Checked bags: to lock or not to lock?
 

Hi all,

I have a trip coming up that, unfortunately, will require checking a bag -- something I haven't done in months. The question is, now that they're potentially searching checked baggage, whether locking the bag is a good idea? I read through previous threads, and someone mentioned having the entire lock apparatus on the bag cut open, as opposed to cutting the lock. I wouldn't mind if they cut the lock off if they need to search it, but I would be furious if they cut the rings off the zipper. Now that people have had more experience with the new security procedures, maybe someone will have good advice. To lock or not to lock?

Personally, I would lock it. I haveto travel with checked baggage because of a larger sample case that the **** airlines won't let me call my purse or diaper bag.

I always lock. Let them destroy it. The airlines will just pay more to get it fixed.

LOCK IT, by all means LOCK IT!!

None of the three screening methods that are allowed now (matching, bomb sniffing dogs or x-ray) requires anyone to open your bag. An unlocked bag just invites "sticky fingers" on the ramp to look in your bag.

UA told me several years ago that they did not have to reimburse me when they broke my lock to get into my bag. They said that they have a right to search any checked bag at any time. They suggested that I use a common brand lock with a key because they have a lot of master keys that can allow them to get into a bag without breaking anything. The lock they had broken was a relatively expensive combination lock. Eventually they did send me a coupon for $25 off of a future flight.

I don't know what the current airline philosophy is, but when I check a bag I now use a cheap Samsonite lock that is just intended to keep the bag from accidentally coming open. And I never pack anything that looks (or is) valuable. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Westcoaster (edited 02-05-2002).]

If they run into a situation where they need to hand search your bag because the CTX has determined there might be something dangerous in it, they'll probably either cut the lock or search it in front of you. I think the idea of using a standard lock is a good idea, but I certainly don't want (1) to miss my flight because I need to watch them sort through my clothes or (2) have them not load my bag on because it needs to be searched by hand first.

I doubt these days you'll get much sympathy if they cut your lock either.

Your best bet is probably to call the airline and see what they say.

d

As an FF who's flown for over 20 years with almost always the absolute maximum amount of checked baggage possible (and often more!), my advice is:

1) Don't pack serious valuables in checked luggage.

2) Tip the Skycap.

3) Don't sweat it.

I've occasionally put a tiny lock (or a twist-tie) on a piece to keep the zipper from easing open, but that's about it.

If all you're packing is clothes (and things that would now be confiscated at "security", like tweezers), I wouldn't bother with a lock.

It IS still apparently illegal for the airlines to open your bags without your presence: see
this recent thread.

When we check in, I do watch to make sure the bags are tagged right, and stay to make sure they're put on the belt (or the cart and watch them pushed inside) - and the Skycaps always get tipped $1-2 per bag at least.

We've had bags maimed (far and away the most common problem), bags late, and later (until we didn't need their contents, sigh), but all in all, the track record is pretty good, and the pilfering level is virtually nil.

And if you're worried about taking more "stealables" than you can carry on, then ship them, insured!




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The Delta Flyers' Guide

I think the most important thing is to not check anything like a camera that is valuable since it is likely to exceed the level of allowable compensation if your luggage is lost. Also, I think airport/airline employees are the most likely thieves, and its kind of scary to think they have sets of master keys. Tipping the Skycap is always smart.

I always lock my checked luggage, not primarily because I'm concerned about things being stolen, but because I don't want anyone to easily be able to put something in my suitcase that can give me trouble with security or customs.

At LHR yesterday the lady performing a random hand search of my bag before check-in recommended that people always have a lock on their checked bags.

I guess I must have looked like a clean person as she did not bother with the rubber gloves (that were sittung on the table) when going through the bag http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif As an aside I don't think she did a good job of checking the (very large) bag, she looked through the books at the top of the bags and then just asked "is the rest just clothes?", before putting an inspected sticker on it and walking it (and me) past the x-ray machine and up to the check-in desk.

This reminded me of one of the funniest or saddest things I have seen lately. When arriving at LHR from LAX last month we saw at least 5 padlocks (some of them were heavy duty Masters type, open but not cut open) floating around our baggage claim carousel. So I guess you can lock it for your peace of mind, but in the long run I think it is better to not to check anything you don't mind losing. (I've had bags disappear totally, but nothing has ever been stolen from a bag I got back)

I am currently fighting w/ AA over rings cut off luggage. (Nothing missing -- only dirty clothes inside.) They disclaim responsibility for "exterior" items. My position is that bad was damaged as result of tampering no less than if sides had been slashed.

Customs can pick most of the locks. The locks that they cant pick they crack off. That is if they think there is something suspicous in your bag depending on xray and dog sniffing results.

I dont bother with a lock because if they want to open the bag they will just hack it off. I had a very secure lock once and it seemed to be crushed by some giant pliers. I figured they couldnt pick the lock?

I don't use a lock, I use plastic zip-ties. They can open it if they need to (which is true of any lock) but it keeps folks with sticky fingers from browsing around, and keeps it from opening by accident.

Throw a few zip-ties in your bag and you can travel around the world replacing it every leg of the journey. Plus that way you at least know if they looked in it -- which isn't necessarily true if they just use a master key and close it back up. That way i know to check if something is missing...

But how do you remove the zip-ties?
Easy - use a pair of scissors or knife.

BUT WAIT! You can't pack those in your carry-on, right? So you pack them in your checked luggage - which is sealed by the now-impenetrable zip-tie!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif just poking fun. It's a good idea.

- Sameer

i always lock mine, no matter what. if they want in, they can ask...