggage
- Shoes, clothing, and non-essential toiletries
- Travel gear or accessories you don’t need during transit
- Gifts and souvenirs
What you shouldn’t put inside checked bags
- Travel documents
- Cash or cards
- Fragile electronics
Never bring prohibited items, like flammable materials, in your checked luggage or carry-on bag.
The Best Tools for Luggage Security
Improve your luggage security by not relying only on zippers. Equip your entire suitcase with these security measures:
1. Luggage locks
Buy and use TSA-approved luggage locks if your luggage doesn’t have them. Any security personnel can open them without being cut in half. Don’t buy cheap, generic, easy-to-break locks to keep your luggage safe.
2. Zip ties and cable ties
These ties serve as tamper-evident devices that show if your bag has been opened without your knowledge. It keeps the luggage safe from potential theft.
These ties are important for securing the interior and exterior compartments of your suitcase. They’re ideal for short-term extra security.
3. Luggage wrapping services
These services involve tightly wrapping your luggage in plastic film. They’re great for deterring potential thieves while offering extra protection and keeping your bags clean. They’re available at many airports.
4. Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker or tracking devices
Put a small GPS tracker inside your bag to find lost or stolen items. Many of these models sync with your phone, pinpointing your bag at baggage claim in case it gets lost.
Tips for Labelling Your Luggage
Putting luggage tags in your suitcase is important. However, your way of doing it absolutely matters. Here’s how:
- Use a durable tag with a protective cover so it doesn’t come off easily.
- Display your email or business contact only. Avoid showing your address for security reasons.
- Include your contact number with the country code so you can be reached right away.
Labelling protects your valuable belongings and returns the suitcase to you in case it gets lost in crowded spaces.
Remember Regulations and Security Procedures
Familiarise yourself with all these travel regulations before going on your next trip:
- Don’t leave your bag unattended, especially if the airport gets too crowded.
- Comply with restrictions on carry-on bags to avoid unnecessary scrutiny.
- Stay alert in terminals and train stations.
- Be aware of any distraction techniques that thieves use in their schemes.
- Keep your carry-on bag within sight.
- Keep all your important documents and valuables in your hand luggage.
- Inspect bags before and after the flight for any signs of damage.
Don’t Overlook Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is part of luggage protection. You’ll receive a certain amount of financial compensation in case your luggage gets lost or stolen.
When shopping for travel insurance, make sure the policy covers lost or stolen luggage and items. It should also have provisions for issues with delayed or checked baggage. Lastly, the policy should reimburse emergency purchases if your belongings aren’t available at the moment.
A solid travel insurance policy gives you peace of mind and a worry-free travel experience.
Parting Words
Taking the time to secure your belongings when packing for your upcoming trip is a precaution and an investment in a peaceful journey. Choosing high-quality luggage locks and cable ties and availing yourself of luggage wrapping services can help.
But more importantly, you should stay vigilant in crowded places and use all of your available tools to travel safely.
