Do you lock suitcases?

[prncess674]

TSA locks are a joke. If TSA has a key, then the criminals have a key.

Don't put valuables in checked luggage.

I tend to separate items into ziploc bags. If an agent can see it is a bag of undies they probably aren't going to open the baggie. I am more worried about someone pawing my clothing with dirty hands. Almost everything in my checked luggage is inside ziploc gallon size bags. I also carry a corkscrew in my luggage. It sometimes causes them to open my bag. I now store it prominently on the very top of my bag. Once they find the offending item that they saw on x-ray they stop pawing the bag. Anything that may cause question should be stored on the very top. Just my advice from a 100,000 mile per year flyer.

 

[Tink3Belle]

I will be using TSA locks for the first time this vacation. I usually have them to lock our souveniers & valuables that won't fit in a safe in our luggage while its in the room. I feel a little safer.

 

[brendrek]

I never lock up checked luggage either, I keep valuables in my carry on.

 

[Vijoge]

I use zip ties. There's nothing of value in my suitcase (no one in their right mind would steal my clothes!) and it lets me know if someone has opened my suitcase. I keep a small nail clipper in the outside poclet for when I need to open the suitcase.

 

[jamstew]

New suitcase I got today has a ata approved lock...do you lock your suitcases? I usually put those clip off strips on for my piece of mind.

I've never locked a suitcase and don't plan to. They manage to do enough damage to unlocked ones Anything of value goes in the carry-on, and generally I don't take anything of value other than my camera when I travel.

 

[shoes99]

We use cable ties from the dollar store to keep the zippers closed. They can easily be cut off if necessary. I also carry a blunt end scissor to cut off the ties.

 

[BobWerner]

Ok, here's a followup question. Since I'm traveling alone, my laptop will be my carryon bag. I intend to put my camcorder in my checked bag. I can't carry it with me and want to use it while on vacation.
I have the TSA locks (2) one for my regular bag and one for my golf bag.

Help?

 

[brendrek]

They usually allow you one carry on and a personal item like purse, book bag or laptop. I think you'd be better off getting a very slim laptop case and stuff all your camera equipment in your main carry on.

 

[gr8tdame]

Ok, here's a followup question. Since I'm traveling alone, my laptop will be my carryon bag. I intend to put my camcorder in my checked bag. I can't carry it with me and want to use it while on vacation.
I have the TSA locks (2) one for my regular bag and one for my golf bag.

Help?

I would not put anything of value in your checked luggage. Airlines will not reimburse you for your camcorder or camera and other electronic equipment if lost or damaged.

 

[Margie J]

I always lock my suitcases using TSA approved locks.

Same here.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Ok, here's a followup question. Since I'm traveling alone, my laptop will be my carryon bag. I intend to put my camcorder in my checked bag. I can't carry it with me and want to use it while on vacation.
I have the TSA locks (2) one for my regular bag and one for my golf bag.

Help?

Definitely do not put your camcorder in your checked bag. Just get a small camera bag for it and carry it on with you. Or if you travel a lot with laptop and cameras, consider something like a Quantaray Pro Backpack that has a slot for a laptop on the back, and inside, a padded compartment that you can custom configure to hold camcorders, DSLR's, extra lenses. It's large enough to hold my laptop, 2 point and shoot digitals, my DSLR with extra lens, camcorder, and associated chargers and cords. And still fits in the overhead compartment. And the backpack comes in handy once you get to your destination!

 

[Detailor]

I think that the only thing of any value, other than our clothes, that we put in our checked luggage is when we take the docking port/printer for for my camera.
After just not locking our bags for several years I started using cable ties a couple of years ago. We haven't had anyone open the bags with cable ties either domestically or when flying internationally since I started using them. Then, of course, we didn't have any problems when flying without locks or cable ties, either.

Dick Taylor