lock/unlock your luggage?

[klynn]

When flying, are we still supposed to keep our luggage unlocked? We arrive late night and taking ME. We won't get our luggage until the next morning. I don't like the idea of leaving all my luggage unlocked and not having acces to it for that long.

 

[bavaria]

you can lock you luggage only if you use TSA approved locks. Some places will cut off other locks if the bags are to be inspected, some places like LAX Intl terminal won't even let you check them with other locks.

Be aware that if someone really wants to get into your luggage for other reasons, a lock won't deter them.

 

[VLee]

You now are told that you CAN lock your luggage--just use the TSA approved locks. And true, the locks won't keep anyone out if they really want in; however, they do help to secure the zippers better. So much of the luggage has several sets of zippers for closure, expansion, etc.

If your luggage is opened, the TSA is supposed to leave a notification inside.

I have begun to use the TSA combination locks that have a "hole" that changes color whenever your luggage has been opened up--even by the TSA. I paid around $12 for each.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I fly quite frequently both in states and over seas, and my suggestion, and this is coming from the airlines, are to put ties (you can get them in the heardware department, they are they ones that have the loop on the end that you can use to ties wires together) on your zippers putting them together, and if you're get's picked to be searched, they will replace it with another one (they actually do, both me and my hunnie had this done). They also said if you have a lock on it, they will automatically cut it off, and they also advise against it b/c many travelers have had the problem or them getting hung on things, and getting torn off sipper and all. hopes this helps.

 

[bavaria]

my suggestion, and this is coming from the airlines, are to put ties (you can get them in the heardware department, they are they ones that have the loop on the end that you can use to ties wires together) on your zippers putting them together, and if you're get's picked to be searched, they will replace it with another one (they actually do, both me and my hunnie had this done).

While people do use zip ties, if you have no way of cutting off the tie when you reach your destination, it can be near impossible to remove the zip tie. A better choice is a twist tie as this can be easily removed

They also said if you have a lock on it, they will automatically cut it off, and they also advise against it b/c many travelers have had the problem or them getting hung on things, and getting torn off sipper and all. hopes this helps

The airlines will NOT automatically cut off a TSA approved lock. They will open the lock if they are inspected the luggage, which can be seen by the coloured indicator. They WILL cut off a non-TSA approved lock.

I don't know what you mean by a 'sipper'

 

[bavaria]

Here's the link on the TSA website which explains about locks. I would prefer to trust the official source

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/locks.shtm

 

[Geoff_M]

don't know what you mean by a 'sipper'

(Note the proximity of the "S" and "Z" on your keyboard!)

 

[bavaria]

and more info from TravelSentry, which manufactures TSA approved locks

http://www.travelsentry.org/

 

[bavaria]

(Note the proximity of the "S" and "Z" on your keyboard!)

not on a German keyboard.... I am an ESL poster, FYI but it is often challenging to decipher some of the English on the web

 

[Geoff_M]

You got me there!

 

[bavaria]

 

[DisMN]

There are no Z's in Germany?
Learn something new every day!!! LOL

 

[bavaria]

oh, there are no 'ZEE's' but we love our 'ZED's' - that's why the ZED key is in a more convenient place on the keyboard!!!

But back to our lock conversation before we get dinged for being off topic...

 

[bavaria]

For those of you with plain black luggage, if you get your TSA approved lock in a nifty colour it helps to identify your bag

(not a problem for me as I have a steel blue X'ion set with purple luggage tags...)

 

[salmoneous]

While people do use zip ties, if you have no way of cutting off the tie when you reach your destination, it can be near impossible to remove the zip tie.

The easiest way to get them off is insert a pen/pencil under the tie and twist until it breaks.

 

[pcgmom]

I found some TSA-approved combination locks in lime green last week at Wal-Mart. I bought them for less than $6 each. Good tip about the plastic ties, though.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

you can lock you luggage only if you use TSA approved locks.

Not true and if any airline refuses to check a bag with a non-TSA lock, they are just plain wrong.

You may lock you bag with a non-TSA lock, you just have no right to complain if you bag is selected for a search and your lock is cut off.

 

[bavaria]

Not true and if any airline refuses to check a bag with a non-TSA lock, they are just plain wrong.

You may lock you bag with a non-TSA lock, you just have no right to complain if you bag is selected for a search and your lock is cut off.

Actually, in the LAX Intl terminal they WILL refuse to send your bags through the TSA scanner. I use that terminal several times a month (last time was Monday) and they have a long line with TSA agents telling people to remove the locks.

The airlines may ok the bag with the lock, but at this terminal the bag will be refused by TSA if it has a non-approved lock.