A travel expert has warned people picking a suitcase to go on holiday with that no matter how sturdy a lock they use, their belongings can still be vulnerable.
Sarah Adekola who shares content online as @millennialwealthsarah said it is simple to break into any bag or case with a zip, using just a pen. Sarah has offered tips on keeping bags safe and secure.
Taking to TikTok, the influencer shared how easy it is for thieves to crack open a locked suitcase by simply jamming a pen into the zip and creating a gap to be opened. It also works on suitcases with sturdy locks attached to them.
The Mirror reports that in the clip, Sarah said: "First never pick suitcases with zippers like this because people are literally stealing your stuff with just a pen. Basically what people are doing is they're taking their pen and they are literally just pushing in between there.
"And they're getting into your suitcase. Then what they do is when you have a padlock they are going to go over it (the hole) and you would never know."
After explaining the ease of access when it comes to some suitcases, the expert then went on to explain the qualities she looks for in a travel bag. Sarah recommends picking darker suitcases in either grey or black, as well as ones made with harder shells instead of soft material bags.
Sarah also revealed that she's more likely to opt for a bag with wheels, as they are easier to move, and prefers luggage which have zips that are difficult to spot or are obscured by fabric. However, it is now possible to buy bags without zips at all, according to the guru.
She added: "I would also go for suitcase brands that give me a lifetime warranty or at least five years."
Should you be concerned about your bag's treatment after it's handed over at the check-in desk, you may also want to consider slapping it with a 'fragile' sticker. News.com.au report that asking for one for your luggage could not only earn your bag gentler treatment, but it could also speed up your wait time at the claims carousel.
This is because the sticker affects which order bags are packed onto the plane. Baggage tagged fragile will go into the plane last, meaning it's the first out - equating to less time waiting at the terminal to collect your belongings.
