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
Woman packing travel essentials in a suitcase

Brits Still Pack Home in the Suitcase

Jul 9, 2026 20:41 PM
Eiffel Tower seen from Champ de Mars

The Eiffel Tower Turns Into a Free Cinema

Jul 9, 2026 20:39 PM

Newcastle–Copenhagen Flights Stay for Winter

Jul 8, 2026 23:16 PM

TAP Cuts Fares to Canada, US and Brazil

Jul 8, 2026 23:03 PM
Lobby bar at The Dean Munich hotel

New Design Hotel Opens in One of Munich’s Most Local Neighbourhoods

Jul 8, 2026 22:58 PM
UK airport terminal sign for all gates

Eight-Year-Olds Can Now Use UK eGates

Jul 8, 2026 22:45 PM
Yellow car parked on a Salzburg street

Salzburg Puts Tourist Cars on Pause

Jul 7, 2026 22:42 PM
Olympia London redevelopment with Hyatt Regency hotel

Sleep Next Door to Olympia’s Big Shows

Jul 7, 2026 21:57 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft

Tiny Passport Rip Stops Lanzarote Holiday

Jul 7, 2026 21:44 PM

Vilnius Has a Table in the Sky

Jul 7, 2026 21:31 PM

Stansted Express Tests Night Trains

Jul 7, 2026 21:29 PM
Coastal village on Terceira Island in the Azores

Porto Gets New Atlantic Reach

Jul 7, 2026 21:16 PM
KLM aircraft departing on a scheduled flight

KLM Expands Capacity on Gdańsk to Amsterdam Flights

Jul 6, 2026 23:43 PM
Air Canada aircraft on the airport tarmac

Berlin Gets a Montréal Shortcut

Jul 5, 2026 20:47 PM
Forest and volcanic landscape in the Canary Islands

Canary Islands Test Tourist Donations

Jul 5, 2026 20:34 PM

easyJet Brings Budapest Back to Belfast

Jul 5, 2026 20:21 PM

Sardinia Blocks Tavolara Luxury Glamping Plan

Jul 5, 2026 20:18 PM
Apple AirTag box held in hand

AirTags Are Helping Lost Bags Come Back

Jul 5, 2026 20:05 PM
Wizz Air aircraft landing

Wrocław Gets Winter Sun and Ski Links

Jul 4, 2026 23:52 PM
Passenger at airport security screening

Vienna Airport Eases Bag Screening Rules

Jul 3, 2026 22:49 PM
Wildfire burning across hills at sunset

France Fires Disrupt Summer Trips

Jul 3, 2026 22:06 PM
White tourist accommodation building in Cyprus

Cyprus Hotels Face Licence Warning

Jul 3, 2026 21:53 PM

Cheap July Flights Out of East Midlands

Jul 3, 2026 21:47 PM

Ryanair Warns Austria After Graz Base Closure

Jul 3, 2026 21:34 PM
Dior spa treatment room at Grand Hotel Timeo

New Luxury Stays Are Coming to Italy

Jul 3, 2026 21:21 PM
Beachfront area with cabanas on Corfu’s northern coast

Meliá Picks Corfu for Its Next Luxury Stay

Jul 1, 2026 21:08 PM