luggage

[sweetlife]

hi all
I read in the papers on the weekend that all luggage to the states has to be left unlocked which could mean insurance is invalid!! has anyone any more info on this
Karen

 

[Janice]

Hi Karen
I havent heard of this, but hopefully some of our newly returned members will be able to verify for you?

Seems a bit strange - I dont think I would be happy leaving my luggage unlocked?

Anyone????

 

[BevS97]

when we traveled back last Summer, our bags where subjected to extra scrutinity, and we where asked to come through and open one of them as they where not happy with a suspicious object (turned out to be a bar of fudge!).

I think if they want to look in your bag, and it is locked, then they would either ask you to open it, or break the locks if they couldn't get to you.

Personally, I don't usually lock my luggage - those flimsy little padlocks are very easy to break and if someone wanted to get in, it wouldn't be a big job for them to break it off.

Actually - that's not strictly true, I have a hard case with a built in Numeric lock, and I do usually spin that since it's easy enough to do, but I don't bother with the padlocks on my holdalls (and we usually end up bringing back quite a few of them!)

Bev

 

[BevS97]

I found an article here on the Transportation Security Administration website, which says you can lock your luggage, but they will break the lock if they need too.

Click Here

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.


For more information on the new checked baggage procedures, please Click Here

 

[SpottyDog]

Thanks for the info, Bev

 

[floridamum]

When we flew back from Boston last week the virgin checkin desk had a sign up asking people to leave cases unlocked, so we did.

 

[sweetlife]

thanks for the replys i think i shall purchase some of the tags suggested on TSA site they seem the safest option
karen