Are TSA locks a must for luggage???

[dsnygirl2006]

Just now found out we are flying down to WDW, have been looking at those TSA locks for luggage and I was just wondering if these are a necessity when flying??? They are really pricey, so I thought I would ask and get some good advice??? Thanks

 

[freckles and boo]

If you use standard luggage locks and your luggage is flagged for an inspection, they will cut the locks off and you won't see them again. If you use the TSA-approved locks, they may actually unlock them with a key and put them back on your luggage. Or, they may cut them off and throw them away. My husband travels very frequently and has had both types of locks cut off his luggage... never to be seen again. Now he typically just uses zip ties/cable ties (whatever you want to call them) to keep his luggage from popping open and packs nothing of value in his checked bags. It doesn't feel particularly secure to me considering how many people have access to the bags, but he was tired of losing locks. At least if the zip tie is missing you will know immediately if someone has been in your luggage. If it was the TSA they will leave a little note letting you know you were inspected. I guess the point of this rambling post is that buying TSA-approved locks is no guarantee of anything.

 

[IWannaBeAPrincess]

We only use zip ties, and if the TSA inspects them, then they will replace the zip tie with a lime green one... If someone really wanted in your luggage they could get it.. .We just use it to keep it zipped...

 

[ssleblanc]

I fly a lot for work and haven't used locks on my luggage since before 9/11. I never put valuables in my luggage (didn't before that, even with the lock because those locks are flimsy and can be broken into anyway - and what if the airline lost my luggage?? - they've never lost or even delayed it, but it happens and the one trip I carried something valuable in my luggage, they'd lose it ).

If someone wants to steal my big ole' panties ... well, then there's something really wrong with them.

I do have one carry bag that has a zipper that sometimes comes undone on it's own (I lost a shoe that way). I'll use a twist tie to hold it closed if I use that bag.

 

[scouthawkk]

If someone wants to steal my big ole' panties ... well, then there's something really wrong with them.
QUOTE]


My MIL actually had that happen on a flight home from Wisconsin one time. Her TSA lock had indicated it had been opened, but no note inside. But all of her used underwear was missing. No kidding! They left everything else, including brand new, unopened packages of underwear...just took the used ones. Maybe they figured she was just going to trash them when she got home any way

We use the TSA locks when we fly. We have the kind that has a color indicater if it has been opened. Our stuff has been opened before, but not always had the TSA note inside telling us so. Maybe they figure that we'd figure it out because the color on the lock had changed. But never had a problem with the lock being cut. And strangely, it is usually DS's suitcase that gets checked the most. I guess all his toy cars look suspecious

 

[ssleblanc]

I'm sorry, but that is just about the funniest thing I've heard all week. And I thought it couldn't happen. Maybe I do need a lock to protect my panties.

I've lucked out, I've only had by bags opened by TSA a couple of times. Though I used to get stopped and searched at security EVERY time with my carry on luggage. I finally figured out that the crystal make up brush (lead in it - looks suspicious in the xray) was not worth it and left it at home when I packed my makeup bag in my carry on.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I have some disposable locks that I bought at Target. They are just little plastic tags that go through the zip pull, and you twist them to break them off. I really just use them so I will know if the bags have been opened. Thye come in a pack of 12 for about $3.

 

[Donald is #1]

I haven't used any locks on my luggage since after 9/11. At first I was nervous about this, but then I remembered that for most suitcases, the locks don't do much. For example, when I bought a new suitcase many years ago, the keys were the same as the ones for suitcases my mother bought in the 50's. Yes, I tried them in both suitcases and they worked. So, since suitcases these days don't pop open, I haven't been using any. I have even traveled to Europe without a problem when my suitcase has been unlocked. Besides, who is going to want your dirty clothes?

 

[dbrokeking]

I work for the airlines, and have to be honest and say they are useless. 9 out of 10 times they cut them off and there gone. That's the price of security these days. Other advice is never put cash, keys, laptops, or camaras in your luggage. Also never over pack your bags because even the best brand names when over packed pop open. Even if someone nice is working your flight, you wouldn't want all your clothes and belongings on the ground or all over the floor of the plane.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

We usually use a carabiner to keep the zippers zipped. If you use twist ties what and where do you pack something to cut them off? I have alwasy wondered about this. IF you pack something in your suitcase...well it is twist tied shut. You can't carry on scissors, files, etc. How do you get them open??? Do you just as at the hotel? I am sure there is a simple thing that I am missing but.....

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

We usually use a carabiner to keep the zippers zipped. If you use twist ties what and where do you pack something to cut them off? I have alwasy wondered about this. IF you pack something in your suitcase...well it is twist tied shut. You can't carry on scissors, files, etc. How do you get them open??? Do you just as at the hotel? I am sure there is a simple thing that I am missing but.....

I pack a pair of scissors in one of the outer pockets of the suitcase. I just don't use a tie on that pocket. They're cheap scissors that the kids used for grade school. They probably cost me $1 on sale. If they get lost/stolen, I'm not out a whole lot of money, I'll just have a devil of a time opening my bags!

 

[tmt martins]

We only use zip ties, and if the TSA inspects them, then they will replace the zip tie with a lime green one... If someone really wanted in your luggage they could get it.. .We just use it to keep it zipped...

This is the best thing to do ( just remember to put a nailcutter or something else to cut in an unzipped locked pocket ) Also take ones for the return trip.

You really just want to know IF someone was in your bag you can't stop them from going in it.

I had a friend that worked in baggage part-time and they just laughed at people with the locks ( TSA ones) as the Full timers all had keys as well and could just open them if they wanted.They would even put a icepick into the zipper to open it then take the locked 2 peices and force them around to reclose.

So just ziptie them so they don't just open up and don't put anything of real value as nothing is going to stop a theiving baggage handler .

And please I'm not bashing baggage handlers as millions of peices of luggage go through without a problem but 1 or 2 bad ones can impact many a bags in a days time.

 

[SueM in MN]

We've used zipties for a long time (way before Sept 11).
We just carry a child's blunt scissor or a nail clipper in one of the unlocked pockets like other people mentioned.

One reason is that they keep the zippers from unzipping.

Another reason is that if someone cuts them, we will know because the ziptie will be missing or won't match the ones we had on.

The locks (even the new TSA approved locks) are not a guarantee of security. The locks can break off if they are hit just right while the suitcase is on the conveyor/baggage system).
Even though TSA are supposed to be the only people with keys, I'm pretty sure it would not be difficult for unscrupulous baggage handlers to get keys, so those locks are probably no more safe than the older locks (which were pretty easy to find a key to fit).

 

[T. Lynn]

Are you allowed to carry a nail file or clippers on the plane?

My nail file is regular so that should be fine, but what about clippers? I have to have them or I'll go nuts. I hate when a nail breaks and snags on my clothes.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Thanks. I am a first grade teacher so I have many many pairs of SKISSORS Scissors. I will use the ties for DH and DD just to keep the suitcases closed and secure. Thanks for the info.

 

[tmt martins]

Are you allowed to carry a nail file or clippers on the plane?

My nail file is regular so that should be fine, but what about clippers? I have to have them or I'll go nuts. I hate when a nail breaks and snags on my clothes.

I know right after 9-11 you were not allowed to carry nail-clippers or anything with an edge on it. I think they relaxed what could be and can't be carried-on .

Most of these things can be put in checked baggage I even keep a box-cutter in mine and never had a problem.

Tsa has a web-sight that tells you what can and can't be carried .You can link from most Airline web-sights .You should also check them as well because just as it's OK for something from TSA the carrier might have it resticted.

 

[SueM in MN]

Are you allowed to carry a nail file or clippers on the plane?

My nail file is regular so that should be fine, but what about clippers? I have to have them or I'll go nuts. I hate when a nail breaks and snags on my clothes.

If you put them in an unlocked pocket of your checked baggage, there won't be any problem carrying them on.
Otherwise, follow the suggestion that tmt martins suggested.