Luggage locks/ties?

[HappyCamperToo]

What do you do with your checked luggage now that we're not supposed to lock it? Do you use those disposable plastic luggage ties, which TSA can just cut off if they need to get in? If so, what kind of store sells them (Wal-Mart?)? Do you just leave it unlocked? What do you do? TIA

 

[DVC-Don]

Used to use plastic electrical ties, but now use the TSA approved locks.

 

[tmt martins]

We still use the Zipties . Walmart ,Home depot they all sell them.

Just remember to pack something to cut them with in an unlocked pocket. We use nail clippers.

 

[JC Butterfly]

I personally don't bother locking my luggage anymore. I figure it goes through so many different checkpoints (ie: opportunities to take things) that there really isn't anything I can do to make sure all is safe. I don't pack anything I'm not willing to lose in my checked luggage and carry things that are more valuable to me on my person.

 

[MouseyMin]

I use TSA locks now and have had no problems with them. There are 2 ways to open them - with a combination for you, and with a key for TSA. They have a code on them to tell TSA which key to use. You can buy them at Walmart, Target, luggage stores, etc.

 

[klmall]

We have used the TSA approved "key" locks for years now, mainly to keep the zippers closed on our soft luggage and duffle bags. I've gotten so adept now that I can secure three zippers with one lock if necessary. The locks are sold at any luggage store. Even some Wal-Marts etc. sell them.

I don't want to bother with putting a pair of scissors in an outer pocket so I don't use the plastic ties but they are certainly a great idea, especially if your bag is stuffed to the gills (which isn't a good idea anyway since the TSA inspection team will not repack appropriately).

 

[WillCAD]

I also use the TSA locks, mainly to keep my suitcase zipped. They're not expensive and they are easy to find.

 

[CarolA]

Just don't assume those TSA locks are protecting ANYTHING.

If the TSA can open them so can anyone else at the airport. (Not to mention that there have been reports of the TSA stealing... doesn't that give you a warm fuzzy feeling???)

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

What do you do with your checked luggage now that we're not supposed to lock it?

You are allowed to use whatever locks you please on your luggage; TSA locks are not required. However, if you don't use TSA locks and your luggage is selected for inspection, they will be cut off.

 

[JC Butterfly]

so out of curiousity. . . . if you choose the plastic tie route, do you hand your bags to TSA with the tie already in place?

Then if TSA needs to inspect your bag, do they just put another platic tie around your bag?

Or do you give them to TSA and then after they have inspected your bag you lock it and/or put plastic ties on?

It seems to vary from airport to airport on whether you can be or need to be or can not be present when they are searching your bags.

 

[tmli]

I use the plastic ties...in a variety of colors (except blue). I put it on prior to leaving home, when my luggage has been inspected there has been a blue plastic tie put back on it and a note in the suitcase to say it was inspected.

 

[tmt martins]

Tracey is correct.

I just use the ties because they keep the zippers closed and can easily be replaced by the TSA.

I knew a handler that used an icepick to separate the zipper even though they had locks on them.Then they used the locked zippers to give them more bite to reclose the zippers. Now most handlers have TSA keys as well they just busted a bunch last year at BWI for stealing from the service men and women going over to Iraq.

The ties just let me know someone was in there it's not a deterent at all.

 

[sue]

TSA's are required to place a notice in your checked luggage IF it was inspected by someone other than xray machines. We had 2 pieces inspected during a trip. We don't lock our luggage anymore. We were told that they would just cut the locks off if they needed to, so why bother.

 

[CarolA]

And they will cut off the TSA approved locks.....

(they also don't always place the inspection sticker)

The TSA playing by thier own rules would be a novel concept!

 

[salmoneous]

I just don't pack anything of value in my checked bags. Any baggage thieves out there have access to TSA keys or scissors to cut ties. Locks/ties don't do much more than tell a potential thief, "Hey, something of value in this bag!"

 

[HappyCamperToo]

Locks/ties don't do much more than tell a potential thief, "Hey, something of value in this bag!"

That's an interesting thought....

 

[WillCAD]

I just don't pack anything of value in my checked bags. Any baggage thieves out there have access to TSA keys or scissors to cut ties. Locks/ties don't do much more than tell a potential thief, "Hey, something of value in this bag!"

I agree with the first half of that - never pack anything valuable (or fragile) in your checked bags.

But I don't think that a baggage thief is going to specifically target bags with locks on them, because the vast majority of bags still have locks on them these days.

 

[TravelinGal]

I don't lock because of 'value' in the bag (or lack thereof - LOL) but because I don't want the zippers coming open. Seen it happen too many times!

I used to use zip ties and that was fine. (I even used a wire/paper twist tie a couple of times and that worked well too.) Then DH got me a set of TSA locks for Christmas a few years ago and I use them now.

Using the zip ties, I was inspected once. They put a loop type fastener in place of it. I've never been inspected when using the TSA approved locks. (My locks have an indicator on them that tells me if TSA opened them and it's never been activated.)

That said, I almost never check my bags going to my destination, but I frequently do going home. (If the bag gets lost/delayed going somewhere, I'm S.O.L. But if it gets lost when I'm going home - well, I have more clothes etc there!)

 

[buzz2400]

I use the color ties. that way you will know if someone has been in your luggage (when your colored tie is no longer there). I also use the tie to keep the zipper from opening. From the way luggage is bounced around there is a chance that the zipper can unzip and your contents fly everywhere. Please do not ever put anything of value in your checked in luggage. I had disney pins stolen out of my checked in luggage that the TAS had opened to inspect. It was a pain to get reimbursed for the stolen pins but I eventually got them to pay.

 

[TheWog]

And they will cut off the TSA approved locks.....

if they do this they are supposed to leave the cut lock in your bag. If you use a Brookstone lock you will have it replaced for free and a report filed with TSA.

We use these as it also helps identify our black luggage in the sea of black luggage.

http://www.brookstone.com/store/pro...8&sid=496&search_type=subcategory&prodtemp=t1

EasyCheck® Indicator Locks


Our EasyCheck® indicator locks alert you to opened luggage. A unique red pop-up indicator on the lock will let you know if your locks were opened by the TSA or tampered with. And with the Travel Sentry™ Certified system, airport security can inspect and re-lock your bags quickly and easily.