TSA Luggage Locks?

[2Tiggies]

I use the TSA luggage locks because I don't like the idea of my bags being left unlocked in the event of a spot-check and a lock being cut. I know the staff don't have time to locate spare locks and read little notes about replacing them.

My question is, do you think it makes in difference in the level of importance to accommodate potential searches on the way out or on the way back to the UK? Or is it all the same? I cannot find any of my locks anywhere. We are taking 3 cases between us. One will be inside another on the way out. I anticipate needing them all on the way back so I am trying to work out how many of these locks to get (I will need 2 per case). I just wondered if there is less chance on the way back of random searches so I could just use regular locks on the spare bag. I am basically trying to save myself buying an extra 2 locks at about £5 a pop, but if the odds are equal there is no point in skimping on them.

Thanks.

 

[wayneg]

Never locked a case on over 120 flights since Matt was born(16 years ago today) and many more flights before that.
Search Youtube for TSA locks, takes seconds to get in them, or a stanley knife down the side if they wanted. Anyone can open a zip with a pen in 1 second. Any locks are a waste of time IMO. but I wouldn't put anything of value in there, going out I could buy new clothes, coming home they are welcome to take my dirty washing.

 

[2Tiggies]

Happy Birthday Matt!

I've never thought of it like that. I think I do travel the opposite way to you though. I take very little on the way out and buy lots of presents when I am there. I once had a little incident with my underwear all over the carousel ..... that could have something to do with it.

 

[Elise79]

Your bags will only be opened without you present on leaving the US.

I like to lock my cases dunno why really as there is nothing of great value in them but I think it would be the hassle factor now especially as we only go for 9 nights i don't want to lose a day shopping. Now if I went for 25 nights at a time like Wayne

Belated to Matt

 

[strawberry blonde]

Another one who always locks her cases. Finally got around to buying the TSA locks last year when we went. I think they were £5 for 2 in Asda.

Only clothes and a few toiletries in there but as pp said don't want to waste time shopping for anything taken. Also, would travel insurance be void if case unlocked?

 

[matt1902]

I was wondering exactly the same thing about insurance???....

 

[2Tiggies]

Another one who always locks her cases. Finally got around to buying the TSA locks last year when we went. I think they were £5 for 2 in Asda.

Only clothes and a few toiletries in there but as pp said don't want to waste time shopping for anything taken. Also, would travel insurance be void if case unlocked?

I have never read a condition about locks being required for Travel Insurance so I doubt this is a factor. I think it is down to personal preference. Some people purposely don't lock their cases so that it is easier to search them. Some think that not having a case locked makes it less likely to be checked

There are just some things I would rather not have falling out of the case if the zipper was pulled/hooked onto something.

 

[wayneg]

My opinion is you have as much chance of things going missing if you lock or leave unlocked. 120+ flights in past 16 years so I guess I have done over 200 flights total without anything going missing, the chances are so tiny its not something I even think about, probably more chance of luggage going missing than anything being stolen. I personally know many people who have lost luggage but never had discussions about anything being stolen out of the luggage, maybe others have.
As for insurance I doubt I could be bothered claiming for a few missing items, maybe if a whole case went I might but not sure, would have to be a few £100 for me to putting a claim in. If you were to claim (and they asked if locked) surely you could put they were, how would they know any different?

 

[Dimplenose]

I lock my cases just because they close with a zipper that could easily work open - I have no illusions that they are safe.

 

[mousermerf]

Side note - I've been told by someone in security that a thief will grab a locked case in a heap of cases that are unlocked because it's the most valuable looking one. Also another reason not to have designer bags.

 

[traceycooper]

we put tie wraps on ours!

 

[chocolateMinnie]

Years ago we bought a set of luggage scales that came with seal type tags. I always use the tags (not sure if there will be any left after this trip though) so that I know if someone has been in the luggage or not.

When we went in 2007 there was a note from Customs in USA saying they had been in and a different green seal in place of the original (apparently it is the peanut butter that attracts the sniffer dogs but hey JIF extra crunchy does that to me too................can smell it at 40 paces)

Last February we also had our bag opened - seal gone but no note and no replacement. Thought maybe the bag had opened/got caught on something byaccident. When we unpacked two of my son's hoodies had gone missing (both next both worth about £10 each no major loss) could have been an accident but I like to know if my luggage has been tampered with.

Call me odd but I'm always more worried about what people might put in them than take out of them in this day and age.

 

[arielrocks]

We use cable ties to lock ours on both flights. They are cheap to replace and are a deterrent IMO. But wouldn't bother with padlocks as to expensive to replace if they are not put back on if the case is opened.

 

[2Tiggies]

we put tie wraps on ours!

We use cable ties to lock ours on both flights. They are cheap to replace and are a deterrent IMO. But wouldn't bother with padlocks as to expensive to replace if they are not put back on if the case is opened.

Isn't it a hassle to get the cases open on the other side when you want to unpack - since scissors would have to be in the bags?

 

[wayneg]

Isn't it a hassle to get the cases open on the other side when you want to unpack - since scissors would have to be in the bags?

As you know we don't lock our cases but we always pack a pair of Fiskars manicure scissors in the pocket of once of the cases.
Exactly like these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fiskars-9806o33-Manicure-Scissors-Straight/dp/B0001P08JM/ref=pd_sim_kh_1

 

[2Tiggies]

Great, thanks! Ties look cheaper. As a previous poster mentioned, zips hook and things and can slide apart so would like it to be secured. I also don't really like the MCO set up where you check in and then leave your bags in a big heap for whenever they get around to checking them. At least at most other airports you check in and they slide your hold luggage through once it's weighed.

 

[satan666wayne]

I had TSA locks on my cases last time and they cut them off.

 

[tink too]

I always lock our luggage. Our cases sometimes bounce around 4 airports from our departure to WDW, and anything can (and has) happened.

I've seen those guys pick the locks - man, they're fast! They did it once while DSisIL was asking them if they'd like us to remove our locks for them. The look on her face was priceless when they handed her the open padlock!

 

[DISWolves]

I always expect our luggage to be opened since I take a lot of electrical items - cameras, computer, phone chargers, Extension lead etc.
I have heard of customs opening TSA locks and then replacing them with someone elses!
What's the odds on the combination being the same

 

[arielrocks]

As you know we don't lock our cases but we always pack a pair of Fiskars manicure scissors in the pocket of once of the cases.
Exactly like these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fiskars-9806o33-Manicure-Scissors-Straight/dp/B0001P08JM/ref=pd_sim_kh_1

Yep, exactly what we do too!