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
Oxford Witney Hotel exterior at dusk

Hyatt’s First UK JdV Hotel Is Coming to Oxfordshire

Sep 12, 2026 00:22 AM
Transavia aircraft flying under clear sky

Transavia’s Summer 2027 Shake-Up Brings Seven Route Changes

Sep 12, 2026 00:19 AM

Ryanair Boss Challenges ‘Sucked Out’ Window Claim

Sep 12, 2026 00:06 AM

Airbnb Rentals Could Face New Limits in EU Hotspots

Sep 11, 2026 23:53 PM
Ryanair aircraft in flight

Ryanair Names Five Sweden Routes for Winter

Sep 11, 2026 23:07 PM
Child meeting Father Christmas

Missed LaplandUK Tickets? Final 2026 Release Lands Tomorrow

Sep 10, 2026 23:24 PM
Danube River and Budapest Parliament

Riviera Opens 2028 River Cruises — Here’s What’s Included

Sep 10, 2026 23:11 PM
Historic mosques and Cairo skyline

Stockholm Gets More Direct Cairo Flights This Winter

Sep 10, 2026 23:08 PM
Aerial view of Burj Al Arab and Dubai coast

Dubai Flights Return from Seven European Cities This Winter

Sep 10, 2026 22:55 PM

Gatwick Strike Could Disrupt Flights for Nine Days

Sep 10, 2026 22:42 PM

Flying via Shannon This Weekend? Expect Traffic and ID Checks

Sep 9, 2026 21:39 PM
Stormtroopers from Star Wars standing in formation

Star Wars Fans Get a New George Lucas Museum

Sep 9, 2026 21:26 PM
Traditional Bavarian dancers performing inside Munich Airport

Munich Airport Starts Oktoberfest Events Before the Tents Open

Sep 9, 2026 21:13 PM
AEGEAN Airbus A320neo and crew at Rotterdam Airport

Athens Becomes Easier to Reach From Rotterdam

Sep 9, 2026 21:07 PM
Coastal town and church in North Yorkshire

Visitors Could Face £1-a-Night Levy in York and North Yorkshire

Sep 9, 2026 20:54 PM

New York Returns to Düsseldorf With All-Business Flights

Sep 8, 2026 23:01 PM

Samos Gets a New Seafront Hotel With a 13+ Rule

Sep 7, 2026 22:48 PM
Volcanic ash plume rising from a volcano

Krakatau Ash Keeps Seven Indonesian Airports Closed

Sep 7, 2026 22:35 PM
Airport arrivals and departures signs

Spain Extends Border Checks for Italy Arrivals

Sep 7, 2026 22:22 PM
West Highland Line railway beside the coast

Scotland’s West Highland Line Faces Nine-Day Closure

Sep 6, 2026 20:09 PM
Cumbrian hills and village landscape

A New 120-Mile Trail Is About to Open Across Cumbria

Sep 6, 2026 19:56 PM
Passengers queueing at airport check-in desks

Europe Border Checks Could Get Slower After 6 September

Sep 5, 2026 09:53 AM

Ryanair Keeps Košice–Málaga Flying Through Winter

Sep 5, 2026 09:47 AM

Frecciarossa Trains Could Link Italy and Munich in 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:34 AM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft in flight

LOT Launches Warsaw–Turin Flights for Ski Season

Sep 5, 2026 09:21 AM
Geneva waterfront with Swiss flags

easyJet Restarts Hamburg–Geneva Flights After Six-Year Gap

Sep 5, 2026 09:18 AM