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...

or you can be a geek like me and spend $8.50 or so for these mini plastic travel locks from magellan's until you figure our that your hubby has a box of those plastic thingies in his tool drawer...

if you're worried about zips on soft bags opening then instead of a lock why not use a piece of ribbon?

We 'mark' all our bags with a short length of patterned ribbon tied either onto the handle on suitcases or through the zip holes (instead of a lock) on soft bags.

It makes identification on the belt that bit easier and no keys to lose!!

For the first time in my life after 25 years of travelling I locked a bag before my FCO-CDG flight. Flights were cancelled at FCO, bags shuffled around, to make a long story short we got the bags at CDG and EVERY bag had a red plastic doohicky on it within which was twisted bailing wire that wasn't there when I picked 'em up at the AZ office for rechecking. Not exactly secure but definitely enough to keep sticky fingers out. The locked bag (containing lots of our purchases) was secured with one of these plastic thingys as well and the lock (decent quality) was nowhere to be found.

IMHO locks only serve to deter a petty thief that might otherwise unzip and have a casual look around. My luggage is ugly enough to do that anyway so I just don't bother! As others have said, don't check valuables (jewelry, etc) and you will have no worries.

...........

delete

Here's a tip passed on to me by a luggage salesperson in downtown MIA shop, reportedly told to him by baggage handler friend who worked at MIA:

Don't use a padlock of any sort because the self-sealing zippers can be opened by poking them with a ball point pen and resealed by running the zipper back and forth -- you never realize your bag's been opened until you yourself open it!

To lock a bag, use a cable tie (aforementioned "zip tie"). To prevent the self-sealing problem, be sure to tie it through the padlock loops, and then through the handle before cinching it down. It then can't be opened and self-sealed to "close".

As for the opening . . . well, I think you can get by with nail clippers on most flights now.



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It's not a perfect world.

I am a believer in locking all my checked luggage. My theory is no different than the person who uses "The Club" on the steering wheel of their car. A thief always takes the path of least resistance.

As for checking the bag with a Skycap, I used to do that, give $1-2 per bag as a tip, and then stand around like an idiot until they wheel my bags away or put them on a belt. Now I just go to the F/elite ticket counter line on either DL & AA (I only fly them or their partners) and let the agent working the counter put my luggage on the conveyor belt. In case there are any items missing and my bags were broken into, this narrows the field of possible suspects down to the luggage handlers on the tarmac.
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[This message has been edited by Rssrsvp (edited 02-13-2002).]

I don't use locks anymore. I use tiewraps. You simply ask for scissors when you get to the hotel and cut them off. I carry a lot of them in the side pockets in case they want to search when I check in. A cheap alternative and easy to find your luggage on a baggage carousel ~ especially if you use the colored ones!

Plastic wire ties are the way to go.... I use a key chain box cutter to open. I've had no problems with it.

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At 6'6" -'coach' is a dirty word!

This is from Southwest's website:
http://www.iflyswa.com/travel_center/pack_smart.html

"Remove hooks and straps before checking luggage. These are easily caught in baggage handling machinery, which can cause extensive damage to your bag.

Be sure to lock your luggage prior to checking it in, and keep the key with you."

-I figure that if you follow their directions, you are more likely to win an argument if something goes wrong... of course this is the perfect world theory...

I used to use electrician's ties before they prohibited nail clippers (easy to clip off on the backside). Now, I don't have much for them to steal if they do take anything.

Once, US mangled a bag, I wrote them (politely), stating the replacement cost, and they sent a check (with a release on the back, of course), but I got a new bag, so all was well.

Locking prevents from other people smuggling things using your bags...

I also use the plastic zip ties that can be purchased in a variety of colors.

I just figure that if customs or anyone else with a legitimate purpose needs to get into my bags, they will get into my bags regardless of what type of locking mechanism I use. I am trying to prevent folks with "sticky fingers" from getting into my bags (regardles of who needs to or wants to get into my bags, I NEVER put anything of real value in my checked bags).

Also, I don't want anyone using my bag to smuggle anything. I have heard stories about airline employees using passenger luggage to smuggle stuff. They put their "stuff" into your bag, mark the bag somehow (tie plastic ribbon to the handle, fold a newspaper and leave it partially hanging out of an exterior zipper compartment, etc.) so their accomplice at the other end knows which bag was used, take out their "stuff" and send your bag on its way. If customs or whomever finds the "stuff", Mr. or Mrs. passenger takes the fall. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

I use zip ties in an oddball color which makes it less likely that someone with "sticky fingers" will just happen to have a replacement zip tie. Also, the zip tie makes it really easy to identify my bag on the luggage carousel. On the rare occasion when my bag is misplaced or delayed during its journey from the plane to the luggage carousel and a customer service rep is helping me find the bag, explaining that I have used a zip tie on the zipper makes it really easy for the rep to look for my bag. No need for them to look at luggage tags on similar looking bags. If the bag doesn't have a zip tie (I will usually put a couple of extra on the handle just for identification purposes), then the rep easily knows to keep on looking.


[This message has been edited by onedog (edited 02-15-2002).]

I just got back from a trip where I was told in LAX (by CO), that luggage locks were no longer allowed. They did, however, provide me with a zip tie. On the way back in IAH (also CO), I was told that they had no zip ties. I then asked if I could lock my luggage, and got a very puzzled look from the agent, who said that of course I could lock my luggage. For my next trip, I figure I'll buy some zip ties and bring zip ties and locks with me, and just ask which I can use, since it doesn't seem to be consistent.

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I'm glad someone mentioned this -- with soft bags you really do have to run the tie through both zippers AND something stationary on the bag. The duffels I use (Eagle Creek, highly recommended) have good steel D-hooks on both ends of the zipper run for the shoulder straps.

I attach the zippers to one end -- it also makes it much harder to do the pull-apart soft luggage trick where the sides of the bag are spread from between the zippers. This is more of a problem in overnight trains in Europe and such, where the crooks need time to get away before you realize you've been ripped off.

As for opening the zip ties on arrival, I didn't realize it was such an issue for folks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif They're strong, certainly, but they aren't exatly adamant. If you just pull apart the zippers sharply it'll break the internal "catch" on the zip tie. The key word here is sharply -- you can quickly feel like the 90-pound weakling trying to slowly pull one apart! :P