Luggage question

[erinericmom]

It has been awhile since I flown so I have a few qustions. First do you put a lock on your checked bags and second are you allowed to take things out of your carry on bags once you are on the plane? I am trying to figure what is the best way to pack my kids things to do on the plane. We are flying Airtran. Thanks in advance!

 

[Tara]

It has been awhile since I flown so I have a few qustions. First do you put a lock on your checked bags and second are you allowed to take things out of your carry on bags once you are on the plane? I am trying to figure what is the best way to pack my kids things to do on the plane. We are flying Airtran. Thanks in advance!

Yes, you can lock your checked bags as long as you use TSA-approved locks. These allow screeners to open your bag for inspection without breaking the lock. If you use a non-TSA approved lock, they'll cut it off. You can also use cable ties, but those will be cut and not replaced if TSA opens your bag. You'll know your bag has been inspected by the paper with info the TSA screener will leave inside.

For carry-on bags, yes, you can retrieve items from them as long as the fasten seat belt sign is not on. If there are items you think you'll need to retrieve during the flight, try to put them in a bag small enough to put under the seat, or in a bag small enough to easily take out of the overhead bin. For my son, he usually takes his little wheeled bag (kid size, fits under the seat) or a backpack. That way he can easily take out whatever he wants, even if the seat belt sign is on.

Have a fun trip!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't lock my luggage, but some people do. If you choose to, note that the TSA can open any luggage they choose; if they can't open the lock, they'll cut it off. There are TSA-approved locks to which they have master keys and so should be able to unlock and relock your bag. You could also use zip-ties or twist-ties - at least if those are cut, you're out very little money. Also note that if someone wants to get into your luggage, a lock won't keep them out. Just don't check anything you can't live without - jewelry (really, leave it home), electronics, prescriptions should all go in carry-on luggage.

Yes, you can remove items from your carry-on aboard the plane. Once at your seat, step out of the aisle, put your luggage on a seat temporarily, remove the items you expect to use, and then stow your luggage - larger bag in the overhead compartment wheels-in or wheels-out, and personal item fully under the seat in front of you.

 

[TheWog]

I also log my checked luggage. The lock is a TSA approved lock and is flourescent green. It helps identify the bag on the carousel. As mentioned TSA can open it and it has a red tab that pops to let you know it was opened. Also, as mentioned I would not check anything of real value in checked luggage, locked or unlocked.

Yes, you can freely take things out of your carry on bags. I put my carry-on (not a suitcase) at my feet so that I do not have to get up and pull it out of the overhead.

 

[dudspizza]

I am another who locks his luggage, but I do it more so the bag won't come open. I use the TSA approved locks.

As far as carry on goes, it can be a pain to be up and down to get stuff out of a bag in the overhead bin. Have the kids with a backpack they can put under their seat so they can get what they need. I personally don't like anything under my seat because then I have no leg room, but kids legs aren't that long.

Duds