Locked Suitcase

[CdnDisneyNut]

Can the suitcases be locked on the way down to Orlando travelling through Toronto airport. We will be clearing US Customs in Toronto. I know what travelling home the suitcases might get checked by security and must be left unlocked (security seals only). I travelled to Europe last spring and the suitcase could be locked on departure from Toronto

 

[Timon]

Mike,

Keep your suitcases unlocked until you get through customs. Once you reach the area with the luggage belt, just lock them up before you throw them on the belt.

On the way back, Orlando uses what is called a "front of the house" set up which means they scan your bags while you are still there so if they need to open it up you can unlock it for them.

Have fun!

 

[maryliz]

What about flying from Buffalo to Orlando. We will have gone through customs at the Peace Bridge. I thought all suitcases had to remain "unlocked" now. TIA for your help ... I haven't flown in quite a few years.

Mary-Liz

 

[hockey mom]

I know when we fly from Buffalo we have our suitcases locked up at the airport and have not been asked to open them yet.

 

[siobhan1997]

We flew from Syracuse last March and did not lock our cases, everywhere I read advised not to. Because we had new luggage I did not want them damaged. I never put anything but clothing in them.
Everything was fine.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I keep my checked suitcase unlocked because I always get pulled over to have my stuff inspected

 

[Amberle3]

The locking of the suitcases isn't a customs issue, it's an airline security (TSA) issue. The TSA requests that you not lock your luggage when flying in the US (or into the US) because they do perform random searches of luggage. If your luggage is locked, they will cut off the lock in order to inspect it. If your locked luggage is damaged in the process of getting into it, I believe they will not be held responsible. They do have keys to some of the common locks, but I've still heard of people having their locks cut off even if they were on the recommended list.

Since this went into effect I've been using those plastic cable ties to lock my luggage. If they have to get into your luggage they will cut the tie off and (supposedly) replace it with a different colour tie so you know they were in there. They're also supposed to leave a note in the luggage saying they were in there.

This can happen on any flight going through a US airport.

 

[Timon]

Cable ties are always a good idea. If TSA has to check your bags, they will cut the cable ties off and then replace them when they are done.

Just remember to always at LEAST use cable ties, do not leave your bags unsecure. It's not for security reasons (if someone really wants in your bag, a luggage lock will not stop them, perhaps deter them but if they really want in there, they will find a way) but for another important reason:

so that your suitcases don't open accidentally. Trust me, it happens a LOT! I worked at the airport for 2 years and I saw many instances of things falling out of suitcases! Once I even saw undies go flying out of a suitcases on the ramp on it's way to the plane! How embarrasing!

If you are flying into the U.S. and DO NOT have a stop-over of more than 6 hours, TSA will not scan your bags. (There a exceptions but very few!)

If you are flying out of the U.S. ALL checked bags will be scanned by the TSA. Some airports do it in front of you, such as MCO but some do it after you check your bags in. If your locks are built in to your suitcase, ask when you check in where the TSA scan is done. If you have to bring your bags to an area, then keep them locked and if they need it open, you can do it then. If the check-in agent takes your bags immediately, that means you will need to have them unlocked. If that's the case, use cable ties on your zippers!

 

[ejj234]

We only made the one trip and I don't know at what point it occurred, but we had our bags opened and inspected on both the way down and on the trip back. I'd leave them unlocked as the note inside our bag said that if the bag was locked they had the right to unlock it by whatever means they chose and any damages were your responsibility

 

[MaMudduck]

I just returned from flying to Atlanta from Buffalo. I forgot twist ties (use them going to WDW last year), so my bag was unlocked.

On the way down my suitcase WAS inspected and they put the usually note and a blue cable zip tie back on the suitcase zippers.

Everything was accounted for, and I was "kind-of" happy they'd put the blue ties on , wouldn't want my undies flying down the conveyer belt!

 

[maryliz]

Help me out on the "cable ties" issue. Where do you buy them, and since you're not allowed to carry things like scissors and pocketknives in your carryon, how do you get them off once you get to your hotel? Maybe I'm being dense here, and I'm thinking of something totally different.

Mary Liz

 

[Timon]

Mary Liz,

We just use the ones you can get at Home Depot. You can probably get them at any hardware store or Walmart.

We always put a pair of scissors in an outside pocket of a checked bag (you know those little ones on the front that nobody uses? ), however, CATSA now permits rounded scissors in your carry on bag.

If you can't find the cable ties, you can use garbage bag twisties, they work too!

 

[Amberle3]

I get mine at Walmart. Unfortunately my checked bag doesn't have any outside pockets, but I've always found hotel front desks to be quite accommodating when I ask to borrow their scissors when checking in!

 

[ChisJo]

The made me take my locks off my suitcases in the Orlando airport. Be forewarned...
Jo

 

[mbb]

100 for a buck...and baby size nail clippers in the outside pocket (there's no file on the baby clippers)

Good tip on asking the front desk for scissors, though!

 

[maryliz]

Thanks everyone ! I love the friendly info we share with each other on these boards

Have a great weekend!

Mary-Liz

 

[hockey mom]

This is actually hockymom's Dh. Regarding locking your suitcases, it doesn't matter. If they want in they will get in! Last trip, two of our bags came out with the "Inspected" seals on them. The funny thing is one of the bags was secured with a "combination lock". No problem for these guys! The reason the bags were checked was because our son had bought toy guns from Indiana Jones and they showed up on the Xrays.