do you lock your luggage?

[deltadinah]

I've been reading about locks with TSA logos. Can someone tell me what they are and where can you get them. Do you recommend them or what do you do with your luggage. I have always locked my luggage to prevent theft, but now I have been hearing you should leave it unlocked. or use plastic ties, to prevent security from breaking the locks or worse yet, cutting the zippers and ruining the luggage. I have never had a problem with our luggage before, but things are changing. Does anyone have any experiences?

 

[Scratch42]

On the way down I usually wait until after going thru customs and just prior to putting the luggage on the conveyor belt. I keep the locks handy in my pockets.

On the way back, I don't bother. If someone wants my dirty laundry, go for it!

I keep the valuables in my carry on so I don't worry.

Scratch

 

[Quadman]

You are advised these days not to lock your bags, that being said...

I have seen in the airports recently the TSA locks that I think you you are talking about.

I was interested in taking a look at these locks and as I read the package I understood a little more and liked them a little less. Cost was about $25.00 for two in the package at the airport.

They look well built and sturdy for luggage locks (at least through the package). But the instructions on the package told you that TSA officials would still be able to open the locks.

So my thinking was how long will it be before the guys that shouldn't be in your luggage get the combinations, or keys that open these locks thereby making them just about useless anyway........

 

[deltadinah]

Do you know if they inspect your luggage past the point where you accompany it? I thought there was random more intensive x-rays that could lead to them opening the luggage after you sent it on the conveyer.

 

[Dolphin_Girl008]

I use the cable ties from the dollar store.

 

[ChisJo]

When I was took my luggage over for inspection in MCO, they made me remove my locks to inspect my luggage, then when they were through, they put my luggage onto the belt, and I never had the opportunity to put my locks back on. That being said, I never asked either.
Here's a question though....how many people have access to your bags after that point anyway? How comfortable am I knowing that there are about 5 other people that have access to my bags and can search them at any time they want? I am one of those people who would be more comfortable being able to put the luggage onto the plane myself, knowing how it got there and not worrying that it didn't make it home!
Jo

 

[deltadinah]

I guess I watch too much 'Dateline', where they have surveillance cameras showing baggage people stealing from luggage - it's not like I put anything in my luggage worth stealing tho' - lol.

 

[beachbaby]

We use the cable ties too. They can easily cut them and that is what they will replace them with if they choose to inspect your luggage. This happened to my luggage in July on our trip to Orlando as it was picked to be randomly searched. They left a note in the suitcase that it had been searched . If you use your own locks they will break them and replace them with the cable ties.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I use cable ties too on the way back to Toronto. I keep all of the good stuff with me in my carry-on

 

[deltadinah]

Thanks for all your input. I guess I'll have to seriously consider cable ties for future trips!

 

[filet1970]

My luggage came with locks and I was planning on using them until I saw this thread. Not sure exactly what cable ties are. When I hear cable ties I think about the elastic cables with hooks on them...if so, I don't see how this could actuallt protect you luggages. Can you clarify for me?
Thanks.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Originally posted by filet1970
My luggage came with locks and I was planning on using them until I saw this thread. Not sure exactly what cable ties are. When I hear cable ties I think about the elastic cables with hooks on them...if so, I don't see how this could actuallt protect you luggages. Can you clarify for me?
Thanks.

Cable ties are designed to keep a group of wires and cables together so they don't get all tangled together. They're made of plastic and you insert the end of tie through the slot at the other end (sort of how a belt would work). You should be able to pick these up at any Canadian Tire, Rona or Home Depot store.

I don't really use them to safeguard my luggage. I use it more to prevent the zipper on my suitcase from accidentally snagging on something and opening. Even though I only keep my dirty laundry in there, I do want it back It's also saves my lock from being destroyed in the event that the TSA decides to open my suitcase.

HTH

 

[filet1970]

OK now I know what you guys are talking about! Thanks! A good idea but they're hard to cut...you need a knife or scissors...and you don't want to be carrying those on you! Guess you ask the front desk when you arrive!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Yeah, they're pretty tough ... scissors are the best to use or if you have some heavy duty nail clippers, those will work as well.

You can lock your suitcase when you're traveling from Canada to Florida. I usually do so after its gone through the x-ray and its been inspected (right before it goes on the conveyor belt). It's when you're coming back into Canada ... TSA may decide to inspect your suitcase. This is where I use the cable ties ... saves my lock from being damaged. If they need to open my suitcase, all they need to do is to open the cable tie.

 

[Amberle3]

I use the cable ties for locking my suitcase, and I've never yet had a hotel front desk refuse to let me use their scissors when I was checking in. I just borrow them right there at the counter and snip off the cable ties before they've even done up the keys.

 

[StuartMI]

Cable ties here too. If they open it, they open it.

 

[TimNDansMom]

We also use cable ties now.

Dh flew recently and was surprised that the cable tie on his hard golf bag container hadn't been cut. It was the first time he'd used it.

 

[mejaie]

Have any of you ever had things missing from your luggage when you get back?

 

[princess pooh]

I use cable ties too. One time my luggage got searched and they just slipped a new one on after. I'm always losing keys and forgetting combinations so this works for me