Airport security and Luggage

[nancy679]

Since we cant put a lock on our suitcase, does anyone have any suggestions to keep our luggage secure. I was thinking of asking them after its been checked if they can put some sort of tie on it.

I've heard so much about missing items or I would hate to have it come down the conveyer open.

Thanks

 

[CEDmom]

I got a bag of plastic ties from Home Depot that we use. They're the kind that once fastened can't be unfastened, they have to be cut off. Just remember to put a small pair of sissors somewhere to use to cut the ties.

What's nice is that we had our bags searched at MCO and they put new ties on.

 

[LadyAurora]

I don't know a lot about them, but I think there are special locks available that can only be opened by airport security.
Does anyone know more?
We just don't lock our suitcases anymore, personally, but we don't have any valuables in there.

 

[Rajah]

We usually secure them with pipe cleaners. It's not secure enough to prevent someone from actively opening and going through things, but it does keep it from coming open accidentally.

 

[jel0511]

I've never locked my luggage and never had a problem. Now, I don't pack anything of value in my checked items, and I suggest you do the same. We carry anything of value on the plane, ie camers, camcorders, etc and EVERYTHING else, including toilitries gets checked. Only medications get carried on. I've never had a problem with having anything taken, and hey, it's USED clothing, if they want it that bad, even a plastic tie isn't going to stop them (which is what the TSA recommends you use).

 

[Dodie]

We use cable fasteners (probably the same thing described by CEDmom). They slide on and tighten. They have to be cut off. If they want to search your bags bad enough, they can cut them off. If not, you can just remove them at your destination.

Since you can't carry on scissors anymore, you'll have to slide a pair of clippers or scissors or something down into an outside pocket of your checked luggage that is not secured and hope that they don't disappear. Ours never have.

 

[Pooh67_68]

I guess we have been very lucky... I lock my luggage all the time and 6 times in the last 4yrs have never had a problem.
I also don't put anything of real value in my checked luggage.

 

[Nala217]

We just got back from Disney and we used the locks that came with our luggage. What I did was left the key to the lock on a string put the string through the lock. I didn't have anything valuable in them but like you didn't want them coming open down the baggage carousel. This kept them shut and if security wanted to get in them they could.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I use one of those that straps that goes around the entire thing and fastens. Helps me identify my suitcase also. But I haven't flown in years! LOL! Make that 10 years and counting.

 

[CamColt]

We got these plastic locks that can be cut open....and they were lime green to boot. I think DH picked them up at Staples.
When we dropped our luggage off at check in at the Orlando airport, the man taking it kept telling everyone it cannot be locked.

 

[Eeyore1954]

As others said, an easy solution is not to put anything valuable in checked luggage. When my DW and I travel, anything we deem valuable or vital is in our carry-on.

 

[lil mermaid]

We used the TSA approved locks on our last flight. We got them at a Samsonite outlet. I think that pretty much anywhere you can buy luggage has them now, and I think I saw them at Office Depot. Anyway, these locks can be opened by a special key that the TSA has if they need to look at something. The locks have a special logo on them.

I have taken dozens of flights since 9/11, and although I have found those little notes that TSA leaves you to let you know they were in your suitcase, nothing has ever been missing.

I still never leave anything truly valuable in my luggage. I carry it on with me.

At least you know that if anything is missing, then TSA had something to do with it (theoretically, anyway.)