I am in the market for a new suitcase

[question everything]

Larger than my current compact one.

Stopped at T.J.Maxx, large collection, many light but most do not have any locks! Is this the new trend?

[jberryhill]

1. I travel a lot...

Once the lock on luggage having a built-in lock breaks, which it will, then you’ll be trying to figure out how to use a separate lock with it.

Since the TSA keys are widely available, the only thing a luggage lock does is to slow down the most dull would-be thief. If, for example, you’ve checked your bag with a hotel, then at the very least, the video will show which employee spent the time to break it, which is a deterrent at least.

Never put anything of value in checked luggage.

[question everything]

2. Thanks. Thus, should I get a separate lock that hangs on a handle, for example

with the TSA approved?

My compact suitcase does not have a TSA lock, so I never locked it on flights but, yes, in a hotel.

[jberryhill]

3. That's what I do

Even on a case which is sized for carry on, if you might end up checking it anyway for convenience or because you picked up a bottle of wine or liquor, then you’ll end up wanting a TSA compliant lock (which the built-in ones all are anyway). A built in lock is just another thing to break, IMHO.

[democratisphere]

4. Checkout the American Tourister luggage at Walmart.

Under $100.00 for high quality durable suitcases in a variety of sizes with sturdy wheels and telescoping handle. Best suitcase I have ever owned.

Checkout these TSA Approved Locks:

https://www.bestreviews.guide/tsa-locks?origin=google&google_params[matchtype]=b&google_params[network]=g&google_params[device]=m&google_params[creative]=374679321319&google_params[keyword]=%2Btsa%20%2Blocks&google_params[adposition]=1t2&google_params[adgroupid]=66231391332&google_params[campaignid]=1602946779&bs=KHB4EZcDhJnWD1KDH6tsnsZzlAD0NYpN6rd4uUZHP2pIFMSymecC9EWZag-3EmWct1Aijsx4lElmep-6wSa8tQ==&google_params[feeditemid]=&google_params[targetid]=kwd-302509354785&google_params[loc_interest_ms]=&google_params[loc_physical_ms]=9005418&google_params[devicemodel]=&google_params[target]=&dest=0&sys_id=0|605&gclid=CjwKCAjw7uPqBRBlEiwAYDsr190ufrhoJckccRVwl0n-elLV8s8BGZMM4LJ-jQXC-AZZW5pm4SK8PhoCF5gQAvD_BwE

[question everything]

13. Thanks for the link. Overwhelming. All I need is one...

[Turbineguy]

5. You can get TSA seals

which have serial numbers so you can mark them down. If and when the TSA opens your baggage, they will put on a new seal. I've even found a nice note in the bag explaining the reason for the seal change.

https://www.amazon.com/Securoseal-Tamper-Evident-Luggage-Seals/dp/B01EZBW3YA

[Yavin4]

6. You cannot have this one. It's taken.

[question everything]

7. Thanks. I needed this. Good night everyone

[Hoyt]

8. Seriously funny. Looks exactly like my cat, Atticus, whom would do that.

[bluecollar2]

9. I swear by Globetrotter brand suitcases

Expensive new but you can occasionally find them online...

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

10. I think you are going to need to purchase a lock

of your own. Unfortunately, the TSA requires you leave your luggage unlocked so they can rifle through it. Personally, I'm outraged at that.

It's my current goal to be rich enough that I can fly on a private jet everywhere and thus be able to ignore the TSA. Alas, that will probably not happen in my lifetime. Sigh.

[question everything]

14. Some years ago spouse visited New Orleans

And a well known restaurant, I think. Took a couple of match boxes as a souvenir. TSA removed them...

[Callalily]

11. I never lock my suitcase!

[Major Nikon]

12. I travel quite a bit and have owned many suitcases over the years

My current favorite is a Kirkland from Costco. It’s too big for a carry on, but not by much. It expands if you need more room which comes in handy if you come back with more than you brought.

I don’t like to spend much money on suitcases as even the more expensive ones can get destroyed by automated baggage handling.

[question everything]

15. I did see a nice suitcase at COSTCO. Samsonite

But it came as a set of two. The smaller one is really small, more as a carry on. I don't recall Kirkland but I think that all of them came as a set of two or three.

[Major Nikon]

16. It doesn't look like the Kirkland Signature luggage is made anymore

Kind of a shame because they were highly rated. Before that I used to buy Samsonite, but their quality became inconsistent.

If I had to buy one today, I’d probably look at Swissgear. Their stuff seems to do the best job of balancing quality and price.