Not locking luggage?

[adamak]

That's what the Transportation Security is asking people to do. Frankly I totally disagree with this advice. First of all, I have had friends who lost expensive suits / shoes / gifts from their LOCKed luggages. And the airline did not compensate much money. Also, how can I be liable of what's behind the scene? If someone decided to stuff things in my bag after I left them with security on the curb or behind the counter, how am I able to prove I didn't pack that?

I'd rather the security cut up my bag if they're suspicious.

 

[JasonLyons]

locks on luggage is stupid anyway, just give it a dirty look and it breaks open

 

[ByTheSea]

Really?

I hadn't heard that. I travel a LOT. The locks are worthless in term of really protecting your valuables, but they keep the zippers closed. I fly a LOT and haven't heard this, was this just announced somewhere?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I heard that news today, that we would not be able to lock our luggage anymore. I don't know the details.
I don't lock mine so it really isn't an issue. But to take the opposite side, really that might be a better plan as far as safety goes perhaps? Granted it may be small.

 

[adamak]

I agree that most luggage locks are ridiculously easy to break. I use the small UHaul lock instead.
Even the easiest breakable locks are still locks. Most people can't just open it in a fly. I think flying within US may be OK. But I will never ship my bags unlocked overseas. Too much liabilities.

 

[ByTheSea]

Dang, and I just bought 2 extra locks. My locks seem to disappear from my checked luggage about every 15-20 flights, so I usually try to keep an extra one packed.. guess I need to stock up on twist ties now...

Won't get rid of the locks altogether, I often check a bag at the hotel the morning I will be headed out....and will continue to use the lock there.. any little deterent...

 

[Chuck S]

Supposedly it will make it easier to search the luggage, if necessary...but, when I travel to OKW I usually take a couple of my favorite kitchen knives...now someone that may be working in baggage handling could have even easier access to a weapon, or could even plant a weapon or other contraband for transit to another airport.

 

[EROS]

I have traveled extensively and never lock my luggage. Hey, if someone wants the contents of your suitcase, they're just going to STEAL it . I insure that the latches are closed to avoid an accidental opening, and at times I've used bungie cords as well.

My only concern about unlocked luggage has been while traveling abroad. There's always the very small risk that someone could secret contraband (drugs, etc) in YOUR luggage in an attempt to get it through Customs. Could you imagine opening your bag before an inspector and seeing a kilo of cocaine????? .....YIKES!!!!! It hasn't happened to me......YET

 

[CamColt]

After I came home from my honeymoon with a red bra that was not mine, I always lock every pocket on my suitcase. God knows what else could have ended up in there. YUK!

 

[swanmom]

My DH who is a VERY frequent traveler has this suggestion:
use one of those 'circular' key rings (the ones where you pull back one 'prong' and slide the key on and roll it around the ring until it closes on the other end.) This way the zippers on the bag don't open accidently and you're protected from the opportunity crime (like a handler just opening it quickly and seeing what they can grab). But the bag can easily be opened for a legitimate search without the key having to be located. Works for him!

 

[ByTheSea]

That's a good idea, the circular key ring one.

Thanks.

 

[TennVolTony]

I don't think I have ever locked my luggage.... My golf clubs...well that"s a different story!!!!

 

[PamOKW]

I heard that about not the locking the luggage, too. It's because the systems for checking the checked baggage will now be in use. If they suspect something and your bag is locked, they will probably slice it open.

I wouldn't hold out too much hope for those luggage locks protecting your belongings anyway. The only time I had a problem was when I did use a lock. Someone busted it off and damaged the suitcase. Nothing seemed to be stolen but it ruined the suitcase.

One "low-tech" way to keep the zippers closed is to use a twisty-tie. I thread it through both holes of the pulls and then twist them together. Seems to work.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Here is the update from the TSA: http://www.tsa.dot.gov/public/display?theme=44&content=654

I never lock my luggage and have not had any problems.

 

[Blondie]

Originally posted by CamColt
After I came home from my honeymoon with a red bra that was not mine, I always lock every pocket on my suitcase. God knows what else could have ended up in there. YUK!

You gotta be kidding me! That's a riot! I wonder where the heck it came from...it just happen to fall out of someone's suitcase, and they thought it might have been yours?

Too weird!

 

[Erika Sanderson]

Over the years, we've realized that the only reason we lock our luggage is to keep the zippers closed. The locks can and have been opened with a paper clip before, so they really wouldn't stop someone from stealing out of your luggage.

Love that idea about the key ring. You could also just use the smaller keyring, the kind that hinges open and closed.
PS please god, don't let me ever find a red bra in my suitcase, make it a pretty green one that fits instead. LOL

 

[CamColt]

Originally posted by Blondie
You gotta be kidding me! That's a riot! I wonder where the heck it came from...it just happen to fall out of someone's suitcase, and they thought it might have been yours?

Too weird!

I know! Can you imagine if they stuck it in some guys bag, that was on a business trip or something, and his wife found it? I mean, I trust DH, but if I found that in his suitcase, I would have some serious doubts. Whats worse is it was like a 32 D or something like that. I wish it were mine!

 

[caitycaity]

pam, we have always used twisty-ties too.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

I'm sorry but the bra in the bag does sound pretty funny

 

[ChiTownZee]

I read the article....I wonder why they advise you to put your shoes on top?