T.S.A. approved locks

[DebbieB]

Yes, TSA asks that you take laptops, DVD players and any other large electronic instruments (camcorder) out of your luggage and put them into the buckets. The problem is when you get to the other side and have the buckets starting to back-up on you as you try to repack your equipment. We were sitting in the Orlando airport and heard an announcement stating that someone took the wrong laptop computer and left their's with the next person in the line.

Painful, especially when you have young children and you are trying to load those camcorder/laptop/dvd player back into your carry-on, already crammed with kids toys and food. But, at least it stands a better chance than in your checked luggage.

I taped my business card to both sides of my laptop. It's a black IBM and so many business travelers have those kinds, I'm afraid of it getting mixed up.

 

[onyx8]

I always lock my checked luggage with TSA approved locks. I have not had anything stolen out of my bags. NEVER put anything of value in your checked luggage. I lock my bags so that they don't accidently come unzipped in transport, not to protect my belongings. I have seen a number of unzipped bags on baggage carousels with the contents spilling out.

 

[welovedis]

Just found this thread as I was wondering if we should be locking our suitcases at all for the trip on Thurs. We don't pack anything of significant value in the bags, but wondered if we should use zip ties or what? The luggage will be with the hotel baggage services for at least a few hours after we check in (around 11 am) as I am thinking our 1 bedroom won't be ready by then--but who knows!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Better safe than sorry. TSA approved locks are available cheaply at Wal-mart and Target now. Not only do they keep things secure at the aiport (ok, MORE secure) they allow you to keep your suitcases locked in your room during your stay. True, if someone really wanted in your bag they can always get in, but no housekeeper will bother...

 

[DebbieB]

I used my TSA approved locks last week for the first time on Delta to Atlanta, no problem. I didn't buy them for security as much as I'm afraid my bags will open and I'm tired of using twist ties on the zippers.

 

[crzy4dsny]

Nothing of any kind of value should go into your chacked luggage. Each time we have traveled since TSA was formed, we had a little note inside of our bags saying they were checked. We only put our clothes in checked bags everything else goes into carry ons.

I know of a case where a TSA agent stole a police officers gun out of a checked bag. Now the police officer was wrong for putting it in there, there is a procedure in place that he did not follow. It just so happened that the TSA agents supervisor was standing behind the agent, saw him look into the bag take the gun out and put it into his waistband. The agent never notified anyone and was arrested when he tried to leave the area.

I'm sure most of the TSA employees are honest workers but I still won't put anything of value in checked bags.

 

[zdesiree]

I bought the TSA approved locks and when I used it in a trip to New York they broke the lock anyway. I supposed they didn't have the master key available at that time . Anyway I didn't use them for our trip to Orlando and the experience was much better.