Nov 16, 2015, 3:09 pm
Last edit by: B747-437B
Guide to JNB (Oliver R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa)
Welcome to the guide to JNB.
If your have any further questions that have not been answered after reading through, please do not hesitate to ask.
Bear in mind that the minimum connection times given below are the shortest connections allowed for tickets on a single PNR. It would be advisable to leave more time than this, particularly if you are arriving during the busy morning period. If you are travelling on two separate PNRs, add on at least an extra hour to the MCTs to allow for whatever delays the Travel Gods may throw at you.
Do note that procedures can change so this guide may not be accurate. If you notice anything has changed or there are any errors, just let me know.
International-Domestic Connection
Minimum connection time: 90 minutes
Once you have deplaned, simply follow the crowd to the immigration hall.
After going through passport control, you will need to collect your luggage and pass through customs irrespective of whether your bags have been tagged through to your final destination.
Exit into the public area and proceed up to departures level by way of the escalators which are opposite and to the left. The escalator can take trolleys.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your destination and you have your boarding passes for the onward domestic flight, you can use fast bag drop.
Otherwise you will need to check-in as normal.
Alternatively, you can use the baggage re-check desks on the left before exiting to the public area (NOTE : These are permanently closed now - Oct 2022).
If you would prefer to avoid the porters and taxi touts in the arrivals halls, there are escalators to the left of these desks which will take you to level 1. From there you will need to go up one more level to reach domestic departures. (NOTE : These escalators are out of service now - Oct 2022).
The domestic terminal is designated as a separate terminal (Terminal B) but do not be confused by this. All the terminals at JNB are under one roof so you barely notice that you are transferring between them.
Domestic-International Connection
If you can interline baggage, you can check it through from your initial departure point to your international destination. Once you land at JNB walk out to exit (ignore signs to go downstairs to baggage reclaim), keep walking through the shops/past the food court, around the atrium and there is a security/emigration point on your front right.
Please see post #106 for an illustrated guide.
[although there is no need to go up the moving walkway and then back down again - just come out of the domestic exit and keep walking straight on that level, which will bring you to the security/emigration point]
International-International Connection
Minimum connection time: 60 minutes
This is where things become a little more tricky.
If you arrive at a jetway, you will see a corridor heading towards International Transfers on the left just before the escalators down to passport control.
If you arrive at a remote stand and are bussed to the terminal, you will see the escalators on the left heading up to International Transfers as you enter the building.
Both these paths are well signposted and there is usually a staff member shouting out "International transit" and waving a sign to direct passengers.
When you go down the corridor, there is a transit immigration point before the transfer desks. Typically the wait here is 1-3 minutes, very much quicker than 'normal' immigration.
Your passport will be stamped with a "TRANSIT" stamp here even though you do not enter the country, and you must ensure that you have the required blank pages otherwise you may not be permitted to continue your transit and instead sent back to your originating point.
A few meters beyond the immigration checkpoint is the main transit information area which have desks for all the international airlines and handling agents.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your final destination, ensure that you give your connecting airline the tag numbers at this time so that they can verify them in their system.
If the tag numbers are not re-verified, they will not be loaded without manual intervention. This is not required if connecting from SAA to SAA flights however.
If your bags have not been tagged through, you will need to find a member of staff in International Transfers from your arriving airline.
Ask them to get one of their baggage services staff to pull your bags off the belt manually and coordinate with staff from your onward airline to retag them to your final destination.
This is a rather convoluted process and can take a long time.
Therefore, if your bags cannot be tagged all the way through, it is advisable to pass through immigration, collect your bags at baggage reclaim and clear customs.
After you clear customs but before you exit to the public area (the exit is a set of sliding doors on your right), you will see a series of baggage re-check desks on your left.
Proceed to these desks since they often have smaller queues and have your bags re-tagged.
Then head up the escalators to your left (do not exit the main doors into the public area) which emerge on the departures level.
Turn right when facing the Vodacom store and the departures security checkpoint is right in front of you.
You can do the entire transit and enter/exit South Africa in less than 5 minutes if your bags come out quickly.
If time permits, the safest option is to clear customs and re-check your bags as described above rather than rely on the interlining system at JNB.
Have a look at post #9 of this thread for pictures.
Originally posted by Ambassador BA304.
Luggage storage
This is taken from the whyjoburg.com web site (April 2016):
Welcome to the guide to JNB.
If your have any further questions that have not been answered after reading through, please do not hesitate to ask.
Bear in mind that the minimum connection times given below are the shortest connections allowed for tickets on a single PNR. It would be advisable to leave more time than this, particularly if you are arriving during the busy morning period. If you are travelling on two separate PNRs, add on at least an extra hour to the MCTs to allow for whatever delays the Travel Gods may throw at you.
Do note that procedures can change so this guide may not be accurate. If you notice anything has changed or there are any errors, just let me know.
International-Domestic Connection
Minimum connection time: 90 minutes
Once you have deplaned, simply follow the crowd to the immigration hall.
After going through passport control, you will need to collect your luggage and pass through customs irrespective of whether your bags have been tagged through to your final destination.
Exit into the public area and proceed up to departures level by way of the escalators which are opposite and to the left. The escalator can take trolleys.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your destination and you have your boarding passes for the onward domestic flight, you can use fast bag drop.
Otherwise you will need to check-in as normal.
Alternatively, you can use the baggage re-check desks on the left before exiting to the public area (NOTE : These are permanently closed now - Oct 2022).
If you would prefer to avoid the porters and taxi touts in the arrivals halls, there are escalators to the left of these desks which will take you to level 1. From there you will need to go up one more level to reach domestic departures. (NOTE : These escalators are out of service now - Oct 2022).
The domestic terminal is designated as a separate terminal (Terminal B) but do not be confused by this. All the terminals at JNB are under one roof so you barely notice that you are transferring between them.
Domestic-International Connection
If you can interline baggage, you can check it through from your initial departure point to your international destination. Once you land at JNB walk out to exit (ignore signs to go downstairs to baggage reclaim), keep walking through the shops/past the food court, around the atrium and there is a security/emigration point on your front right.
Please see post #106 for an illustrated guide.
[although there is no need to go up the moving walkway and then back down again - just come out of the domestic exit and keep walking straight on that level, which will bring you to the security/emigration point]
International-International Connection
Minimum connection time: 60 minutes
This is where things become a little more tricky.
If you arrive at a jetway, you will see a corridor heading towards International Transfers on the left just before the escalators down to passport control.
If you arrive at a remote stand and are bussed to the terminal, you will see the escalators on the left heading up to International Transfers as you enter the building.
Both these paths are well signposted and there is usually a staff member shouting out "International transit" and waving a sign to direct passengers.
When you go down the corridor, there is a transit immigration point before the transfer desks. Typically the wait here is 1-3 minutes, very much quicker than 'normal' immigration.
Your passport will be stamped with a "TRANSIT" stamp here even though you do not enter the country, and you must ensure that you have the required blank pages otherwise you may not be permitted to continue your transit and instead sent back to your originating point.
A few meters beyond the immigration checkpoint is the main transit information area which have desks for all the international airlines and handling agents.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your final destination, ensure that you give your connecting airline the tag numbers at this time so that they can verify them in their system.
If the tag numbers are not re-verified, they will not be loaded without manual intervention. This is not required if connecting from SAA to SAA flights however.
If your bags have not been tagged through, you will need to find a member of staff in International Transfers from your arriving airline.
Ask them to get one of their baggage services staff to pull your bags off the belt manually and coordinate with staff from your onward airline to retag them to your final destination.
This is a rather convoluted process and can take a long time.
Therefore, if your bags cannot be tagged all the way through, it is advisable to pass through immigration, collect your bags at baggage reclaim and clear customs.
After you clear customs but before you exit to the public area (the exit is a set of sliding doors on your right), you will see a series of baggage re-check desks on your left.
Proceed to these desks since they often have smaller queues and have your bags re-tagged.
Then head up the escalators to your left (do not exit the main doors into the public area) which emerge on the departures level.
Turn right when facing the Vodacom store and the departures security checkpoint is right in front of you.
You can do the entire transit and enter/exit South Africa in less than 5 minutes if your bags come out quickly.
If time permits, the safest option is to clear customs and re-check your bags as described above rather than rely on the interlining system at JNB.
Have a look at post #9 of this thread for pictures.
Originally posted by Ambassador BA304.
Luggage storage
This is taken from the whyjoburg.com web site (April 2016):
BagPort South Africa, the original company that provided a luggage storage service at OR Tambo International Airport, has changed its name.
It now operates as Ateck - from the same premises down the escalators at the main exit of Terminal A arrivals, on Basement Level 1, going towards the Parkade 2 (South).
Costs are : (NB : CASH ONLY! No Cards Accepted.)
0-5 hours: R70.00
6-12 hours: R80.00
12-24 hours: R90.00
24 hours or more: R90.00 per day.
Open 24 hours, every day of the year.
Contact details :
Tel : +27 (11) 390 2689
http://www.a-teck.co.za/or-tambo-airport-store-teck/
It now operates as Ateck - from the same premises down the escalators at the main exit of Terminal A arrivals, on Basement Level 1, going towards the Parkade 2 (South).
Costs are : (NB : CASH ONLY! No Cards Accepted.)
0-5 hours: R70.00
6-12 hours: R80.00
12-24 hours: R90.00
24 hours or more: R90.00 per day.
Open 24 hours, every day of the year.
Contact details :
Tel : +27 (11) 390 2689
http://www.a-teck.co.za/or-tambo-airport-store-teck/
JNB / Johannesburg Airport - Connections, Facilities, Layovers, etc.
Dec 22, 2012, 8:23 pm
#106
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Reverse Connect
I arrived from CPT on SAA at one of the Terminal B jetway gates and followed the signs pointing towards Terminal A.
a moving sidewalk that switch backs took us up to the main domestic terminal.
Again, follow the sign pointing left to Terminal A.
If you need to check in or deal with a ticket agent, you'll see all the ticket desks in the center of the hall.
I turned left, walked down a long hall, following the signs to Terminal A. I walked around an atrium looking down on the public waiting area for Int'l arrivals, following the signs towards the stairs down to the Security Checkpoint.
Went down the stairs to the right. It was evening and the line was short, so got through in a couple of minutes.
On the other side is Passport Control. As light as the crowd was, this took almost 20 minutes with 3 agents.
Once through, there are signs providing approximate walking times to the various gates. They believe the farthest gates (A7-A18) can be reached in 10 minutes.
Go through the hallway to the main hall and follow the signs to your gate. If you have time and want to shop/eat there were plenty of retail/food options.
The signs also point to the various lounges in this main hall. I was headed for the SA lounge at the other end of this large hall, up some stairs on the left.
Don't forget about the walking time. I had to hustle to get back to my gate at the other end of the hall from the SA lounge. I hope this helps someone make their flight.
I am planning to visit Cape Town next year and will likely take Cathay Pacific which flies to JNB and connects with Comair to Cape Town.
My questions is when I depart from Cape Town, do I need to claim lugguage and recheck-in lugguage and then go through immigrations (for departing south africa) at JNB? or can I just go through immigrations at JNB without claiming lugguage?
My questions is when I depart from Cape Town, do I need to claim lugguage and recheck-in lugguage and then go through immigrations (for departing south africa) at JNB? or can I just go through immigrations at JNB without claiming lugguage?
I've checked bags several times a year and this is the first time in 10 years my bag didn't arrive with me, and on an all *A itinerary no less. I don't know if you can short check when connecting through JNB but it may be worth considering if you want to be sure your bags make it with you.
Jan 1, 2013, 4:35 am
#107
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
I would point out, however, that having checked your bags through you did not need to go up the moving side-walk, past the check-in desks and down again. If you had walked straight on from your point in the first picture you would have arrived at the security check point for international (at the bottom of the steps in picture 7).
Folks who do want to re-check bags can follow your documented path - but should be aware that only some of the check-in desks are where you have shown them. There is another, much larger, check-in area further along on the same level and actually in Terminal A. Using these would also result in going air side via different security and immigration check points than those shown.
You certainly can short check bags. Even then, if your bags are going to be in JNB's custody for any length of time you are at risk of pilfering.
Jan 5, 2013, 10:16 am
#108
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Gold, AA MM/Gold, Hilton Gold, Sheraton Gold
Posts: 369
Just pondering this thread since there's plenty of comment here on baggage security and timeliness in JNB. Is this hyperbole, or the occasional screwup? Is theft as big an issue as described here? Lost baggage, ditto? Does this apply to JNB and CPT? I'll be in that neck of the woods in March with checked baggage and should these comments have me wondering/concerned/worried?
Jan 5, 2013, 10:47 am
#109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,978
Does SAA provide boarding passes if pax are connecting to another Star Alliance carrier? I am doing CPT-JNB-LUN-ADD (first two segments on SAA and third on Ethiopian, all same record).
Hope CPT agents are not as strict as JNB agents are with carry-on luggage at check-in. JNB even staffs airport contract workers at security checkpoints to weigh hand baggage before passing through to the airside area.
Hope CPT agents are not as strict as JNB agents are with carry-on luggage at check-in. JNB even staffs airport contract workers at security checkpoints to weigh hand baggage before passing through to the airside area.
Jan 5, 2013, 12:02 pm
#110
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
megalab, kudos for your illustrated guide. :-:
I would point out, however, that having checked your bags through you did not need to go up the moving side-walk, past the check-in desks and down again. If you had walked straight on from your point in the first picture you would have arrived at the security check point for international...
Folks who do want to re-check bags can follow your documented path...
I would point out, however, that having checked your bags through you did not need to go up the moving side-walk, past the check-in desks and down again. If you had walked straight on from your point in the first picture you would have arrived at the security check point for international...
Folks who do want to re-check bags can follow your documented path...
The main points for people who've never been this way is to allow for the potential delay at immigration, and the potential long walk to the lounges and/or Int'l gates.
Jan 5, 2013, 12:21 pm
#111
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Just pondering this thread since there's plenty of comment here on baggage security and timeliness in JNB. Is this hyperbole, or the occasional screwup? Is theft as big an issue as described here? Lost baggage, ditto? Does this apply to JNB and CPT? I'll be in that neck of the woods in March with checked baggage and should these comments have me wondering/concerned/worried?
Despite it taking 2 extra days for my suitcase to get home (not necessarily spend 3 days in JNB as I stated) nothing was stolen. Not that I had anything worth stealing (dirty laundry, conference documents, common souvenirs) but I can still say while I've had a few bags delayed in my life, I've not lost anything.
Jan 5, 2013, 12:30 pm
#112
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Does SAA provide boarding passes if pax are connecting to another Star Alliance carrier? I am doing CPT-JNB-LUN-ADD (first two segments on SAA and third on Ethiopian, all same record).
Hope CPT agents are not as strict as JNB agents are with carry-on luggage at check-in. JNB even staffs airport contract workers at security checkpoints to weigh hand baggage before passing through to the airside area.
Hope CPT agents are not as strict as JNB agents are with carry-on luggage at check-in. JNB even staffs airport contract workers at security checkpoints to weigh hand baggage before passing through to the airside area.
I recall the baggage checker at JNB when flying to CPT. Didn't notice anyone doing the same in CPT on my way to JNB.
Jan 8, 2013, 9:08 am
#113
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
Just pondering this thread since there's plenty of comment here on baggage security and timeliness in JNB. Is this hyperbole, or the occasional screwup? Is theft as big an issue as described here? Lost baggage, ditto? Does this apply to JNB and CPT? I'll be in that neck of the woods in March with checked baggage and should these comments have me wondering/concerned/worried?
I can't comment on lost baggage. It certainly hasn't raised the red flags that the pilferage has.
Jan 9, 2013, 11:58 am
#115
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Guide to Connecting at JNB
If JNB x-rays checked bags like other airports, they'll be able to see anything worth stealing no matter what it looks like on the outside.
Jan 18, 2013, 1:51 pm
#116
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
Programs: UA Gold/0.744MM, WN AL, Hyatt Diamond, MR Scum, Hertz PC, National Exec, Avis PC
Posts: 5,561
Looking to pass my connections past the experts. I've read thru the thread and think I understand what I should do. I've got 4 (yep, 4) connections thru JNB in August. Any advice is appreciated
Connection 1
Intl-Dom, SA J to SA J
LHR-JNB-CPT
1:50 connection time
All one ticket
I should hopefully be able to get my bags tagged to CPT when I leave LAX since it is all one ticket and it is all *A. I will need to retrieve my bags in JNB, clear customs, and then recheck the bags. Anything additional special I need to do?
Connection 2
Dom-Intl, SA J to SA J
CPT-JNB-LVI
2:25 connection time
All one ticket
Seems like a simple one. Bags should be checked all the way thru. Just walk to Immigration and head to my plane. Or is it more complex like the Intl-Intl connections where I need to ensure my bags actually make it across by talking to an SA person?
Connection 3
Intl-Dom, SA Y to SA Y
LVI-JNB-HDS
Overnight stay in JNB
All one ticket
Given the theft from bags issues and bags going missing, I'm assuming the advice here is to tag the bags only to JNB, pick them up, and then recheck them the next morning for the flight to HDS
Connection 4
Dom-Intl, SA Y to TK J
HDS-JNB-IST
3:50 connection time
Two separate tickets
This is probably the most funky one and it looks like I have a couple options. Looking for suggestions on which one I should pursue.
Have I got it right? I never thought I'd have to write such an extensive post on how to actually make sure my bags get to their destination, especially when all flights are *A and many are even on the same ticket! But this statement from my TA about JNB got me REALLY worried;
Connection 1
Intl-Dom, SA J to SA J
LHR-JNB-CPT
1:50 connection time
All one ticket
I should hopefully be able to get my bags tagged to CPT when I leave LAX since it is all one ticket and it is all *A. I will need to retrieve my bags in JNB, clear customs, and then recheck the bags. Anything additional special I need to do?
Connection 2
Dom-Intl, SA J to SA J
CPT-JNB-LVI
2:25 connection time
All one ticket
Seems like a simple one. Bags should be checked all the way thru. Just walk to Immigration and head to my plane. Or is it more complex like the Intl-Intl connections where I need to ensure my bags actually make it across by talking to an SA person?
Connection 3
Intl-Dom, SA Y to SA Y
LVI-JNB-HDS
Overnight stay in JNB
All one ticket
Given the theft from bags issues and bags going missing, I'm assuming the advice here is to tag the bags only to JNB, pick them up, and then recheck them the next morning for the flight to HDS
Connection 4
Dom-Intl, SA Y to TK J
HDS-JNB-IST
3:50 connection time
Two separate tickets
This is probably the most funky one and it looks like I have a couple options. Looking for suggestions on which one I should pursue.
- Don't even try to tag the bags all the way thru. Plan on going outside security upon landing in JNB, get my bags and then recheck in for the TK flight
- Don't even try to tag the bags all the way thru. Find an SA staff member inside security to have them have someone pull my bags and facilitate checking them thru the on next ticket. Is this even possible? I based this on the Intl-Intl description
- Attempt to get the bags checked all the way thru (across the two tickets). Find an TK person inside security to ensure that the bag tags are properly in their system (in order to facilitate, or maybe ensure) the actual transfer of the bags. Is this even possible? Again, based this on the Intl-Intl description.
Have I got it right? I never thought I'd have to write such an extensive post on how to actually make sure my bags get to their destination, especially when all flights are *A and many are even on the same ticket! But this statement from my TA about JNB got me REALLY worried;
South African Airways has opened a new terminal for all their flights and at this time, it is located too far from the existing baggage handling facilities to allow for timeous connections between flights. In most cases luggage is unfortunately not making connecting flights. This is applicable to International, Regional and Domestic Air - for example from London or Washington to Cape Town or from Durban to New York. It is strongly advised that all guests travelling on South African Airways through Johannesburg, should check-in their luggage as far as Johannesburg, take possession of their luggage in Johannesburg and then rebook it onto their connecting flight. In this way they can ensure their luggage arrives at their final destination timeously. This situation is expected to continue for the foreseeable future so we would also recommend allowing for greater connection times – at least 3 hours.
Jan 22, 2013, 9:24 am
#118
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
Connection 1
Intl-Dom, SA J to SA J
LHR-JNB-CPT
1:50 connection time
All one ticket
I should hopefully be able to get my bags tagged to CPT when I leave LAX since it is all one ticket and it is all *A. I will need to retrieve my bags in JNB, clear customs, and then recheck the bags. Anything additional special I need to do?
Intl-Dom, SA J to SA J
LHR-JNB-CPT
1:50 connection time
All one ticket
I should hopefully be able to get my bags tagged to CPT when I leave LAX since it is all one ticket and it is all *A. I will need to retrieve my bags in JNB, clear customs, and then recheck the bags. Anything additional special I need to do?
Connection 2
Dom-Intl, SA J to SA J
CPT-JNB-LVI
2:25 connection time
All one ticket
Seems like a simple one. Bags should be checked all the way thru. Just walk to Immigration and head to my plane. Or is it more complex like the Intl-Intl connections where I need to ensure my bags actually make it across by talking to an SA person?
Dom-Intl, SA J to SA J
CPT-JNB-LVI
2:25 connection time
All one ticket
Seems like a simple one. Bags should be checked all the way thru. Just walk to Immigration and head to my plane. Or is it more complex like the Intl-Intl connections where I need to ensure my bags actually make it across by talking to an SA person?
Connection 3
Intl-Dom, SA Y to SA Y
LVI-JNB-HDS
Overnight stay in JNB
All one ticket
Given the theft from bags issues and bags going missing, I'm assuming the advice here is to tag the bags only to JNB, pick them up, and then recheck them the next morning for the flight to HDS
Intl-Dom, SA Y to SA Y
LVI-JNB-HDS
Overnight stay in JNB
All one ticket
Given the theft from bags issues and bags going missing, I'm assuming the advice here is to tag the bags only to JNB, pick them up, and then recheck them the next morning for the flight to HDS
Connection 4
Dom-Intl, SA Y to TK J
HDS-JNB-IST
3:50 connection time
Two separate tickets
This is probably the most funky one and it looks like I have a couple options. Looking for suggestions on which one I should pursue.
Dom-Intl, SA Y to TK J
HDS-JNB-IST
3:50 connection time
Two separate tickets
This is probably the most funky one and it looks like I have a couple options. Looking for suggestions on which one I should pursue.
- Don't even try to tag the bags all the way thru. Plan on going outside security upon landing in JNB, get my bags and then recheck in for the TK flight
- Don't even try to tag the bags all the way thru. Find an SA staff member inside security to have them have someone pull my bags and facilitate checking them thru the on next ticket. Is this even possible? I based this on the Intl-Intl description
- Attempt to get the bags checked all the way thru (across the two tickets). Find an TK person inside security to ensure that the bag tags are properly in their system (in order to facilitate, or maybe ensure) the actual transfer of the bags. Is this even possible? Again, based this on the Intl-Intl description.
Have I got it right? I never thought I'd have to write such an extensive post on how to actually make sure my bags get to their destination, especially when all flights are *A and many are even on the same ticket! But this statement from my TA about JNB got me REALLY worried;
Jan 22, 2013, 7:57 pm
#119
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: So Cal
Programs: UA Gold/0.744MM, WN AL, Hyatt Diamond, MR Scum, Hertz PC, National Exec, Avis PC
Posts: 5,561
As I said previously the problem of bags going missing is far less prevalent (and there is much less you can do about it) than that of bags being opened and stuff removed. My advice is to make your bags as tamper-proof as possible. Don't check a bag with a zip that can be opened with a ballpoint pen and then resealed. Oyster shell bags are best. Or consider having your bags plastic wrapped. At the very least ensure that bags have the zip fastener locked in place.
I had never even considered a device to prevent the zippers from moving. I always use zip-ties as my luggage lock since they are cheap and easy (and if the TSA or Customs wants in, they easily can and I can tell). It never even dawned on me until you mentioned it that someone could open the zipper, take things out and use the locked together zippers to heal the split they created
Looks like I'll be looking into something to lock the zippers in place.For those looking for an example of splitting the zipper, see here - http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com...rap-p-201.html
Jan 24, 2013, 10:54 am
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
Johan