Stay Vigilant While Traveling: How to Protect Your Luggage from Tampering

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 8, 2024 19:30 PMNews
Share:
A blue ballpoint pen on a white surface
An ordinary pen can be used to breach luggage security. Source: pixabay

Many travelers rely on locks and special combinations on their suitcases, believing they provide adequate security. However, there is a method that has been around for years, allowing a suitcase zipper to be breached using an ordinary pen. This technique enables wrongdoers to access the contents of the luggage easily, leaving both the lock and zipper seemingly untouched.

The breach technique involves using a pen to open the zipper. This method renders many standard locks, which are attached to zippers, ineffective since they don't provide sufficient protection. A simple pen can separate the zipper teeth, allowing the suitcase to be opened, and then by running the lock back over the zipper, the wrongdoer can close it without leaving any signs of tampering.

How to Protect Your Luggage

To safeguard your luggage while traveling, especially during holiday seasons, it is recommended to choose suitcases with extra layers of protection. The best option is zippers with protective covers, adding a barrier that prevents unauthorized access with a pen. This design makes it significantly harder to reach the contents of your luggage and serves as an extra security measure. You should also consider luggage with built-in locks and reinforced zippers, which are more difficult to tamper with using simple tools.

The Importance of Awareness

Modern travelers need to be aware of such risks. Unawareness of these techniques can lead to the loss of valuable items or important information, especially if your luggage contains electronics or documents. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s crucial to select luggage with higher security features and stay vigilant when checking your belongings into luggage compartments.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Traveller using an EES Entry/Exit System screen at a European border

Europe Border Queues Could Hit Trips

Jun 11, 2026 22:44 PM
Zannier Île de Bendor hotel exterior with pool overlooking the sea

A French Island Retreat Reopens Near Bandol

Jun 11, 2026 22:31 PM

Power Banks Face Tougher Flight Rules

Jun 11, 2026 22:28 PM

Finnair Puts Turku and Tampere Back on the Map

Jun 11, 2026 22:15 PM
Aerial view of a small Sardinian beach with cliffs, turquoise water and boats

Sardinia Beach Trips Now Need a Plan

Jun 11, 2026 22:02 PM
Exterior of the ibis Styles Munich Airport hotel with green signage

Munich Airport Gets a New Sleepover Option

Jun 11, 2026 21:59 PM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport on a rainy day

easyJet Picks Cheap Sun Breaks for Rainy Summer

Jun 11, 2026 21:46 PM
Aerial view of Zadar’s coastline with clear Adriatic water and seaside homes

Wizz Air Brings Zadar Closer to Central Europe

Jun 11, 2026 21:33 PM
Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square seen from the harbour

Helsinki Makes Summer Easy to Plan

Jun 11, 2026 21:27 PM

Bratislava Gets a Summer Shortcut to Mykonos

Jun 10, 2026 16:44 PM

Anantara Links Rome, Nice and Amalfi for Summer

Jun 10, 2026 16:31 PM
Wizz Air aircraft flying against a clear blue sky

Wizz Air Takes Wi-Fi Beyond Airplane Mode

Jun 10, 2026 16:28 PM
Pink suitcase standing on an airport floor beside a passenger

Cabin Bags Can Slow Aircraft Evacuations, IATA Warns

Jun 9, 2026 19:45 PM
Airline executives at Europe Japan joint venture signing ceremony

ITA Airways Joins a Bigger Japan–Europe Flight Network

Jun 9, 2026 19:32 PM
Turquoise bay with yachts and rocky coastline in Corsica

Corsica Gets a Direct Summer Link from Vienna

Jun 9, 2026 19:29 PM

Poland’s Baltic Mega-Hotel Opens with a Catch

Jun 8, 2026 22:26 PM

Toronto Returns to Budapest’s Summer Flight Board

Jun 7, 2026 20:13 PM
Skanderbeg Square in Tirana at dusk

Tirana Gets Six New Ryanair Summer Routes

Jun 7, 2026 20:07 PM
Visitors near the Universal globe at a resort entrance

Universal’s First European Theme Park Is Coming to Bedford

Jun 7, 2026 19:54 PM
Transavia aircraft flying against a blue sky

Transavia Opens Summer 2027 Bookings Early

Jun 7, 2026 19:41 PM
Colourful buildings in Kuressaare town centre

Saaremaa Gets an Easier Summer Flight Link

Jun 6, 2026 22:28 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft on the tarmac

Palermo, Dubrovnik and Bucharest Join Gdańsk’s Summer Board

Jun 6, 2026 22:15 PM

Riga to Tel Aviv Flights Could Return in July

Jun 6, 2026 22:02 PM

This Expedition Cabin Recreates 1896 at Sea

Jun 6, 2026 21:59 PM
Quentin Blake sitting in a wheelchair below a large blue illustration

London Opens a Museum Made for Illustration Lovers

Jun 6, 2026 21:46 PM
Lufthansa aircraft on a runway

Germany Drops a Transit Visa Hurdle for Indian Flyers

Jun 5, 2026 22:03 PM