Checked luggage - to lock or not to lock?

[Liz]

We are leaving for Florida in 4 days and can't find the key to our Samsonite luggage. Its the hard side luggage and there is no way (that I can see) to use any other type of locking mechanism except for the key that came with it (which we can't find!!) Do you know if you can purchase Samsonite replacement keys anywhere?

My DH says he doesn't think they want you to lock your luggage anyway so they can manually inspect it, if necessary. That makes me really nervous, although I put just about everything of any value (other than our clothes) in our carry on.

I really don't have it in my budget to buy new luggage before we go, although our Samsonite is 20+ years old and we've definitely gotten our money's worth out of it. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Don't worry about locking it. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency in charge of all airline security, is screening all checked baggage, and they'll cut off or force open locks if luggage is locked.

 

[LadyBears]

From the Samsonite website:

Help & FAQ

How do I obtain replacement parts/keys/locks for my luggage?

Certain replacement parts are available for a small shipping charge through Samsonite Customer Service. These include: Keys for Hardside Luggage; Padlocks for Softside Luggage; ID Tags; & Detachable Shoulder Straps.

Call 1-800-262-8282, press 1 then 4 for "replacement parts" and follow the instructions. Customer Service is available from 10 AM - 5 PM EST on weekdays. If you are looking for a part not on this list, call the number above and press 1 then 6 to speak to a Representative.

 

[gritzel4]

SyracuseWolvrine Don't worry about locking it. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency in charge of all airline security, is screening all checked baggage, and they'll cut off or force open locks if luggage is locked.

They will also leave a note in your bag if they had to go through it. Just don't pack anything in checked luggage that you would be crushed if you never saw it again.

 

[jiminy14]

We had a checked duffle bag searched both going down and coming back. There was a notice placed on the top of the contents that alerted us to the search. Luckily, we had not locked it after hearing about the possibility of the lock being cut off.
I had read somewhere that certain foods and laundry products give off a "false" positive read when screened. That it what I had backed in the bag. Some snacks, laundry tablets and toiletries. I don't know if this was the reason it was searched as the leaflet in the bag only mentioned the search not the reason.
I would never pack anything of value in my checked luggage. I always carry those things onto the plane with me.

 

[safetymom]

Don't lock it. Also don't put anything of value in the suitcase!!!! If you want to see your valuables again carry them on the plane with you.

They don't always put a paper in stating that they have searched your suitcase. There will be a twist tie or one of those plastic ties on it. Put a pair of fingernail clippers in an outside pocket if you have one so you can cut the tie off.

 

[ncbyrne]

After having a lock broken off by airport security, we never lock our luggage anymore. Not only did the lock break, but the zipper never worked after that incident, rendering the peice useless. This happened in JFK not MCO, but it can happen anywhere. Don't worry about locking your luggage.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by safetymom
Don't lock it. Also don't put anything of value in the suitcase!!!! If you want to see your valuables again carry them on the plane with you.

They don't always put a paper in stating that they have searched your suitcase. There will be a twist tie or one of those plastic ties on it. Put a pair of fingernail clippers in an outside pocket if you have one so you can cut the tie off.

I have had mine inspected a number of times. Never anything missing, always a note but never a tie of any sort.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Liz
We are leaving for Florida in 4 days and can't find the key to our Samsonite luggage. Its the hard side luggage and there is no way (that I can see) to use any other type of locking mechanism except for the key that came with it (which we can't find!!) Do you know if you can purchase Samsonite replacement keys anywhere?

My DH says he doesn't think they want you to lock your luggage anyway so they can manually inspect it, if necessary. That makes me really nervous, although I put just about everything of any value (other than our clothes) in our carry on.

I really don't have it in my budget to buy new luggage before we go, although our Samsonite is 20+ years old and we've definitely gotten our money's worth out of it. Any ideas? Thanks!

Don't lock your luggage. They will break the locks if they need to get in it and often that will ruin the baggage.

 

[seashoreCM]

(copied from another post)

There are some suitcases (Samsonite?) with corner latches that tilt out easily with a snapping sound. If the suitcase is dropped and the latches are not locked, the latches may pop open.

Also, if there is no suitcase rack and you leave the suitcase on the hotel room floor you are likely to stub your toe on the open latch. Or, if you push the latch closed and lower the lid, you will forget that the lid is loose, pick up the handle, and everything will spill out.

Today's security checks should be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Throw out that suitcase.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Familyof14]

We use the plastic cable ties. Most of the time they have been removed and our luggage checked. The security usually places a cheaper version of the tie back on my suitcase. The last time we flew, I didn't bother with the ties and there was no sign that the bags had been searched.

Another option for you is to buy the colorful luggage straps that tighten and buckle around your luggage. That way, it will secure your luggage from accidentally coming open, can be removed easily by security and you have the added benefit of spotting your luggage easier on the carousel.

 

[Liz]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I guess we will just leave them unlocked. I have a couple of big plastic, zippered bags (like sheets/comforters came in) and maybe I'll put as many clothes in those as I can and put that inside the suitcase. Then if it accidentally did come open everything wouldn't go flying all over.

 

[ducklite]

Buy a luggage strap for that Samsonite (they are inexpensive and can be found at Wal-mart or similar.) That way if it "pop's open" it won't.

Also, do'nt overstuff it. If the TSA opens it and can't get it closed without a reasonable amount of effort, they'll let things "slip out" to reclose it, and you'll likely never see them again.

Anne

 

[mgilmer]

We use TSA approved combination locks that allow the TSA to open and inspect our bags without allowing just anyone access to them. Our luggage has been inspected with these TSA approved locks without cutting them or breaking the zipper. You can buy them online from luggage vendors (ebags, etc.), from luggage outlets in malls and from specialty stores like Brookstone.
They cost about $10 each.

Mike

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by mgilmer
We use TSA approved combination locks that allow the TSA to open and inspect our bags without allowing just anyone access to them. Our luggage has been inspected with these TSA approved locks without cutting them or breaking the zipper. You can buy them online from luggage vendors (ebags, etc.), from luggage outlets in malls and from specialty stores like Brookstone.
They cost about $10 each.

Mike

Most TSA inspectors don't bother to do more than cut them off.
You were lucky. In a busy airport, they are not going to mess with different combinations. Save your money.

 

[Pinnie]

I had a bag searched at MCO. I saw the tell-tale twist tie on the zipper as it was coming down the luggage belt at DTW. There was a note left inside. I do think it was because I had about 4 bath items I bought at BASIN at DTD that left a powder resdue.

I think they use the twist ties with zipper pulls.

pinnie

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
Most TSA inspectors don't bother to do more than cut them off.
You were lucky. In a busy airport, they are not going to mess with different combinations. Save your money.

They don't mess with combinations, Gail. The TSA locks have a place for a TSA master key to open them on the bottom of them. The locks work just fine and TSA can open them and relocks them too without any damage.

 

[Liz]

How do they decide which luggage to search? Or do they search everyone's?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by GoldenOldie
They don't mess with combinations, Gail. The TSA locks have a place for a TSA master key to open them on the bottom of them. The locks work just fine and TSA can open them and relocks them too without any damage.

I hear what you are saying, but, I would like to believe they are never lost and they will take the time on a busy day. Besides, if the TSA has them, you can bet someone other than the TSA has them too. I am still using the "take it don't break it" posture.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Liz
How do they decide which luggage to search? Or do they search everyone's?

Depends on what they see. If it looks suspect, they inspect.