Luggage Locks?

[becka]

Here is my dilemma. My favorite suitcase to fly with is my hard-sided Samsonite. This thing is practically indestructible and it works great for our WDW trips because anything even possibly breakable I feel comfortable bringing back with us in this suitcase. However it only has a combination snap lock built in with no zippers. My understanding is that post-9/11 you cannot lock your checked bags. I have heard that baggage ties, etc. can be used but with no zipper loops there is no place to attach the ties.

The only other suitcase we have is oversized and the last time we used it is almost caused us to go over the weight limit. This thing is huge and so we pack everything in it. I didn't really want to risk getting hit with huge weight limit fees at the airport.

Is there any type of lock that you can use post 9/11? Could we write the combo on the inside of the little name thing you attach to your bags? I know that would not stop someone but they would have to go to at least the trouble of looking on the inside of that tag instead of just popping it open. Would they even know to look there? If they forced it open there would be no way to reclose it!

I really hate to buy new luggage so please help me out here. Also, this won't work for our hard-sided suitcase but DH seems to think that he heard about a lock that was approved and had some kind of key that the security screeners had access to. Any ideas about that? A search on Amazon pulled up nothing.

Thanks!

 

[CarolA]

There are suppose to be luggage locks that the TSA has approved. Brookstone sells them in their stores, but it does not sound like it will work for you. I don't think writing the combination anywhere would work.

Does the suitcase have to be locked to close, if not just leave the combination set at whatever it is and let it go. If it is the kind that the combination must be right to open, I would tape the little wheel so it won't move! If the TSA finds it locked and opens it I imagine they would pretty much destroy it.

I travel a lot and have never locked my suitcases. I just don't pack anything valuable and it works great.

 

[CarolMN]

I don't lock my suitcases anymore, either, but I am concerned about them inadvertently coming open.

As most will know, an adjustible strap just goes around the outside of the suitcase and fastens with a plastic buckle similar to those on many back packs/briefcases. They are often brightly colored and/r have a distinctive pattern. This has the added advantage of helping me quickly identify my luggage at baggage claim. The straps do not deter theft, but they do help to ensure my suitcase stays closed for the trip.

I also do not put anything valuable in my checked luggage. Have not yet had any problems.

 

[Shelby5514]

My suggestion for you is to not to buy but borrow one with zippers that you can "lock" with zip ties. I'm sure a friend or relative wouldn't mind. Ask around and have peace of mind that your "beloved" luggage is safe at home for all your road trips.

Shelby5514

 

[ducklite]

Go to Wal-Mart or any other mass retailer and buy a luggage strap. It wraps around your hardsided suitcase, through the handle, and will keep the case from popping open. While it's not a lock, it sounds like you are more concerned with losing everything via an inadvertant opening than actually locking the bag, and this would take care of that problem.

They are inexpensive (about $5) and come im bright colors, making finding your bag easy as well

Anne

 

[becka]

Thanks!

I am not really as in love with my luggage as I sound but this suitcase really is great for flying. It is all scratched up and dinged because of the abuse that the airline employees give to it but it is still in one piece. I am always amazed at how brutual they seem to be while tossing luggage onto the planes!