Dou you use luggage lockes when flying ???

[zdad]

DW shows me these TSA approved locks for our flight checked luggage at the store last night. Seems reasonable that they have a master key that works all TSA approved locks, but I still scratch my head.

Anybody use these special new locks for their luggage? Does anyone have an alternate method for locking up checked luggage?

Sage wisdom, masterful counseling, and high value tidbits are appreciated.

 

[amwhitaker]

The last 2 times I have flown, you were not allowed to lock your luggage at all. If something shows up on the xray of your luggage, they have to open up your luggage and take a look. Unfortunately here in Pittsburgh we just had a story on the news about 3 weeks ago of the high complaints of missing items in luggage at our airport. Once your luggage is out of site, just pray that no one takes an interest in it or whats inside!

 

[mom_rules]

Always use plain old cable ties. If they have to get in they cut them off and replace them with - guess what- plain old cable ties. Our stuff gets opened every time.

 

[jeannejj]

If you use theTSA approved locks, you can lock your luggage. I always use them and have only had one instance of the lock being cut. Uninformed TSA personnel. At every airport I have been in, the lock is recognized. I can't stand the thought of not locking my luggage.


Jeanne

 

[spotowner]

If you knew how much is taken by all the ramp workers they would seal all the luggage in containers. Its that bad. The TSA has a key ring with about a dozen master keys for their approved locks. I use the locks.

 

[cajunfan]

I use TSA approved locks also. Some people that make these, will also replace them if they are cut by TSA personel.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I don't know what the answer is.

I have heard that TSA will sometimes cut off the approved locks if they can't be bothered to use the key. When we flew in January I used Samsonite "disposable" locks. They are little plastic tag things that just twist off. At least you can tell if your luggage has been opened. Maybe. We checked four bags, and only one or two arrived in Orlando with the tag still on. But I don't know if the bags were searched or if the tags just snapped off.

It was $5 for a package of 12. I didn't even bother with them on the way home. I was too tired to care!

We will probably use the disposables for our October trip just because I have some left over. I always use the regular metal locks on the bags while they are in the hotel room.

We NEVER pack anything valuable in our checked bags. I hate the thought of the bags being opened, but there really isn't any way around it other than not flying! I guess if some airport guy REALLY wants a pair of my panties he will get them. And the sad part is I would probably never even notice!

 

[mbb]

Always use plain old cable ties. If they have to get in they cut them off and replace them with - guess what- plain old cable ties. Our stuff gets opened every time.

Ditto

IF we ever check luggage again, which we won't - our luggage from our trip on Jan23/05 is still missing - we would use cable ties. Much easier...I stick a pair of the baby nail clippers in the outside pockets, which eliminates the need for scissors...

Carry-ons, only, folks!

HTH!!

 

[DisneyDotty]

I guess if some airport guy REALLY wants a pair of my panties he will get them. And the sad part is I would probably never even notice!

I hear ya! I pack all valuables/difficult to replace items in carry-ons. Haven't had a problem so far...But then again, who's going to take stinky socks?

 

[lsteadman]

My last flight was May 10 and my luggage was locked with a TSA approved lock. You can lock your luggage with a lock. That is why the locks are TSA approved. TSA does have a master key for all of the locks and can open them.

TSA looked in my luggage both way to Disney world and left a note inside the suitcase indicating my luggage had been search. They locked the lock back with no problems. They didn't cut the lock off because every airport has keys.

It doesn't matter how small your airport is because they are all governed by the same TSA rules.

Lock your luggage and avoid having stuff stolen. Plus the TSA locks only cost $5.00 at Wal-Mart so if something comes up missing you know who took it.

I felt confident leaving my luggage with Disney's luggage assistance because I knew my luggage was lock and I didn't have to worry about anything being taken.

 

[safetymom]

I fly into some pretty small airports so I don't trust that a TSA agent would have the master key.

Don't put anything in your luggage you can't afford to lose. To a master thief no lock is going to stop them.

 

[mom_rules]

Safetymom-totally agree!

As stated before, we have had at least one bag opened every trip to or from Orlando. Aren't they supposed to put a note into your bag if they've opened it so that you know it was opened by TSA-we've had a note everytime.

What I'm saying is, if you notice your lock is gone or that your bag has been opened it probably wasn't done by TSA!

 

[safetymom]

Yes they are supposed to put a note in your luggage if they open it.

 

[SHADCT]

I flew out of Providence about two years ago. That was the first time after 9-11. They scanned the bags right in front of you. One bag was tested right there in front of us. At the time I used the plastic strap ties. Then the bags were off. At least I knew who was look in my bag and watched the security guy do it right there in front of me. It should be done this way all the time. I don't know if its still done this way anymore. The plastic ties do work.

This time we are flying out of Hartford, CT. I'm using TSA locks. Hope they work. We always carry valuble items in the carry ons. 10 days can't wait..

 

[msr709]

Are the TSA approved locks bright pink with a code underneath? I saw them in the Samsonite store and was wondering about them. I'd feel much better if I had some kind of lock on my suitcase. TIA