TSA locks - a postive view by our travel insurer.

[jna]

I sent this email late last week:-

TSA locks

I have just purchased two of these special locks as the family is travelling to the USA later this year. I am sure you are aware of the situation, but for the record, you are advised not to lock suitcases when travelling out of the USA as the strict security in force may lead to your case being forced open and thus the suitcase locks broken should the authorities wish to look at the contents.

The TSA locks (combination or key) are designed to secure the case instead of the actual case locks/combination, and the security people at the airport are provided with a special key to open any case secured with these TSA locks. The case is then supposed to be locked again.

How does Columbus view these locks? Do you consider that the case has been left unlocked? Would a claim be refused if a case was known to be only secured by a TSA lock?

Naturally we will not be leaving valuables in our cases, but neverthess would like to have your views.

Thank you.

Their answer was as follows:

“Thank you for your recent e-mail.

We can confirm that you still be fully covered when using a TSA lock. This has been confirmed with our underwriters and the claims department.

Have a great trip.”

Useful to know where you stand with an insurer. Might be worth getting something in writing from your own insurer.

 

[Groovee]

Out of stupidity what is a TSA lock?

 

[jna]

As explained above you don't use the locks or combination on the actual case, but buy an additional lock that is either key operated or has a combination and strap for hardsided cases. This is for you to use, but there is a small hole on the side of this lock where a security agent can fit a skeleton key, open the lock, and thus open your case.

There are those who have found that the agents will nevertheless cut the TSA lock or strap open and you lose it, but I get the impression that generally the system works.

If you don't do this and lock your case with the case lock, they can and do force the case open and ruin it.

There is I gather no requirement to use a TSA lock on the outbound flight, it's meant for use by the USA security.

I bought mine from here, but I know there may be cheaper options:-

http://www.outdooraccessories.co.uk/

Hope that helps.

 

[ariel75]

As explained above you don't use the locks or combination on the actual case, but buy an additional lock that is either key operated or has a combination and strap for hardsided cases. This is for you to use, but there is a small hole on the side of this lock where a security agent can fit a skeleton key, open the lock, and thus open your case.

There are those who have found that the agents will nevertheless cut the TSA lock or strap open and you lose it, but I get the impression that generally the system works.

If you don't do this and lock your case with the case lock, they can and do force the case open and ruin it.

There is I gather no requirement to use a TSA lock on the outbound flight, it's meant for use by the USA security.

I bought mine from here, but I know there may be cheaper options:-

http://www.outdooraccessories.co.uk/

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the link i might have to get the bright green ones(i'd love the pink but don't qiite think my son will use one) cheers

 

[Goofyish]

Out of stupidity what is a TSA lock?

TSA locks and case straps are approved by the US airport security and can be opened by them with a special key.
This allows you to secure your cases and still allow your cases contents to be examined without the need to either leave them unlocked or have you locks/cases damaged.

 

[SammieG]

are you not insured then if your cases are unlocked?

We never lock our cases

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

are you not insured then if your cases are unlocked?

We never lock our cases

No different to if you leave your house unlocked or your car unlocked.
No normally the insurere will NOT pay up for items lost form an unsecured house/car/suitcase as you have not taken steps to secure your property.
I have known cases where if you leave your keys in the ignition at a petrol station and the car is stolen they will not pay up for the above reason

 

[Lisa1976]

I think its a little different to leaving your house unlocked (my own opinion).

I only use the plastic cable ties to secure my suitcases, afterall if someone wants to steal clothes then they are very sad, that is all I ever put in my suitcase, clothes and shoes anything of any value always comes with me in hand luggage.

 

[SammieG]

No different to if you leave your house unlocked or your car unlocked.
No normally the insurere will NOT pay up for items lost form an unsecured house/car/suitcase as you have not taken steps to secure your property.
I have known cases where if you leave your keys in the ignition at a petrol station and the car is stolen they will not pay up for the above reason

Really? I never read that before...

I am aware of the house/car thing. but not suitcases.. of course that stands to reason! If someone is stupid enough to leave the keys in the ignition at a petrol station they deserve to not be insured! I take my keys and lock the car even if Im away for less than a minute!

I thought you had to keep suitcases unlocked for security reasons..

Me thinks I need to check my insurance docs!

 

[jna]

Me thinks I need to check my insurance docs!

If you mean your travel policy I doubt it will have a reference to TSA locks. Do what I did and write to them to seek assurance. Don't phone or you won't have a record to refer back to if necessary.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Really? I never read that before...

I am aware of the house/car thing. but not suitcases.. of course that stands to reason! If someone is stupid enough to leave the keys in the ignition at a petrol station they deserve to not be insured! I take my keys and lock the car even if Im away for less than a minute!

I thought you had to keep suitcases unlocked for security reasons..

Me thinks I need to check my insurance docs!

if you look on some of the airline web sites they recommend NOT to leave your cases unlocked.

 

[yo-ho-yo-ho]

Ryanair suspends baggage charges !! Mother with baby milk, must taste the milk imfront of scurity