Those of you just back via OIA can you tell us about locking your cases or not

[Katies Dad]

Are they still wanting you to leave your luggage unlocked on the return journey? By doing this to you feel your belongings are safe?

To all travellers with hard sided cases and combination locks, how have you managed to overcome this.

Thanks

 

[JohnnySharp]

We returned about a month ago.

Both outward and return flights we left our 3 hard cases locked.

They were not searched on the way there, however, one of our cases was on the way back.

All 3 were 'scanned' and then a security guy asked for the combination of 1 of the cases so he could check inside. He did this while I watched, left a note inside and then we locked the case again.
The other 2 were not opened. It was all very nicely done though, no great hassle.

My advice is to leave your cases locked whether it is a combination lock or not.

 

[thefatman]

Unlocking Checked Bags
TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bags unlocked. In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

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.

US Transport Security Website

 

[Disbabe]

When we came back on the 13th we were advised by Virgin to unlock any suitcases that had a lack as they could force them open and break the locks as you aren't necessarily there when they check them. We never lock ours but leave the padlack on them.
One of our cases was searched after we had gone through ie. we weren't present, and when we got home found a piece of paper inside explaining but also that they had put the lock on!!
It was just as well that the key was still with it.

 

[keith&carol]

We've been using cable ties and no problems at all. We were a bit stumped as to how to open them when we arrived cos of not having anything sharp in the hand luggage so DH puts a small penknife in one of the side pockets.
Carol

 

[pegasusEH]

We came back last week.

On checking in at Manchester (Virgin flights), we asked if it was ok for our cases to be locked. The reply we were given was "cases should always be locked".

We locked our cases before checking in for our return flight. At check in our attention was drawn to a notice about the possibility of security staff needing to open cases. We pointed out that we had locked our cases, we were told that was fine and to leave it as it is but to wait while the cases were put through the security scanner.

All our cases were fine but we did see other cases that had been left by other people and 2 or 3 had been broken opened.

I would recommend either using the plastic cable ties or locking your cases and checking that you are ok leave the locks on when you check-in. Just be prepared and have keys to hand in case they do need to be opened.

 

[pegasusEH]

Oh, I should have added before - allow for plenty of time at the airport on your return.

The queue through to departures was worse than any we met at the parks! Security was pretty high - everyone was having to remove their shoes to be put through the scanner with hand luggage. We weren't prepared for this and it meant cutting things very fine - had to quickly whizz round duty free spending our last $100 or so (well, you take it to spend, so spend it, I say).

 

[kylie]

locks on suitcases are only there to keep honest people out. If someone is determined to get into your case a small lock is going to prove no more a problem than it does for security.

The only problem I see is it provides a way for insurance companies to weasel out of claims

 

[Grumpy John]

We returned a couple of weeks ago. On both the outbound and inbound journeys we used cable ties on all our checked in luggage. I also put a couple of straps round each case. We had to open one on arrival in Orlando. The immigration officer had to cut the tie to search the case. On arriving at Gatwick one of the cases had been searched and the cable tie replaced with a blue security tie. A leaflet was inside the case explaining why they had searched the case. To cut the ties on arrival at our hotel I put a pair of nail clippers in the side pocket of one of the checked-in cases.

 

[panpant]

I got back now just about 3 weeks ago and I used cable ties both coming and going with no problems.

Put the ties through the holes where the zips meet instead of locks.

Villa I stayed in had scissors so no problems but could have always stopped at walmart to buy some.

Took extra cable ties for the return trip.


Greg

 

[Katies Dad]

Wish we could use cable ties, but have hard cases with combimation locks, so we have decided to change combination back to 000 and have bought some luggage straps to go round as well (had to get new ones as ours also had combinations on them) so hope this will be ok.

Phil

 

[auds35]

Hi,
We are going in just over three weeks from Manchester. I made a special trip to the airport yesterday to speak to an official. The first person we spoke to advised us to keep our luggage unlocked for possible inspection. he then suggested I speak to the staff at United Airlines who we are travelling with. Once again we were told to leave our cases unlocked. I questioned the safety of this or indeed the fact that items could be placed in our cases. I was told that once your luggage goes through to the luggage hold it is safe - though valuables should not be placed in them. They should count as your hand luggage. After much deliberation I am going to leave my cases open but I can't say I'm happy about it.