Suitcase locks

[cinmell]

I'm sorry if this sounds like a silly question! We always put locks on our suitcases. However, I have heard that luggage screeners are breaking locks to search the suitcases. So if you have flown recently, did you bother to lock your suitcases? If you did, were the locks broken off? We are flying out of Logan in Boston on Delta. Thanks!

 

[kendall]

On our recent flight from Detroit to Orlando, on the way down suitcases were not searched. On the way home, 1 of 4 was searched, with a note from the Transportation Authority inside. Friends traveling with us had 3 of 4 suitcases searched on the way to Florida.

In January I locked my suitcase with a key lock, and the entire zipper tag was cut at the base, not simply the lock, making the bag now completely unlockable.

We use plastic wire ties to "lock" the bags - we thread them through the zipper tags, loosely. The TSA used white ties to resecure the searched cases, and as I said, a note is now placed inside.

And, by the way, the only thing in the suitcase that was searched was snorkel fins, masks, tubes, and all our shoes (water, dress, sandals, etc). Interesting that that suitcase was opened....I have no idea why.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I think I'll be using something similar ... maybe cable ties. I'm always afraid that the zippers might get snagged on something and everything spill out.

 

[Earstou]

From the TSA website:

"In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your bags as an alternative to locks. Until that time, you may want to consider purchasing standard "cable ties," which can be found at your local hardware store. The 4 to 5 inch variety cable ties generally work best since they are the easiest to remove at your destination and can be used to close almost every bag with zippers. If TSA needs to inspect your bag, the screeners will cut off the seal and replace it with another seal."

I've used both the cable ties and twist ties. My bag was searched the one time I had the twist tie on (not because of the tie, just procedure at that airport) and it was replaced with a cable tie.
Make sure you have something to cut the ties when you get to your destination, which is like a catch 22 because you can't carry scissors on the plane. My hosts have cut mine, but I'll have to see if toenail clippers will work before I leave for the World next month!

 

[sgtdisney]

We used cable ties when we travelled to and from Ft. Lauderdale this past January. On the way down nothing was opened. On the way back they opened one suitcase, the one with the kids clothes in it. The cut off our cable tie and put on a very thin red one. Inside the bag was a note. I have to agree with everyone here, don't lock your luggage if you can help it. If you are worried about it accidentally opened use cable ties, twist ties or those nylon luggage belts..

 

[Bildmouse]

Key rings work really well and are easy to take on and off. We used them when we went to Mexico in January.

 

[taismommy]

I just want to say thanks for the information about the lock situation. We leave on Wednesday (4/23/03) and were just talking about to lock or not.

I am running out to the store for cable ties tomorrow

Thanks again.

Tamika

 

[BonnieA]

I flew from a small airport in NY to MCO on 4/2. They hand searched all the luggage while we watched.
When we made the return trip from MCO last week, they took the bags to be x-rayed and asked us if they were locked. So it's no use locking your bags.

 

[cinmell]

Thank you for all of your responses! Maybe I'll buy some cable ties just to keep the zippers from cominng open.

 

[CarolA]

Umm.. I travel a lot on business and the ONLY times I have ever worried about my zippers where when the suitcase was STUFFED. However, I no longer STUFF my suitcases. If the TSA does open your luggage and you have done one of those pack everything and then sit on it deals I figure they will NEVER get it all back in there and I have no idea what happens then.

So my suggestion is to make sure your luggage could be easily repacked by the TSA both coming and going !

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by CarolA
So my suggestion is to make sure your luggage could be easily repacked by the TSA both coming and going !

This is a good suggestion. I think the days of 'overstuffing' luggage are over.. I dropped my father off at the airport last weekend at United and there were big signs all over the skycap's check in area saying if your luggage is over 50 lbs (including suitcase) you will be charged an additional fee. Many of the majors are doing this now..

 

[monzmom]

Definitely keep your luggage unlocked! After our January trip to the World, we arrived at San Francisco and observed someone who had locked his hard sided luggage. The TSA needed to inspect his luggage and had broken the locks. Half of his stuff was missing and he could no longer keep the suitcase closed. Needless to say, he wasn't a happy camper. Watching that incident was a big reminder on why one shouldn't lock his/her luggage!