These TSA locks....

[jna]

Now I know it's very advisable to use them on the flight coming home, and I have just purchased a couple of the straps with the combination lock, but what about the outbound flight? Do we need to leave cases unlocked at Gatwick?

Thanks.

 

[bazzanoid]

It's been my experience that the luggage is left untouched at gatwick - naturally a couple of cases may be pulled aside, but generally the case owner would be taken with it and go through it together with a customs officer.

Coming back, if you don't have TSA-approved locks, expect missing locks and cable ties holding the case locked! be aware that they're thorough with their searches, and not very gentle, so if you've got anything remotely breakable, try to pack it in your hand luggage.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

DONT leave your cases unlocked!

Follow Virgin atlantics advice always lock them. get some TSA approved locks.

if you leave them unlocked, you may find your insurance company will refuse to pay up as you have left them in an unsecured state.

 

[jna]

Sorry, I didn't explain myself very well. What I meant was should I use my TSA locks on the outbound flight with the case unlocked, i.e. in the same manner as the return flight?

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Sorry, I didn't explain myself very well. What I meant was should I use my TSA locks on the outbound flight with the case unlocked, i.e. in the same manner as the return flight?

Oh OK
Yes, that is what we do.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

A couple of other posts on the same subject - might be of interest:
- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1105598
- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1122134

I posted my opinion on TSA locks on both of those threads...

Boo

 

[jna]

Thanks for the responses. We'll use the TSA straps in both directions on hard sided cases even though Boo, as you have discovered, they can be ignored by the security staff under pressure to check contents or through just being bloodly minded.

I don't think there is anyway of preventing damage to your property, but I'd rather lose the strap than have the lock on the case ruined. We will also use two soft bags with zips on which I shall use cable clips as I certainly can't see the point of the TSA locks in the light of what you have said.