Luggage and flying?

[MaryannF]

The last time I flew anywhere was June 2000. A lot has changed in terms of airport and airline security since then. I have been researching packing tips and came across a website from the U.S. Gov't. called Transportation Security Administration. http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_0075.xml
It suggests that you do not lock your luggage. I have always locked my luggage and put a strap around the outside. I feel slightly uncomfortable with this suggestion and was wondering if anyone who has flown recently can shed some light on this, if you locked your luggage or had any difficulties. I also read on the Air Canada site that they don't want you to wrap straps around your luggage.
Here is the quote from the TSA site...

Travel Tips
TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bag unlocked
In some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose, but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi Maryann! You can lock your luggage when you're traveling from Canada into the US. The inspectors check your luggage before it's loaded onto the plane...

However, when returning to Canada from the US, there are signs that suggest that your luggage should not be locked because it may need to be inspected. What I did was I packed most of my souveniers (and anything else valuable) into my carry-on... then I closed the luggage using a cable tie. My main concern was that the zipper could get caught on something and everything would come out... but everything was fine once I got back to Toronto. The cable ties weren't cut and our luggage wasn't searched... I've read that if the US inspectors search your luggage, you will get a note in your suitcase and they will close it with a cable tie. I'm guessing that you could lock your suitcase, but if it gets searched, you will lose your lock.

HTH

 

[sammi]

Hi Maryann! We flew out of Buffalo with Southwest this past March and I also read about not locking your luggage and so I left all of it unlocked (was also asked at curbside check-in if I had left it unlocked) but I did buy straps and attached the straps to our luggage with no problems.

We only had one piece of luggage that was actually opened and searched in Orlando (they leave a notice inside to say they have searched it) but nothing was touched and if they hadn't put the notice in I would never have known as everything was still as neat as I had packed it.

I really wouldn't worry too much and yes make sure any valuables go in your carryon.

 

[TimNDansMom]

At our RBG meet last Sunday, we discussed bringing pins in your carry-on luggage. Apparently they *can* confiscate them because of the sharp pin! But if you have to leave your checked luggage unlocked there's always the possibility of them getting lost or stolen. What do you all do?

 

[bunnyfoo]

Originally posted by TimNDansMom
At our RBG meet last Sunday, we discussed bringing pins in your carry-on luggage. Apparently they *can* confiscate them because of the sharp pin! But if you have to leave your checked luggage unlocked there's always the possibility of them getting lost or stolen. What do you all do?

I had the same problem myself... I really wanted to take them with me because I didn't want them getting lost or stolen. In the end I just left them in my checked luggage. Fortunately, it (and all of my other stuff) arrived safely in Toronto. I've read on the Collectors Board that you can bring them on with your carryon with no problems. Even after reading that, I was still nervous about having them confiscated

 

[Timon]

Bring your pins in your carry on bags! I would never chance them getting lost! It happens all the time!

If the security screening officer tells you that you can't bring your pins, THEY ARE WRONG! Ask for their supervisor! If that were the case, then you couldn't wear jewelry like pins and broaches, which is ridiculous! I see thousands and thousands of pins go through security everyday and there is not a problem! If the guard questions them, they are on a power trip and I would go above their heads and ask for supervisor or management!

 

[sammi]

When we flew in March I took a ton of pins to give my cousin who we were meeting in Florida and I just packed them in my checked-in luggage and had no problems with them. They were all there safe and sound.