Practical Travel Safety Issues - Luggage, Security and TSA - on International Flights

Hi All,

It looks like I'll soon be travelling between SYD and SMF (via LAX or SFO) on a regular basis.

I've searched and read many posts on this forum and think I have a fuller understanding of what I'm about to go through over the next few months. Can you tell me if I'm correct?

My understanding is that as LAX (or SFO) will be my first port of entry in the USA it is there that I will go through immigration and customs. I will then have to re-check my luggage for the domestic flight to my final destination (SMF). It is only at this point that the TSA get involved. So I should be able to have my luggage locked between SYD and LAX/SFO. When I go to check in for my flight to SMF I could lock my luggage, and risk the locks being cut off, or I can use the TSA-approved locks (and still risk them being cut off :rolleyes: ), or I can leave them unlocked.

Now, I'm not too concerned about someone stealing from my luggage as I always pack valuables in my carry-on. I am concerned about someone putting "something" IN my luggage and then that "something" being found by customs.

On my return flight from SMF to SYD (again via LAX/SFO) I will have the "locked luggage" issue (along with a possible complimentary grope ;) ) at SMF. Now, depending on the airlines I use, I may not see my luggage again until I get to SYD as it can be booked straight through). Is this correct? Or will I have to claim my luggage at LAX and re-book it? I know the last time I flew from the USA I had an AA flight from LAS to LAX and then an FJ flight to NAN and my luggage was booked straight through, but that was back in 1999.

Thanks for your expert help,

Glenn

Unless you fly, say, WN from SMF-LAX, your bags should be able to check straight through. (WN doesn't do interline baggage check.)

What I haven't done is interline with separate e-tickets on non-partner-carriers. For instance, SMF-LAX on UA and LAX-SYD on QF. AFAIK (I could be wrong here!) the tagging carrier needs some sort of proof of your ticketing on the other airline portion(s). In the old days a paper ticket did the trick. If the carrier can't see that proof of ticketing on the computer...I simply don't know whether something like an e-ticket receipt will work or not.

As far as locking luggage...someone who flies from SMF should be able to help you out. If checked luggage screening in SMF is done in public view, you can lock your luggage and stay put to unlock your bag if TSA wants in.

Thanks for the info, mizzou65201.

With regard to checking of luggage, I understand that 4 different "systems" are in place:

1. Luggage is handed over at check-in and you don't see it again until you arrive at your destination. The TSA inspection is done "out the back".

2. Luggage is handed over at check-in and it is then taken by TSA for inspection (and you can hang around and unlock and re-lock it if required).

3. Luggage is checked in and then you take the luggage to TSA for inspection (and you can hang around and unlock and re-lock it if required).

4. Luggage is inspected by TSA before you get to check-in.

And therefore you need to know what "system" a particular airport is using to best know if/when to lock your luggage.

Is this correct?

Glenn

Thanks for the info, mizzou65201.

With regard to checking of luggage, I understand that 4 different "systems" are in place:

1. Luggage is handed over at check-in and you don't see it again until you arrive at your destination. The TSA inspection is done "out the back".

2. Luggage is handed over at check-in and it is then taken by TSA for inspection (and you can hang around and unlock and re-lock it if required).

3. Luggage is checked in and then you take the luggage to TSA for inspection (and you can hang around and unlock and re-lock it if required).

4. Luggage is inspected by TSA before you get to check-in.

And therefore you need to know what "system" a particular airport is using to best know if/when to lock your luggage.

Is this correct?

Glenn

Yes though I have never encountered #4 as you have listed. In fact I am reasonably sure it doesn't exist, otherwise the passenger could slip something into their luggage after it had been screened.

Otherwise your list is correct.

Yes though I have never encountered #4 as you have listed. In fact I am reasonably sure it doesn't exist, otherwise the passenger could slip something into their luggage after it had been screened.

Otherwise your list is correct.

#4 used to exist in SYR. There used to be a 1 ETD per 2-3 check-in agents. You'd hand over your bags to TSA. After screening, they'd hold on to your bags until an agent took them. Sometimes TSA would have to walk between ETDs to accomodate congestion in one airline. Not the best set up. These days, after you give your bags to the agent, you walk over to a cluster of TSA screeners. There's usually one cluster per two airlines. A much more efficient operation.

- Pat

Thanks for the information. It is much appreciated.

Glenn