Checked luggage - to lock or not to lock?

[mgilmer]

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.

I have never had a problem at any busy airport and I travel often. I have had my luggage checked with these locks at Atlanta Hartsfield, Dulles, and Dallas-FW (all busy airports by any standard) and the locks have never been cut off or my luggage damaged. I like the locks because they have a window that is green when you lock the luggage and it turns red if the lock has been opened. Then I know to check it carefully if I do not have a "search sheet" from the TSA in my bag. Sorry if you have had problems, but these locks work great for me.

Mike

 

[Familyof14]

Like Gail, I agree that you shouldn't waste your money on these locks.
I belong to another message board and there have been numerous complaints from posters that their TSA locks have been broken and damaged. The problem isn't always the larger busy airports, it's the smaller ones that don't have these "master" keys. A lot of the complaints come from flights that originate in hometowns and also ports such as MCO, FLL and Miami.

 

[mgilmer]

I think a lot of the problems with locks on luggage come from using unapproved TSA locks. Here is the TSA policy directly from their website:

Accepted and Recognized Locks

The list below identifies locks that are “accepted and recognized” by TSA, which means that TSA screeners can open and re-lock these bags for security screening instead of cutting the lock. TSA screeners have passkeys or tools for all TSA accepted and recognized locks that enable them to open the lock without damaging it if a physical inspection is required.

Some of the locks listed below are specific brands. Other names on the lists are manufacturers that produce a wide variety of locks, only some of which are accepted and recognized by TSA. We recommend that you check the packaging to ensure that it has language similar to "accepted and recognized" by TSA if you plan on using the lock for air travel. Most locks on the market are not TSA-recognized. This list will be updated periodically to provide the latest list of brands that are TSA accepted and recognized.

Brand Name:

American Tourister Accessories
Atlantic Luggage
Austin House Travel Essentials
Brookstone Easy Check
Eagle Creek Travel Safe
EasyGo
eBags
Franzus Travel Smart
Lewis N Clark
Master Lock
Prestolock SearchAlert
Royal Traveller by Samsonite Accessories
Samsonite Accessories
Samsonite Luggage
Sharper Image
Target Embark
Voltage Valet

TSA also has the ability to open luggage from some other luggage and/or lock manufacturers not listed above, although time pressures may require screeners to cut these locks rather than open them because there are many manufacturers, each using multiple master keys. It is very important to TSA that your baggage makes it onto your plane, and we will do everything possible to balance that need with security and customer service considerations. Screeners will always strive to open a bag, if required, without breaking the lock.

I use TSA locks listed above and have had no problems at multiple airports (including MCO).

Mike

 

[undertheradar]

Random computer picks determine bag inspections as well. We were selected on a one way flight from OH to CA- kids bags and all. TSA told us that you are almost certain to be bag searched when flying one way.

 

[LSchrow]

another thing not to pack: candles (we bought a bunch of thick, rectangular scented candles & divided them amongst our luggage)

apparently, they had the same density as "certain" materials. all our suitcases were opened & inspected ~ easy cos we had used "plastic pulls".

lesson learned, tho..........

 

[safetymom]

I figure these days it's a given that your luggage will be searched.
I went to MA and bought over $300 worth of candles. Yes my suitcase was searched but I didn't care. I had saved a lot of money by buying the candles at the factory.

 

[Familyof14]

After having my house burn up, you can bet that I will not be carrying candles in my luggage!

However, you are sure to get a bag search if you are carrying little cylinders of bubbles. This happened to us before going on our second Disney Cruise. Boy, was I ever embarrassed when security thought I had bombs!

 

[bigsis1970]

I found a package of 8 one time use locks and they are LIME GREEN .. so I got two packs for our trip .. you could always use wire ties if you have to secure you zippers .. Michelle

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by mgilmer
I have never had a problem at any busy airport and I travel often. I have had my luggage checked with these locks at Atlanta Hartsfield, Dulles, and Dallas-FW (all busy airports by any standard) and the locks have never been cut off or my luggage damaged. I like the locks because they have a window that is green when you lock the luggage and it turns red if the lock has been opened. Then I know to check it carefully if I do not have a "search sheet" from the TSA in my bag. Sorry if you have had problems, but these locks work great for me.

Mike

Never had a problem, don't plan to either. I don't lock my luggage. My experience comes from listening to TSA agents.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

TSA also has the ability to open luggage from some other luggage and/or lock manufacturers not listed above, although time pressures may require screeners to cut these locks rather than open them because there are many manufacturers, each using multiple master keys. It is very important to TSA that your baggage makes it onto your plane, and we will do everything possible to balance that need with security and customer service considerations. Screeners will always strive to open a bag, if required, without breaking the lock.

This is the part that I was referring to. I don't pack anything I cannot afford to lose, I carry on the good stuff. IMHO, locking luggage is like locking a convertable car. If someone wants it, they are going to take it, lock or not.

 

[snoopyandpooh]

Don't worry about locking. The airport securities actually have a poster at checkin asking passengers not to lock their luggage. They have a set of keys to open most locks, and if they can't open a lock, they will force it open or cut the lock out. I had seen them doing it myself.

 

[CarolA]

My theory is that all the lock does is tell the potential thief that you might have something worth locking.

I travel EVERY week and never lock my suitcase. So far so good. However, NOTHUING of value is in the suitcase. So even if they go through it I doubt they will take anything. (They are not ususally looking for clothes and makeup!)

 

[Pinnie]

I am with you, CarolA, I never lock my luggage. Clothes and shoes are the only thing that is in there. Anything of value is in my carryon.

pinnie

 

[Night-train]

Am I the only person who thinks that this whole business of leaving baggage unlocked actually only makes it easier for someone to slip somethimg IN rather than OUT of a bag???? Sounds a bit negative I agree, but it's not beyond possibility. At Dublin airport they search your bags manually then allow you to lock it up again BEFORE it is electronically screened! Having experienced both the Dublin version and the TSA version (at PBI) I know which I prefer. The TSA's method is a little on the distressing side if you ask me, and baggage handlers have been shown to be more than a little 'dishonest' in recent tv revelations!

 

[safetymom]

I think everyone realizes there are dishonest people out there. By not putting anything of value in your suitcase you should receive everything at the end of your trip.

Locks never did much to keep your suitcase secure. On those TV shows they showed you just how quick someone could open your suitcase or if they couldn't they would rip or destroy it.

 

[mgilmer]

Originally posted by Night-train
Am I the only person who thinks that this whole business of leaving baggage unlocked actually only makes it easier for someone to slip somethimg IN rather than OUT of a bag???? Sounds a bit negative I agree, but it's not beyond possibility.

This is precisely why I lock my checked luggage.

Mike

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Night-train
Am I the only person who thinks that this whole business of leaving baggage unlocked actually only makes it easier for someone to slip somethimg IN rather than OUT of a bag???? Sounds a bit negative I agree, but it's not beyond possibility. At Dublin airport they search your bags manually then allow you to lock it up again BEFORE it is electronically screened! Having experienced both the Dublin version and the TSA version (at PBI) I know which I prefer. The TSA's method is a little on the distressing side if you ask me, and baggage handlers have been shown to be more than a little 'dishonest' in recent tv revelations!

If someone wants to slip something in your bag, they will do it, locks or not. You are not supposed to leave them unattended before you check them. After that, a lock will not do you any good.
We had that search manually before scanning right after 9/11 what a mess. Necessary, of course.
I use the skycap and have no worries.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by mgilmer
This is precisely why I lock my checked luggage.

Mike

If you are following procedure, then the only one that can slip something in your bags is AFTER security, and at that point they have keys or tools to open your bag. Luggage locks are a joke.

 

[mgilmer]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
If you are following procedure, then the only one that can slip something in your bags is AFTER security, and at that point they have keys or tools to open your bag. Luggage locks are a joke.

Gail,

Unfortunately that is not true. I am an attorney. I used to be a prosecutor. I once prosecuted a case where a baggage attendant was part of a ring that used luggage as mules for drugs. They always used unlocked luggage for their carriers. Fortunately, we caught them and no innocent person got caught up in their scheme, but I would hate to be pulled aside for some reason because a liter of cocaine was found in my unlocked suitcase. Talk about ruining a trip or family vacation! As for the locks being a joke, the sentry locks clearly show whether or not a suitcase has been opened. If they show that a suitcase has been opened and there is not a TSA notice inside, then there is a security problem with that airline/airplane and they need to know about it pronto, especially in this day and age. As for the idea that TSA may do the dirty with my luggage, well that is out of my control. I can only hope that they can at least be halfway trusted.

Mike

 

[safetymom]

It may be a requirement for them to stick a notice in your suitcase but of all the times my suitcase has been opened I only received the notice once.