Older luggage and TSA

[DisneyZB]

Hello Dissers. Working on the final details of my May trip and I started thinking about my old, pre 9/11 hardside luggage. Can I use the combination lock on my suitcases still even if it doesn't have a TSA overide? Or am I risking getting the lock broken if it gets inspected? Hoping for any insight. I haven't flown in awhile. Thanks!

 

[supersnoop]

You risk them breaking the lock (or more) to open the bag.

 

[seashoreCM]

Will the suitcase stay closed when not locked even if the gorilla (in the commercial) throws it around and jumps on it?

Some older Samsonite suitcases fail this test. Drop them and the corner latches may tilt snap out into their open positions and then the contents get spilled out all over the conveyor belt or wherever.

 

[DisneyZB]

You risk them breaking the lock (or more) to open the bag.

That's what I suspected. I'm thinking of leaving the suitcase unlocked and using a TSA luggage strap to secure it. Like one of these
Has anyone done this? It's a cheaper route then buying new luggage.

 

[seashoreCM]

Other things to consider -- Does the strap end up with a loose end flapping around? That end could get hung up in machinery and lead to destruction of the suitcase. -- Can the built in combination lock accidentally go into the locked position after perhaps getting teased or gouged by another suitcase or by a protruding corner of machinery?

 

[Capt_BJ]

That's what I suspected. I'm thinking of leaving the suitcase unlocked and using a TSA luggage strap to secure it. Like one of these
View attachment 224389 Has anyone done this? It's a cheaper route then buying new luggage.

I used these on older bags for a long vacation in Europe involving flying in and from US (the only "TSA" portion, but three flights where TSA rules applied), a river cruise, train trips, busses, taxi's and a QM2 cruise .... and had no problems

waiting for the train in Nuremberg ... TSA straps clearly visible



p.s. I started using such straps after had a bag burst open due to ruff handling and got my open bag and all my loose items on the baggage carousel one fun flight. I started using such straps as a precaution from that Samsonite commercial guy/ape! Switching to a TSA approved lock was a minor change for me ....

 

[DisneyZB]

Capt_BJ I have the exact same orange suitcase! Great suitcase. Pity Samsonite discontinued it. I think I'll go with a locking strap. Seems like the best cost effective solution. Thanks for the feedback.

I used these on older bags for a long vacation in Europe involving flying in and from US (the only "TSA" portion, but three flights where TSA rules applied), a river cruise, train trips, busses, taxi's and a QM2 cruise .... and had no problems

waiting for the train in Nuremberg ... TSA straps clearly visible

 

[Capt_BJ]

I have the exact same orange suitcase! Great suitcase. Pity Samsonite discontinued it.

yep, I agree, we've had our two for better than 20 years and they are indestructible even in the hands of the airlines! Our's have battle scars that would have destroyed a lesser piece. On the trip of the picture the bag was also within grams of max weight which means it got even more 'special handling'! AND EASY to find at baggage claim ..... our's are actually yellow but I remember they came in several colors and we got yellow for the reason I mention ... easy to spot!

 

[Euby]

Is the lock on the suitcase a key or combination? The reason I ask, is it may be possible for the combo lock (even though you left it unlocked) to change to locked. Due to rough handling and the age of the lock, the tumblers may not be as tight as they once were. Not sure if it would work, but you could put some duct tape over them to keep them from changing.

I used to have a similar bright yellow suitcase. Loved how easy it was to find on the baggage claim. It too had "battle scars".

 

[sam_gordon]

We don't lock our suitcases. There's nothing valuable enough in them to worry about keeping up with a key or a combination.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've never locked a suitcase....if someone wants my clothes, have at it. I learned my lesson about 27 years ago. Flew to San Fransisco. I had some decent costume jewelry in my checked bag. Well, it was gone when I got to my hotel. I can imagine someone's surprise when they tried to hawk the necklace and found it was worth about $30!!! Nothing goes in my checked bag that I can't afford to lose.

 

[Gracie09]

I would be more worried about the weight of an older hardside suitcase. Overweight is expensive!