Flying to USA... checked in luggage - to lock or not?

PeterNem

PeterNem

PeterNem

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On Sunday I fly to Miami with Virgin.

The US authorities prefer cases are left unlocked to facilitate their screening process, but I have just read the following on the Virgin Atlantic website:

Since January 2003 the US Transport Security Administration (TSA) has been screening 100% of baggage at all US commercial airports. The TSA advise that bags are left unlocked in order to facilitate their search process, however Virgin Atlantic does not support this advice.
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It doesnt go into anymore information than that.

With this information to hand, would you lock your case or not? I guess at the end of the day if they needed to get into the case they could use a pair of bolt cutters to get through the padlock - hopefully they wouldnt just rip the case to shreds.

(or are Virgin just saying that, so if anything gets stolen from an open case they can turn round and say "told you so" or words to that effect?)
 
I'd lock tbh as I know people who have lost loads of stuff from otherwise undamaged (but unlocked) luggage
 
If its a zip case with a padlock i'd probably lock it. If its a hardcase with a built-in number lock then i probably wouldnt -- although switch locks should be ok. My sister and my mum both had their cases broken (seperate trips), presumably because they tried to get in.

You can always put a big band around the case if you're worried it'll fly open.
 
Get one of those TSA approved locks that can be opened by airport authorities - they have a little red symbol on the side that looks like this:
locksbanner3iq.gif
 
tie where the lock would go with a shoelace or something.

that way its easy to open if they need to search it and it will still stop any naughty baggage handlers slipping there hands in.
 
When ever I fly I put a cheap £4-5 lock on my bag (canvas rather than solid) its cheap to replace and easy to remove (two seconds with a pair of snips, but what lock isn't?).

That or an approved lock which they can open via a master key.

It seems to depend what airport your flying to, I've been into boston a few times & had no problem at all, but I've heard that both LA & New York are a lot tighter on security.

akakjs
 
You can get the special locks which they can open using a known code to them from places like Blacks for about £6.
 
Interesting comments folks, thanks. I never knew there were TSA approved locks Volcs, but seeing as I travel to Heathrow tomorrow (staying there a night before I fly) it's a little late for that now unfortunately.

The shoelace idea is interesting, but I'm not sure it'd really be that much of a deterant!!

I think I'll just lock it and be prepared to accept that there may be a chance they'll cut the padlock off (it's a zip case with seperate padlock, so cutting the lock without damaging the case would be easy).

Not sure what to suggest to my other half though as their case is one of the hard plastic ones with built in lock - probably keep it open but go around it with tape or something.
 
When I was traveling to Detroit last year I was stopped by every possible security guard. One of them wanted to look inside my case and noticed my locks. He said that he was surprised they were still on the case after going through customs etc.

I think generally a lock is just a deterrent. If they need to get into your case they will.
 
Tomsk said:
Nylon cable tie.
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I need to open it when I get there... and as I cannot pack any sharp objects in my hand luggage, the stuff I'd need to use to open it would be in my case! Either that, or my teeth might take a bit of a bashing!!
 
I went to the usa last week and we didn't lock our cases at all. I know the reasons for locking but i keep all valuable items on me in my hand lugguage.

We had heard reports of them ripping into your case if they had a lock on them and they wanted access, so we decided it wasn't worth the mess about.
 
When my boyfriend came to visit me in the States, he left his case unlocked and got a load of stuff stolen - I would lock, but if it makes you feel better, use the plastic tie things that can't be opened unless you cut them. They can still get in to inspect your suitcase, but others can't.
 
christ, i dont trust the baggage handlers with a locked case never mind an unlocked one!! Its not just if they take something out but what if they put something in??

would you leave your car unlocked in a car park?

Lock it, the case should only be checked once its in your possesion anyway shouldnt it? In which case you will have the keys. If they damage the case, complain and get it paid for.
 
I lock it. If the authorities want to check it more often than not they ask you to open it infront of them nowdays. They don't often do things behind your back. It keeps idle snoopers out and opportunists out too.
 
Freefaller said:
I lock it. If the authorities want to check it more often than not they ask you to open it infront of them nowdays. They don't often do things behind your back. It keeps idle snoopers out and opportunists out too.
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Last time i was in Newark last year, they searched my bag just before it went on the conveyor belt (after check in) when i wasnt there, the only reason i know is because i saw them between the panels I asked wtf he think he was doing and the airport security said just move along, but stood and watched ..they only got me to go thorugh the bag just before checkin aswell.. :mad:

I didnt put any locks on, had all my valuebles in my hand luggage.
 
It's just for the sake fo the bag spilling open if anything - and opportunists. If someone really wants to get into your bag or security want to open it without your consent they'll do it easily enough.
 
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