Locking Luggage

[HappyLawyer]

I was wondering if anyone had any problems locking their luggage ATA said they prefer you not lock, but i am not feelin that at all, can you lock it after it is checked-i mean the checked bags-

 

[prplcrzy]

If you lock your luggage and they want to inspect it, then they will break the locks off. We don't put anything valuable in our luggage anyway, anything of value goes on the plane with us.

Nancy

 

[crazywig]

if you put a lock on your luggage you will pretty much guarantee they will bust open your luggage and search it.

 

[all4fun]

Hi,
It is true, they may bust your lock if they wish to search your luggage. I don't think they will do it "just because" though. I put a lock on one of our bags last September out of habit and it didn't get busted open. I have seen little zip-ties in the luggage accessory aisle that you can use instead of locks. This would help to keep your bags from coming unzipped and if airline security did break it to get into the bag, no biggy. (Plus it lets you know someone did indeed look).

hth,
Cheryl

 

[Rapunsel]

I flew on United over the summer and used zip ties and the guy at the check in desk told me they were not allowed. I always use them. But other airlines might not care. My mom put a lock on her luggage and they called her back to the check in desk to get the combination so they could check on someting in her luggage. ( we have a small arirport so they some times do that.) Other carriers after they have screened your luggage will let you lock it. They also have TSA approved locks that you can buy that they can open. But don't expect them to have the key.

I just zip tie it and mke sure I leave a small pair of fingernail clippers in an out side pocket so that i can get it open when I get to my destination.

FYI.... They opened my husbands luggage at one time and didn't put all the articles of clothing back in it and he was in the middle of Colorado in a snow storm with no long johns. He called and asked me if I packed them and I said yes.. Come to find out they opened his luggage and didn't put them back in. The airline would not compensate us and TSA said thre was nothing that they could do about it.. So go figure....

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I just bought a package of disposable luggage locks. It was $5 for a pack of 12. You just clip them on, and they twist off. I will lock the luggage with those for the plane and lock them with the metal locks in the hotel. Big safety pins or diaper pins (do they still make those?) can also be used to keep your luggage zipped, but it is still able to be opened. I have never heard of being allowed to lock your luggage after they scan it, but it could happen!

 

[prplcrzy]

Our trip last year they searched one of our bags and they left a note in the bag saying it was searched.

Hopefully all airports do this so you know if someone was in it or not. It would also help if you determine things were missing, you'd at least have the note showing they had been in there.

Nancy

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

We have had locks broken off and zip ties cut. Ecah time, there was a pre-printed note inside. We still use the zip ties.

 

[HenDuck]

Some of the airport "security people" don't even know what you're talking about when you use a TSA approved lock. Or they're too lazy to go and get the key. Even though we have those locks, we decided this time to just use the plastic ties.

 

[insmom]

does anyone know the website for TSA so I know what is okay to put in my luggage/carry on and what is not.

 

[kimwim8]

when we flew this past October, TSA was checking EVERY piece of checked luggage, so we just asked the TSA employee if we could put the zip ties on when he was done, and he said he would do it. We just handed them to him after he searched each piece. All of the zip ties were in tact when we saw our luggage both on our flight out & return flight.

 

[jgmklmhem]

I normally use the bread twist ties to "secure" the zippers so that they won't come undone. A few times they have been removed and not replaced.....but it was no expense so I didn't really care. I guess the question becomes who are you locking your bags from? Because if someone wants in there behind the scenes at an airport a lock won't really matter.

 

[Laura66]

We don't lock it because they can search it more easily. We put underwear all together in a giant ziplock - shoes and socks the same That way they can make their search easier. I just assume my luggage will be searched (just like I assume I'll be searched when I board - take off shoes, fold up stroller, etc.) and don't pack anything valuable in my checked in bags. I guess I just see it as a sign of the times. I do think, for the most part that the searches are doing the best to do their jobs.

Laura

 

[canwegosoon]

On all recent flights all of my luggage has been searched, and resealed by the airlines. Skip the locks...

 

[MOMO2DK]

There are now new locks available for luggage that you can set your combination and if they need to be opened security has a master key. These are TSA approved. My Mum just got some for her upcoming trip to AU. Me, I just send a box down to WDW and skip the whole checked baggage nightmare.

 

[Kermit]

Big safety pins or diaper pins (do they still make those?)

LOL. I use cloth diapers. And yes, they still make the pins. (Although most people, including myself, use the newer diaper covers that don't require pins.)