Locking of Suitcase

[tawasdave]

Ok..stupid question number 689...can I lock my suitcases that I check in or do they have to be unlocked for security? Leaving tomorrow for Orlando from Michigan..YEE HA

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

i would say so no one gets mad to leave them unlocked. since 9/11 you never know who or what. so it is better to be safe then sorry

 

[Grumbo]

No not a stupid question.
I had told members of our group not to lock their baggage as it is going through security checks.
The security fellow that was checking it with the dog at check in told us you could lock them no problem. That said IF something suspicious was found they'd probably end up destroying your piece of luggage with a disruptor or something similar as opposed to breaking the lock and peeking in.

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[4cruisin]

We flew last month from Boston to Miami and back. We do not lock our luggage per the TSA. We did use those snappy tie things but my luggage was searched on the return flight. The tie was cut off and a note was left in my luggage stating that it was searched and that if it had been locked, the lock would have been damaged but it was not the airline or TSA responsibility to replace the lock.

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1303.xml

The same thing happend to my boss last week. He travelled from Orlando to Boston and his luggage was searched.

Nancy

 

[Grumbo]

OK sorry I was referring to getting on the ship. Not flying. We drove so I knew the most dangerous thing in our suitcases was DW's curling iron.
Disregard.

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[din]

Good question!!

 

[TnRobin]

Last time I flew, it was not busy when we checked in. The Airline staff let me run my bags through the big scanner and then let me put my locks on the bag. I am sure they wouldn't have done this if they were busy, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[hydster]

We "lock" our luggage with those plastic zip ties! They work well, cheap, we know if someone opened our luggage and did I mention cheap?? LOL

I just pack a pair of scissors (manicure type) or toenail clippers to cut them off at the destination.

We've flown several times since 9-11 and every TSA agent or Curb Check In attendant have always said that the plastic zip ties are probably the easiest and most efficient for them if they do need to get into your bags for any reason!

Have a great time on your trip! We leave in 4 weeks from today.

Heidi

 

[jrabbit]

Here's my experiece flying. To have the fewest checked bags searched at the airport, put all of your shoes in one bag. That one will be searched. You might want to put in the curling iron and hair dryer in this bag too. If you have just clothes in a suitcase the possibility of it being searched is greatly diminished.

Also remember not to overpack your bags because if it is searched the TSA might not be able to get it all back in. Give them plenty of room to repack.

 

[mey]

Where would I purchase zip ties for my luggage? What do they look like? How about dry boxes?

 

[Amberle3]

Originally posted by mey
Where would I purchase zip ties for my luggage? What do they look like? How about dry boxes?

They're also known as cable ties. They're those annoying little bands that are often used to keep cords and cables together that you have to snip off because they don't undo. Annoying in those cases, great for suitcases.

I use them when flying in the US, I bought a package of 100 or so at Walmart. Not very expensive at all. Just remember that you will need something like scissors to get them undone, so you'll either have to ask to borrow some at the front desk of the hotel or put a pair in the outside pocket of your checked luggage.

Unfortunately my luggage doesn't have an outside pocket.

 

[hydster]

Mey...

Here's a pic of a zip tie

I get mine at Home Depot for like 3.99 for 100 of them. They are SO handy when traveling although they are a pain in the butt for everything else. We just like the convenience of them and the fact that if they get cut off we aren't out a bunch of $$$$$

As for a dry box I have no idea. Also we use the space bags for our clothes or ziploc bags so if the bag does get searched people I don't know aren't going through my underwear....it is just easier and I would imagine less gross to the TSA guy going through your undies or stinky socks on the way home.

Heidi

 

[mey]

Thanks, Heidi and Amberle3, I appreciate all your help!!

 

[1stNoel]

I was at Brookstone the other day at saw these new locks that are TSA approved. The TSA agents have a way of opening to check luggage, if needed, and then locking the bag again. If you're concerned, they are worth a try. I've already had TSA cut the zipper (instead of the lock) on my one expensive bag, so I'm done locking luggage. Here is the link -


http://www.brookstone.com/shop/prod...=496&quickshop_code=0&search_type=subcategory

 

[piglet33]

Originally posted by 1stNoel
I was at Brookstone the other day at saw these new locks that are TSA approved. The TSA agents have a way of opening to check luggage, if needed, and then locking the bag again. If you're concerned, they are worth a try. I've already had TSA cut the zipper (instead of the lock) on my one expensive bag, so I'm done locking luggage. Here is the link -


http://www.brookstone.com/shop/prod...=496&quickshop_code=0&search_type=subcategory

I just got these locks from ebags.com (they were cheaper than Brookstone) and plan on using them to lock my luggage in October.

Renee'

 

[mey]

Thanks, piglet33!!
I just purchased 4 TSA key locks for $10.00 shipping included at ebag.com. Hopefully if the TSA have to inspect my luggage , they will be able to do so and then lock up.

 

[bigd332]

Don't count on TSA noticing that it is a TSA approved lock. A friend of mine had them and still had them broke off for inspection. Not all TSA agents are up to speed on these locks. I will just stick with the cable ties. Last trip had bags checked both ways and TSA put new cable ties on after inspection. Also put all your clothes in those large vac seal bags, makes it alot easier for them to inspect and you end up with less of a mess.

 

[toot2]

Do they usually leave a note that the bags have been searched or is it pretty obvious anyway?

I don't usually lock my bags but I don't travel often either.

Any other items besides shoes and curling irons that should be packed together? I suppose anything metal or an odd shape?

Thanks for the tips...don't you just hate to pack!

Sue

 

[hydster]

don't you just hate to pack

Actually it's the un-packing that I hate more! The realization that I'm home stinks, the stinky laundry stinks, doing the stinky laundry stinks and reality is the worst! I'll take packing over unpacking anyday!

Heidi

 

[drclaws]

Originally posted by toot2
Do they usually leave a note that the bags have been searched or is it pretty obvious anyway?

Both actually. The first you'd notice is that there's a blue TSA security tie replacing whatever lock/tie you had there originally. In addition you'll find a a TSA preprinted explanatory card inside whatever was opened. It will NOT say why that particular piece was selected for inspection.