to lock or leave unlock - our suitcase dilema (tsa locking mechanism)

[snookhams]

Hi, I have read with some interest various threads mainly on the UK boards with reference to locking suitcase. Virgin recomend that we go against the TSA's advice and lock cases, as unlocked cases causes our travel insurance to be null and void, if anything is stolen as they were not secured (cable ties are not recognised as being secure by the insurance either)we are unable to claim. On the TSA's website (www.tsa.gov/public) they have a statement that is a couple of paragraphs long saying why cases should not be locked, the last paragraph states that there is a TSA recognised locking mechanism, that secures your cases but that they have a tool they can open them without damage, but give no details on where they can be purchased! can anyone enlighten me as I understand it, travel from the UK the cases can be locked as are less likely to be screened so could purchase these whilst in Orlando as we have 3 holidays (vacations) to wdw in the next 18 months.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Have you called your insurance company and explained the issue?

 

[GoldenOldie]

Brookstone stores sell these locks in the US and on their web site www.brookstone.com - They are in the travel & auto section. Cost is $20 US for two locks.

 

[Cinderella37]

At the airports in Pittsburgh and Orlando, we stay with our checked bags while they are screened, then lock them. Just make this request to the skycaps at curbside and airport security will be more than happy to oblige.

 

[oogieboogie]

When my parents traveled, they would stay at the check in desk while their luggages were screened. Then they asked the screener to put the locks back on the luggage. This takes some time so I would go in earlier so as to not hold up the check-in line.

 

[snookhams]

Thanks so much for your help. I was hoping to use the Downtown Disney Checkin with Virgin and therefore spend the rest of the day at one of the parks. I will make enquiries if these locks are available in the UK, now that I have a picture of one from the Brookstone website, if not I think that as we have future visits to the USA planned then we will purchase them during our stay.

 

[piglet33]

I bought these locks at ebags.com, because they were cheaper there. There are several different types. Here's the link:
http://www.ebags.com/travel_accessories/travel_locks/category_search/index.cfm?N=20014798

I plan on using these when we go in October since I do not like the idea of leaving my luggage unlocked.

Renee'

 

[Margaret West]

You may also purchase these locks at Target stores. They run around $7.00 each.

 

[CarolA]

Personally, I am amazed at your Travel Insurance. A few thoughts. (1) If something is stolen the locks would have been removed so how would the insurance company ever KNOW they were there to begin with. (2) There has not been a suitcase lock made that a dedicated thief in baggage processing could not break!

My theory is that locks actually just ensure your luggage gets attention, as in "they have something they went to the trouble to lock, let's see what it is".

However, in order not to violate your insurance just lock the luggage. If you don't have a TSA lock, lock it anyway. If the TSA damages the luggage unlocking it, file a claim with the insurance company who came up with this idea.

 

[BrittnTylersMom]

I wish I knew about these locks sooner. I would have ordered the 4 pack from eBags, but now they wouldn't get here before we leave.