5 Excuses We Hear All the Time for Not Locking Your Luggage

Traveling today is faster and more convenient than ever. But one thing hasn’t changed: your luggage still passes through multiple hands, systems and environments before it reaches you at your destination. 

Despite this, many travelers still choose not to lock their bags. 

Why? Because of a few common misconceptions that have been around for years and aren’t necessarily true anymore. 

In this guide, we break down the five excuses we hear all the time and explain why locking your luggage is still one of the simplest ways to travel with more confidence and peace of mind. 

Why Locking Your Luggage Still Matters 

A luggage lock isn’t about making your suitcase impossible to open. 

It’s about making it less easy to open. 

A lock helps: 

• Prevent quick, opportunistic access  

• Reduce the risk of tampering  

• Keep your luggage secure in busy travel environments (you don’t want all your belongings on show for the world to see at baggage reclaim) 

Excuse #1: “I was always told not to lock my bag” 

For years, travelers were told not to lock their luggage. The reason? If security needed to inspect your bag, they might have to break the lock. 

That used to be true, but things have changed. 

Travel Sentry Approved locks allow security officers to open, inspect and relock your luggage without damaging your bag or lock. 

What this means for you 

You can lock your luggage without worrying about it being forced open during inspections. 

Excuse #2: “I forgot my combination” 

It happens more often than you think, but it’s not a reason to avoid using a lock altogether. 

If you ever forget your code, you can try every possible combination (000 to 999) in a relatively short time. And if you’re still stuck, support is available to help. 

Here’s our guide on how to choose a memorable combination and remember it, so you don’t need to try out this process! 

What this means for you 

A forgotten combination might be frustrating, but it’s fixable and far better than travelling unsecured. 

Excuse #3: “I’ll always have my bag with me” 

In an ideal world, yes, but travel doesn’t always go to plan. 

• Overhead bins fill up quickly  

• Cabin bags are sometimes checked at the gate  

• Luggage on trains or coaches is often stored out of sight  

• Bags move through multiple handling points at airports  

At some point, your luggage is likely to be out of your control. 

What this means for you 

A lock protects your belongings even when you can’t keep an eye on them. 

Excuse #4: “I’m not travelling to the USA anyway” 

Many people associate luggage locks with US travel but they’re used much more widely than that. 

The Travel Sentry system is now used in: 

• More than 800 major airports  

• Over 80 countries worldwide  

So, wherever you’re travelling, there’s a extremely good chance your luggage may be inspected using this system. 

What this means for you 

A Travel Sentry Approved lock is useful on far more journeys than you might expect. 

Excuse #5: “Someone could still break into my bag” 

A luggage lock works as a deterrent. It makes your bag less appealing compared to an unlocked one.  

Most incidents during travel are quick and opportunistic and an unlocked bag is simply easier to access. 

What this means for you 

Locking your luggage won’t eliminate all risk but it significantly reduces it. 

Contact Travel Sentry Today 

Travelling soon? 

Travel Sentry helps make airport security smoother with approved luggage locks that allow your bag to be inspected without damaging your lock or suitcase. Wherever you’re going, it’s a simple way to travel with more confidence and less worry. 

Contact Travel Sentry today to learn more about our technology and how we support safer, simpler travel worldwide. 

FAQs About Locking Your Luggage 

Should I lock my luggage when I travel? 

Yes. Locking your luggage is one of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of tampering or opportunistic access. While it won’t make your bag completely secure, it acts as a strong deterrent and adds an extra layer of protection. 

Can airport security open my locked bag? 

Yes. If you use a Travel Sentry Approved lock, security authorities can open, inspect and relock your luggage without damaging it. Without one, your lock may be cut off if an inspection is required. 

What happens if I forget my luggage lock combination? 

Most combination locks can be reset or tested through all possible combinations. If you’re unable to open it, many brands or manufacturers offer support to help you regain access. 

Are luggage locks only needed for international travel? 

No. Luggage can be handled, stored, or moved out of sight on both domestic and international trips. Locking your bag is useful whenever you’re not in full control of it regardless of destination. 

Jet Lag Tips: How to Reduce Jet Lag and Recover Faster After Flying

Long-haul flights can take you across the world in just a few hours, but your body clock doesn’t adjust nearly as quickly. The result is jet lag, feeling tired when you should be awake, wide awake when it’s time to sleep, and generally “out of sync” with your surroundings.

Jet lag can affect your mood, concentration, energy levels, and even digestion, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to enjoy a trip or prepare for an important meeting.

In this guide, we’ll share practical and science-backed jetlag tips you can follow before, during, and after your flight. By helping your body adjust to the new time zone faster, these tips for jetlag can help you feel normal again sooner and make the most of your travels.

What Jet Lag Is and Why It Happens

Jet lag is a temporary sleep disruption caused by travelling across multiple time zones. It happens because your internal body clock, known as your circadian rhythm, is still aligned with your original time zone rather than your destination.

Your circadian rhythm controls key biological processes such as when you feel sleepy, when you wake up, and how your body responds to light and darkness.

Jet Lag vs Travel Fatigue

It’s common to feel tired after a long journey, but that doesn’t always mean you have jet lag. Travel fatigue can happen after any long trip and usually improves after rest, food, and hydration.

Jet lag, however, specifically occurs when you cross several time zones, most commonly on long east–west flights. It can take several days for your internal clock to properly adjust to the new schedule.

Why Eastbound Flights Feel Harder

Many travellers notice that jet lag feels worse when flying east. That’s because your body generally finds it easier to delay sleep (staying up later) than to advance sleep (going to bed earlier).

When flying west, the day becomes longer, which aligns better with the body’s natural rhythm. Flying east shortens the day, making adjustments more difficult.

The Two Factors That Matter Most: Light and Sleep

When it comes to reducing jet lag, two factors make the biggest difference: light exposure and sleep timing. These are the main signals your body uses to adjust its internal clock, so managing them correctly can significantly speed up recovery after a long flight.

Light is the strongest cue for your circadian rhythm. Exposure to natural daylight tells your body that it’s time to be awake and active, helping shift your internal clock toward the new time zone. On the other hand, darkness signals that it’s time to rest, triggering the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps your body prepare for sleep.

It’s also important to remember that light doesn’t only come from the sun. Artificial light from indoor lighting, laptops, and smartphones can influence your body clock as well. Bright light in the evening can suppress melatonin production and delay sleep, making it harder to fall asleep at the right time in your destination.

By seeking daylight during the day and limiting light exposure at night, you can help your body adjust more quickly and reduce the impact of jet lag.

Jet Lag Tips Before You Fly

Preparing for your flight can significantly reduce the severity of jet lag once you arrive.

Avoid Building Up Sleep Debt

Try to get enough sleep in the days leading up to your trip. Travelling while already sleep-deprived can make jet lag symptoms feel much worse.

Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Gradually

If you’re travelling across three or more time zones, start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before departure.

• Flying east: go to bed and wake up 30–60 minutes earlier each day for several days before travel.

• Flying west: shift your bedtime 30–60 minutes later each day.

This gradual change helps your body begin adapting before you even step on the plane.

Pack a Simple Sleep Kit

Small items can make a big difference during travel. Consider packing:

• An eye mask

• Earplugs

• A neck pillow

These can help you sleep more comfortably during the flight when it aligns with your destination’s nighttime hours.

Jet Lag Tips During the Flight

What you do on the plane can influence how quickly your body adjusts when you land.

Switch to Destination Time Immediately

As soon as you board, change your watch or phone to the destination time zone. Then plan your sleep, meals, and activities around that new time zone.

This mental shift helps prepare your body for the new routine.

Sleep When It’s Night at Your Destination

If it’s nighttime at your destination, try to sleep during the flight. If it’s daytime there, stay awake and keep yourself occupied.

Aligning your behaviour with the destination time zone helps reduce confusion for your internal clock.

Stay Hydrated

Jet lag itself isn’t caused by dehydration, but staying hydrated can reduce feelings of fatigue and discomfort during travel.

Cabin air tends to be very dry, so drinking water regularly can help you feel better throughout the flight, as well as moisturizing your skin. 

Use Caffeine Carefully

Caffeine can help you stay alert during the day, but it can also make it harder to fall asleep later. Caffeine typically stays in your system for about 5 to 10 hours, with a “half-life” of roughly 3 to 6 hours.

A simple rule is to consume caffeine earlier in the day in your destination timezone and avoid it in the evening.

Jet Lag Tips After Landing

Once you arrive, your goal should be to help your body adapt to the new time zone as quickly as possible.

Get Natural Daylight

Spending time outdoors during the day is one of the most effective ways to reset your circadian rhythm.

Even a short walk outside can provide enough natural light to signal to your body that it’s daytime.

Keep Naps Short

If you’re extremely tired after landing, a short nap can help restore alertness.

However, try to keep naps between 15 and 30 minutes and avoid napping late in the afternoon, as this can interfere with nighttime sleep.

Make Your Sleeping Environment Dark

During the first few nights in a new time zone, creating the right sleep environment can help your body adjust.

Keep your room dark and quiet, and limit screen time or bright lights before bedtime. That eye mask from your trip could also come in useful here. 

Consider Staying on Your Home Schedule for Short Trips

If your trip lasts only two or three days, some travellers find it easier to remain closer to their home time zone rather than fully adjusting.

This can help avoid experiencing jet lag twice, once when arriving and again when returning home.

Melatonin for Jet Lag: What You Should Know

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body in response to darkness. It plays an important role in regulating sleep.

Some studies suggest melatonin supplements may help reduce jet lag symptoms, particularly for travellers crossing five or more time zones.

However, there are a few important considerations:

• Recommendations about melatonin use vary between health authorities

• Supplement quality can vary significantly between products

• Timing and dosage are important for effectiveness

If you’re considering melatonin, it’s generally safest to use the lowest effective dose for a short period and seek medical advice if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications which might interact. 

Contact Travel Sentry Today

Travelling soon? Travel Sentry helps make airport security smoother with TSA locks, allowing luggage to be inspected without damaging your lock or suitcase.

Contact Travel Sentry today to learn more about our technology and how we support safer, simpler travel worldwide.

Jet Lag Tips FAQs

How many time zones cause jet lag?

Jet lag most commonly occurs when you cross three or more time zones, although some travellers may notice symptoms even with smaller time changes. The more time zones you cross, the more your body clock needs to adjust.

Is jet lag worse when flying east or west?

Jet lag is often more noticeable when flying east. This is because your body has to fall asleep earlier than usual, which is typically harder than staying awake later when travelling west.

What is the best tip for reducing jet lag?

One of the most effective jet lag tips is to get natural daylight at the right times of day. Daylight helps reset your circadian rhythm and signals to your body when it should be awake and when it should sleep.

Should I nap after arriving at my destination?

If you feel extremely tired after arriving, a short nap of around 15–30 minutes can help boost alertness. However, longer naps or naps late in the day may make it harder to fall asleep at night in your new time zone.

What Is the TSA Keyhole on Your Luggage Combination Lock

If you’ve ever looked closely at your luggage lock, you’ve probably noticed a small keyhole next to the dials.

And you may have wondered: “Where’s the key?”

The answer is simple: The keyhole on your TSA-accepted combination lock is not designed for passengers.

You won’t receive a key when you buy your luggage with a Travel Sentry-approved combination lock. And you’re not supposed to use one. Instead, that keyhole serves a very specific purpose.

What the TSA Keyhole Is Actually For

The keyhole is used by airport security agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

If your bag is selected for inspection, officers may need to open it. With a TSA-accepted lock, they can:

• Open your luggage using approved secure tools
• Inspect the contents if required
• Relock your bag afterward, without damage

This is what makes TSA-accepted locks different from standard locks.

Why This Matters for Travelers

Before TSA-accepted locks existed, locked bags were often:

• Cut open
• Damaged during inspection
• Left unsecured after checks

Now, with Travel Sentry-approved locks:

• Your belongings stay protected
• Your luggage remains intact
• Security can still do their job

It’s a win for both travelers and airport authorities.

As a traveler, you’ll always use the combination dials on your lock.

That means:

• Setting your own personal code
• Opening and closing your bag using that code
• Resetting it when needed

If you forget your combination, you’ll need to recover it before resetting the lock—there’s no backup key for personal use.

How to Spot a TSA-Accepted Lock

Look for the Travel Sentry red diamond logo on your lock. This symbol tells you:

• Your lock is recognized by security agencies worldwide
• It can be opened safely using secure tools
• Your luggage lock won’t be damaged during inspection

That small keyhole on your luggage lock might look like a backup option, but it’s there for security, not for you.