Hi,

I just got a new luggage for a upcoming trip. This luggage has number of exterior pockets that can't be locked. I'm wondering if I should be worried about this. I do not plan to put anything in these pockets when I'm checking in the luggage, but I worry whether the baggage (or other ramp) folks might take advantage to "smuggle" contrabands without my knowledge. My worst fear is claiming my luggage to find its exterior pockets containing some contraband and thus get me in trouble (I mean, who will believe me that I didn't put those in?).

Maybe I'm worrying too much about this though, but would be nice to know how likely or unlikely this might happen? FYI, I'll be traveling through a few American airports as well as some of the major Australian airports and a couple of New Zealand airports, in addition to HKG and LHR.

Thanks!

Are they zippered pockets?

If the pockets are zippered, remove the zipper pull. Or you can always just cut the outside pockets off ;)

Yes, they're zippered, with no holes or any other way to lock them. The main section of the luggage will be locked (by non-TSA locks, of course). I'd like to use the pockets when I'm not checking in the luggage (it's a carry-on size, at least with airlines in USA).

This is the luggage (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=sportsmans-rolling-pullman&categoryId=48015&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=4518&cat4=2911&shop_method=pp&feat=4518-tn) I got.

This is a worry of mine especially when flying to Singapore. In that case I use hard sided luggage and hope for the best.

I don't know what I would do with your situation as you have paid for the bag.

This is a worry of mine especially when flying to Singapore. In that case I use hard sided luggage and hope for the best.

I don't know what I would do with your situation as you have paid for the bag.

Well, I can return it, but I'd rather not since it is quite nice otherwise, and I don't have much time to go look for another luggage. I just wonder how likely this is going to happen, given I'm visiting Australia and New Zealand, with departure from IAD and stopovers in LAX, LHR and Canada (YVR).

You could sew/attach a metal loop of some sort into the bag near the closed positions of the zippers. Then just used plastic cable ties (get funny colored ones) to provide a sort of tamper-proof seal.

It won't prevent people from opening the pockets, but it will let you know if they did.

This is much easier if there are two zipper pulls (or whatever they're called) on the zipper.

I've travelled all around the world, including out to the Far East, on many occasions with a case where I haven't locked the outside pockets and never had a problem.

Not quite sure I understand the concern -- you can't even reliably lock the main compartment without the risk that TSA will break it open, leaving it unlocked.

If you are concerned, check the outside pockets before proceeding to customs.

HTB.

Send it back and get what you want from some other vendor. The exterior pockets should be lockable.

I think you just enjoy worrrying. The likelihood of becoming a mule is pretty slim and a determined thief isn't concerned about locks. Don't put anything in the pockets. Exterior pockets don't usually hold much anyway. Check them when you reclaim your bag at customs. Report any contraband you find.

if you are worried, and it's nice luggage, send it to me.

All of my luggage has unlockable outer pockets. Most luggage has unlockable outer pockets.

Literally millions of bags go through the system. Either don't worry about it or buy a lottery ticket for insurance.

....I'm a worrywart. Ok, I'll stop worrying about it and will just leave the pockets empty and check them once I claim the baggage.

Thanks everyone!

you should also worry about backwards pick pocketing. someone will slip something into your jacket pocket, then wait till you pass customs and take it back.

You need POCKETLOCKS (tm) to lock all your pockets!

also, do not bend over.

If the pockets are zippered, remove the zipper pull. Or you can always just cut the outside pockets off ;)

I tend to use cable ties on non-lockable luggage. That way, you'll know if someone has been in if they've been cut off.

You could lock the two exterior pulls to each other with a cable tie. It would then be harder to smoothly stash contraband, though still possible.

Sylvia

Has there ever been a documented case in the history of the world of this happening outside Australia? As a traveler from the U.S. I have to put my checked bags through without locks pretty much all the time. I never heard of anyone picking up their unlocked bag and finding it full of illicit goodies. Wouldn't the smuggler be concerned that you'd report it to the proper authorities, flush it down the toilet, or have one hell of a party? I'm not seeing how they could get their goodies back.

Has there ever been a documented case in the history of the world of this happening outside Australia? As a traveler from the U.S. I have to put my checked bags through without locks pretty much all the time. I never heard of anyone picking up their unlocked bag and finding it full of illicit goodies. Wouldn't the smuggler be concerned that you'd report it to the proper authorities, flush it down the toilet, or have one hell of a party? I'm not seeing how they could get their goodies back.

The idea from the smugglers' point of view is that a baggage handler at the destination would remove the contraband before delivering it to the pickup area. Of course, if the delivery is "missed", or the destination baggage handler decides that it is too risky at the time to collect the contraband, an innocent traveler will get busted at customs.

Unless your checked baggage is in transparent bags, it is best to close them in a manner that gives indication that they have been opened. For example, uncommon color zip ties, or (for originating in the US) those TSA locks that have an indicator that turns red if a TSA key is used. So then if you pick up your baggage and it shows signs of having been opened, you can inspect the contents before going to customs. Even if worries about contraband being put in your baggage are not an issue, having your baggage indicate being opened means that you'll be able to check to see if the contents are there before leaving the airport.

I just saw a semi-transparent suitcase, i.e. it was clear on one side of the clamshell. It was hardsided and carryon size. I asked the young woman where she had gotten it and she replied "Japan". I wasn't surprised and it was a cute case but I'm not sure I want people to see my clothes and undies and stuff :rolleyes:

I just saw a semi-transparent suitcase, ... I'm not sure I want people to see my clothes and undies and stuff :rolleyes:


Maybe that would scare thieves away. :D

Never been a concern of mine, either, but here are 2+ thoughts:

#1 For pocket zipped closed: If it were a piece of old luggage, I'd suggest duct tape (aka duck tape) around the entire circumference, covering the zippers. Not wanting to damage the new luggage (as least not until TSA and the baggage handlers have the first shot at it), consider using the plastic package wrapping tape which is the same width as duct tape, very strong, and found about everywhere you would find packing or office supplies (including Lowes and Wal-Mart); if should come off easily, but test it. If the tape were wrapped around the entire suitcase covering the zippers, it would be difficult to remove the tape, open the pocket, and then replace the tape without it being obvious. Stick a small or partially used roll in your luggage to take with you (and before some smarta** asks, when closing your luggage, pull enough tape off of the roll, stick it to a mirror or something, put the roll in your suitcase and close it, then wrap the piece around the suitcase). If TSA cuts it the tape open, you're no worse off than if they cut some of the other items suggested above.

#2 For a pocket zipped open: cover the teeth with duct or wrapping tape (several pieces to make it time consuming to remove) to block the zipper, or run the zipper over a small piece of cloth, toothpick, dental floss, or something else to jam it. (Disclaimer: I have no idea whether an open or closed pocket makes any difference with respect to luggage belts, whether there is any greater likelihood of getting caught one way or another.)

You may also be able to lock one of the pocket zippers to the pair of zippers going around the main compartment. Or secure both pocket zippers with a single cable tie which goes though the lock on the main compartment zipper.