TSA Locks Seriously

[mushumadness]

Hiya

Seriously will I be ok using these? I just bought new hard cases and obviously want to comply with my insurance about locking my cases,

but these wont get my cases broke will they?

I have been looking at the colored ones on ebay,

Just wanted to double check before buying some more and actually using them

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Having and using the TSA locks SHOULD not get your cases broken (if, on the other hand, you lock your cases with inbuilt locks, then these may get forced open).

There is no gaurantee that your TSA locks wont get broken or go missing (this has happened to me) or that your cases wont get damaged (by some other means).

At the end of the day, the TSA agents checking baggage are not all that concerned with your luggage (either the cases or the contents) and don't really apply the due care that we would like... . I am sure that they have policies and procedures for handling luggage (like using the keys/combinations to open TSA locks, leaving the contents looking pretty undisturbed, leaving a note inside if they have searched, then relocking the cases afterwards), but I don't really think this happens much and isn't regulated very well at all.

After rambling on... yes, TSA should be fine - obviously there are no gaurantees.

Boo

 

[jna]

We have bought the strap with the TSA combination lock for hard sided cases, and as you can see from the thread I started today, my travel insurance company has confirmed in writing that a case secured with a TSA lock (and with actual case locks not in operation) is acceptable.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Got mine from Asda a few weeks back will use this weekend!

 

[Queenie]

I think of it this way:

If I don't lock my cases, I'm not covered by my insurance if anything goes missing.

If I use normal locks and the TSA agents want to get into my case, they WILL break off my locks and I won't get them back.

If I use TSA locks, my suitcase is covered by the insurance and there's a chance I will get usable locks back if the TSA randomly selects my case. If I don't, I don't - I wouldn't have gotten any other kind of lock back in one piece either. At least with TSA there's a chance of getting a nice agent who follows proceedure.

 

[pigby]

Andrew Derek - How much were the locks in ASDA? - I have just about time to buy these for my hols.

 

[Twilight Terror]

I'm a little confused here. Can you use a standard lock on the way out and then the TSA recommended ones when leaving America? Or should you use the TSA recommended ones on both the flight there and back? Thanks

 

[Goofyish]

I'm a little confused here. Can you use a standard lock on the way out and then the TSA recommended ones when leaving America? Or should you use the TSA recommended ones on both the flight there and back? Thanks

We used TSA locks and luggage straps both ways

 

[Twilight Terror]

Cool, now I just have to find some. We had some locks at work, but they're just bog standard ones, so I can take them off reservation for me and go and find some TSA ones!

 

[Goofyish]

Try this place:

http://www.outdooraccessories.co.uk/index.htm?url=products/pacsafe/padlocks.htm

or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000EW7SRC/026-2234668-9293200?v=glance&n=11052651

or

http://www.tmorgan.co.uk/tsahome.htm

http://www.magellans.co.uk/store/Safety___Security___Locks___Straps?Args=&page_number=1

You can also try Ebay

 

[pigby]

Thanks for the links - will certainly help some people but we travel on Friday and need some PDQ. Now with the issue of not being able to carry on cameras and camcorders, we are debating whether to pack these items.

A little confused.... are we saying that if you use cheap locks (the little padlocks that can be bought from Boots etc) and they get broken off to look into your case, you are still insured or are you only not insured if you decide not to attempt to lock your case at all?

 

[Goofyish]

I believe that ASDA and Tesco may sell them. I seem to recall someone saying they bought some recently

 

[UKDEB]

Now with the issue of not being able to carry on cameras and camcorders, we are debating whether to pack these items

Sky News have just run an item on reports of electronic items going missing from cases. It sounds as though the cases in question were either not locked, or had very poor locks.

 

[Twilight Terror]

Now with the issue of not being able to carry on cameras and camcorders, we are debating whether to pack these items.

I'm debating the same question. We wanted to make a video diary type thing while we were there for our Dad who can't come with us, but I'm not sure about that anymore. I'm also thinking of just buying a couple of cheap disposable cameras when I get out there, and get them developed out there, avoiding all issues of taking/bringing back cameras and undeveloped film, because how will that work now?

Before, you took your 35mm films in your hand baggage and they were checked independently of the x-rays machines, thus avoiding any damage. But surely, if everything now has to go in the suitcases, including the film, then surely it will be damaged when the suitcases are passed through the various scanners

 

[Disney D]

I've ordered 4 TSA locks from www.safeskieslocks.com, they do them in twin packs for $18.99. I ordered 2 packs, total $37.98 and they don't charge postage if you spend over $15. You can also pay with paypal which makes things alot easier. I emailed them about delivery to the UK and they said about 7 days. I'll let you know when mine arrive

 

[Goofyish]

Before, you took your 35mm films in your hand baggage and they were checked independently of the x-rays machines, thus avoiding any damage. But surely, if everything now has to go in the suitcases, including the film, then surely it will be damaged when the suitcases are passed through the various scanners

It will be safer to buy your film in the US and then get the photos processed (or at least the film developed) before you return.

You can buy xray proof bags for film, but these aren't really designed for the high power xray machines used for hold luggage, especially if you have fast film (ISO400 and above).

 

[ely3857]

I've ordered 4 TSA locks from www.safeskieslocks.com, they do them in twin packs for $18.99. I ordered 2 packs, total $37.98 and they don't charge postage if you spend over $15. You can also pay with paypal which makes things alot easier. I emailed them about delivery to the UK and they said about 7 days. I'll let you know when mine arrive

Just ordered mine, in Lime Green



Jodie

 

[Disney D]

That's great Jodie, I ordered a twin pack of lime green and a twin pack of Pink !

 

[ely3857]

That's great Jodie, I ordered a twin pack of lime green and a twin pack of Pink !

Gavin wanted Silver but I vetoed that idea!



Jodie

 

[Disney D]

Gavin wanted Silver but I vetoed that idea!



Jodie

My hubby didn't have a say !
I quite liked the silver though !