Locks for suitcases

[Amyrlin]

I know this is likely to be a controversial subject. However, I have been informed, in no uncertain terms, that if I leave my suitcases unlocked, as instructed by the US authorities, then travel insurance will not cover any losses.

Anyway, I have heard there are some locks which are approved as the authorities will have override keys. Does anyone know about these or where they can be bought?

 

[princess jackson]

Hi,

The approved lock are called TSA locks, we got our from Florida, as we did not have enough time to purchase before we left.

Try using google, and search the net for them i know ebay have some for sale, i think there is a uk seller, that sells them, do not know the name.

Hope this helps

 

[disney13]

I purhcased mine from this website, <a href="http://www.outdooraccessories.co.uk/index.htm?url=products/pacsafe/padlocks.htm">Outdoor Accessories</a href>

Andy

 

[prue]

I bought my TSA combination locks (£4.95) from the luggage department at Bentalls in Kingston months ago and was there last week and they had some more. Maybe they could send them to you or help you with a supplier?

 

[The Wolf]

Watch out for the TSA locks.

We brought some luggaage back recently with TSA locks on and items went missing even though the cases were all locked up when they got the other end of the trip.

I always put a decent lock on and leave it on, if they want to get into it they can break the lock for all I care at least you know someone has been in the bag then and don't get the nasty surprise we did.

They say Homeland can access the TSA locks, makes you wonder who else can in the airport as the items removed from our cases were in no way a threat to security but would make some great presents for a workers family.

 

[princess jackson]

Hi,

We purchased locks that have a light system, that changes from green to red if anyone had been in the cases.

These were the mid range locks, the did have more expensive ones.

 

[stubb]

hi

we never lock our cases. we got back a couple of weeks ago and inside 2 of the bags were notices that our bags had been inspected. I have seen bags obviously cut open and sealed with duct tape on the carosel. I would be so cross if that happened to me.

michelle

 

[Hilary]

We used the TSA locks for the first time this trip (from the Outdoors shop as linked above). We've previously used cable ties with no problems, but I thought we'd try the locks out.

Last week, on our return we had a note in just one case to say it had been opened and inspected. The lock looked just as we left it, so I'm pleased the TSA system worked.

I agree it does make you wonder who else could open these locks if they wanted to, but that would apply to any other kind of lock or tie as well, wouldn't it? If someone was determined to open a case, I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to get into most soft-sided cases.

 

[Amyrlin]

I am thinking at least a lock is better than none, even if there are issues over who elae can open it.

 

[alanjones]

The best solution is a TSA approved lock (we got ours from the Antler store at McArthur Glen Outlet Centre in Swindown), and then a cable tie with your signature on it in permanent marker. That way, the TSA can get in, open your lock, cut the cable tie and leave you a note. But, if anyone else wants to get in, they have to cut the cable tie but won't have the TSA notes to leave inside. Thats what we did. However, at LAX we were actually asked to wait while the TSA did the inspection, which was even better as they allowed us to check the lock after there inspection. At the end of the day, no matter what lock you use, if someone want to steal something from your case, they'll steal the whole case of the carousel!

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

We, sadly, were at the receiving end of a search by the TSA on our last trip, Oct 03 - and it wasn't very pleasant

To cut a very long story short, before we travelled I checked with both VA and our travel insurance comapny (Nationwide). Virgin Atlantic's view was that it would NOT be a problem to NOT lock the cases, but to put plastic ties on. Nationwide differed - as has been said before, we would not be covered for any missing/damaged items if our cases were not locked. So when we got to Gatwick I again asked VA who said we should lock them. We did and had no problems.

Returning home was another matter. On checking in at Miami, with ties and padlocks in hand, we queried at VA's checkin what was the best thing to do. Blank looks all around, much conference in the background and we were finally told to lock our cases.

When our luggage came around the carousel at Gatwick, both DH's and my cases were unlocked and, worse, half-opened. The contents of the cases were in a terrible mess - lovingly bought presents smashed, two cans of Bud my DH couldn't bear to leave behind opened and soaked into everything (they were so badly dented it looked as though they had been used as a football) A bottle of nailvarnish (which had been rolled in a flannel, then inside a sock inside a t-shirt for protection) had been smashed and blue (my summer toe colour ) was over new t-shirts and a christmas pressie blouse.

Gatwick VA didn't want to know, gave us a claim form and told us to look for the TSA letter inside. Yes, there was a small note from the TSA in each case saying, basically, tough luck but for the protection of US citizens . . . blah blah blah. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for increased security. But this was just blatant mishandling of people's property and I wouldn't have minded so much if I hadn't been so dilligent on checking with everyone what the heck we should do - lock or not We were told by VA some time later, that even these 'approved' locks don't mean anything to the TSA and you are just as likely to get your cases ripped open with them.

So this year - and next - when we travel to the US, I will be locking my cases again because had we not, we would not have been able to claim for all the damage.

It's a tricky situation, one each individual has got to be happy doing the right thing, IMHO.

I tell you what, though, if they've screwed up my cases again I shall be back over there on the first plane, they will pay for the flights and all the damage caused So there.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Clare D]

Erm tricky one this. I didn't realise on our last trip that they can enter your case without your authority and have in some cases smashed locks. Tankfully we had locked cases but ours didn't get checked. Friends of mine had their cases checked a few months back but Virgin do state on their web site that they recommend that you lock them. We haveSamsonite hard cases and I think that I will look into these locks as I don't want our cases to be broken into and face the problems that Mrs Dazzle did.
If I buy these locks I will carry all valuable with me on board including any souveniers that we buy. If necessary I will buy one of those small cases that you can take on as hand luggage.

 

[wicket2005]

I have just got back. On both journeys I just left the two hard cases unlocked with luggage straps. The luggage straps were secured with cable ties. The large holdall we took just had a cheap padlock on it.

In the newsagents shop in the departure lounge at Sanford airport I purchased two TSA approved locks for about $6.

None of the cases were opened either going or coming back much to my surprise. They all had stickers on the labels to say they had been cleared by TSA. I presume they xrayed them and decided there was nothing dodgy inside.