Can you lock your suitcases ??

[Stitches12]

It's been a pretty long time since we've traveled by plane. I know you used to be able to lock your luggage but I'm not sure if you can still do it.

Can I put locks on my luggage ?? If not, how do you secure it or do I really have to worry about it ??

Thanks -

 

[Lynn4Mel]

Yes you can lock your suitases as long as you have the approved locks... you can get them alomst anywhere now. They have a little red and white symbol on the lock and if they ask you to take them off tell them they are TSA approved and they'll let you keep them on

 

[tmt martins]

we just use ZIP-TIES they are plastic and it just lets you know if someone entered your case .TSA will cut them if they go in usally put new ones on for you with the letter inside.
Just remember to take something to cut them with in a un(locked area front pocket) not carryon and extras for the trip home .

 

[mturner]

I fly several times a year and am always asked if my suitcase is locked.. which it isn't anymore since 9/11 but have never had a problem. ever! i have nothing valuable in them anyway. i wasn't aware that there were special locks you can buy-- but the ties may good be the way to go. you WILL be asked if they are locked. I either fly United or SW and am always asked.

 

[safetymom]

Just remember not to put any valuables in your suitcase. Yes they make TSA approved locks but not all airports are familiar with them. Zip ties or even bag ties can hold the zipper pulls together.

 

[fran99999]

I must be in the minority. I have never locked my suitcase nor do I see the need. I have had TSA check my luggage and leave me the "letter". I have had souvies in the bag that do make it home with my luggage. Guess I just trust everyone. I put my camera in my carryon as I want this hand checked. My film is separated and put into baggies with the film in one and the cartrige holders in another. My DS6 puts them back into the holders on the plane and I give him $1 disney dollar for his work. I have had pins/figurines/watches etc all in my checked luggage with no problem.

The only thing that was missing once was my Mickey socks. But my DH had put them back in the drawer by mistake and so the next person got a nice surprise. A new pair of Mickey socks, tags still attached. I hope the didnt throw them out. I told my DH he must have just wanted to spread the pixie dust for the next occupants.

 

[safetymom]

I never lock my suitcases and I travel quite often. if they want what is in the suitcase a lock wouldn't stop them.

 

[Jorge Lomeli]

i have a quiestion...

What happend if my luggage does not have zippers? i mean my suitcases are made of a kind of hard plastic and do not has any zippers or anything , just a combination of numbers in the center of the case.

The only way to open the luggage is knowing the correct combination of numbers.

Should i stick a post with the "secret" number?? so the customs can open it, or what should i do? becasue if i leave it unlocked it get easily open even with a small punch or without it

My luggage looks like this:

Ps.- sorry for my english, i do not speak or write it very well

Jorge Lomeli
Monterrey,Mexico

 

[tjmw2727]

I use a round key ring or a zip tie mostly to keep the honest, honest and to keep it from opening accidentally. You can buy the TSA locks but if the agents are lazy or in a hurry somtimes they cut them anyway as it is easier than fumbling with the key.

Don't put anything of value in your checked luggage and plan for it to be searched. I put our families underwear and such in baggies so it can be checked but not touched - it makes me feel better

Also pack shoes last, with the soles up, this may reduce the likely hood of a search and if they do open it they may not have to pull everything out.

If your luggage is opened and searched they have a form letter they will put on top and then will seal it back up with the zip tie.

I had been having at least one bag searched each trip until I started putting the shoes in last soles up - a tip from this board. Each time my bag was searched everything was fine and it was either secured with the original key ring or a new green or orange zip tie.

TJ

 

[kaytieeldr]

i have a quiestion...

What happend if my luggage does not have zippers? i mean my suitcases are made of a kind of hard plastic and do not has any zippers or anything , just a combination of numbers in the center of the case.

The only way to open the luggage is knowing the correct combination of numbers.

Should i stick a post with the "secret" number?? so the customs can open it, or what should i do? becasue if i leave it unlocked it get easily open even with a small punch or without it

My luggage looks like this:


Ps.- sorry for my english, i do not speak or write it very well

Jorge Lomeli
Monterrey,Mexico

Hmm, that's a tough one. Customs is different from TSA. I would think, but do NOT know for sure, that your luggage is subject to being checked by TSA before you leave Mexico since it's coming into the United States; on the other hand, you absolutely have to go through Customs after you land in Orlando.
Do you absolutely HAVE to lock the lock? Could you instead just snap the buckles closed, then wrap your suitcase with a couple of luggage straps? They're obviously not as secure as a lock, but they're better than nothing - and I don't see any other option on the pictures you posted

Does anybody know if, on his way home, Jorge could request or volunteer to have have suitcase inspected by TSA near the ticket counter? That way, he could lock it afterwards and not have any worries.

And Jorge? Your English is fine

 

[tkldisney]

We never lock out suitcases, but then other than our clothes there's nothing of value in them. I try not to even check bag if possible. I just make sure I have at least one change of clothes and anything else I need in my carryon. All my meds are with me!