To Lock or not to lock - your luggage

[snookhams]

I am still unsure what to do with regard to locking our suitcases! I understand that flights from the UK the luggage is rarely checked so could lock with usual locks. But that 100% of luggage is screened at the US airports and they say don't lock, but Virgin say you must. I have come across a lock that the TSA (transportation Security Administration) personel can open and relock without damage.

"The luggage locks security won't cut off. Our compact EasyCheck locks are certified by Travel security and feature a secure system accepted and recognised by the TSA Airport security peronnel can now inspect and re-lock your bags quickly and easily. Resettable 4 dial combination lock provides additional security by allowing you to periodically change the combination. Sturdy, die-cast alloy construction provides excellent security and durability"

For more information look at the following www.tsa.gov/public or www.brookstone.com (in the travel and auto section).

Any one sees them for sale in the UK i would love to know, as they seem like a good idea.

 

[SNOWHITE7]

They have some similar locks which say they are TSA approved on this site http://www.magellans.co.uk/cgi-bin/..._Alarms___Safety_DevicesSL767?Partner_ID=UKCB

If the link doesn't work, they were under Comfort and Security then Locks, alarms and security devices. Hope this helps.

I think they cost £19.85 + £4.95 shipping for a set of two. I agree they are a good idea.

 

[lindylou2_2002]

I have heard that it can invalidate your travel insurance if you don't lock you luggage, but also the approved locks still get cut off and replaced with the plastic tie things.

So no real help sorry


Lindy

 

[snookhams]

I understand that these locks can be undone with a special security tool and then they relock them when the inspection is over, you know they have been opened because the red diamond on them turns green if the security tool is used. So surely this is better than not locking them at all as you are still covered with insurance!

 

[silverka2002]

When we checked in at Gatwick last month we were re-directed to another desk to have our luggage checked. They only checked one of our 2 cases but they did it in front of us, so we would have been able to undo any locks personally.
When we retrieved our luggage at Gatwick on our return, we found that they had checked our luggage again, and closed the locks with a plastic tie.

We didn't lock any of our cases, and now I'm glad I didn't.

Did we look that suspicious???

 

[richard3330]

On our trip in April, Virgin advised us to lock our cases and we did. They weren't opened on the way out, but on the way home the TSA broke the locks, tied them up again and left a note saying that our baggage had been checked. The contents were left in good condition. I would still lock my baggage each time for insurance and because IMO it's best to just follow the advice of the airline.

Richard.

 

[Daniel&family]

We don't use locks anymore and flying with USAirways they were quite clear that cases should not be locked as were notices at Airports (I did not see any reference to "special locks").

We obviously try to take anything of value in our hand luggage where possible.

Regarding the insurance being invalidated, if true I find this disgraceful, since by locking cases you would be ignoring the Airlines & Airports security requests.

 

[Hilary]

We usually 'lock' our cases with the plastic ties.

I'm not sure how the insurance companies would view this, as they could easily be cut off, but I guess any would-be bag-tamperer could just as easily break a padlock if they were determined. If the insurance companies see luggage locks as a deterrent then plastic ties should be equally sufficient.

On our return trip from Miami airport last month, we were very early checking in and went straight to the front of the line. The cases were on the conveyor before I had time to remember to attach the ties (I usually do it whilst we're waiting to check-in so that I'm sure we have no last-minute items to add), so I told the check-in clerk they were unlocked. She said that was good! When we arrived home, I found two of the cases had been checked by the airline staff, but they hadn't attached ties, just left us a note inside saying they'd been inspected.

I agree with Daniel that the insurance companies should accept that passengers need to comply with airport security first and foremost.

 

[snookhams]

I have considered cable ties. but how do you remove them when you arrive, if you are not longer allowed scissors in your hand luggage? Our first night is to be spent at a hotel as we fly out on a friday and our villa rental starts on Sat. so how do I open the cases if I decide to go down this route

 

[Hilary]

but how do you remove them when you arrive, if you are not longer allowed scissors in your hand luggage

I pack a pair of small scissors in an outside pocket of one of the suitcases for this purpose. If they (or that case) went missing, I guess the hotel staff would be able to help out with a pair of scissors.