Key-lock a suitcase internationally?
Jun 8, 2018, 6:07 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: DL Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 325
Key-lock a suitcase internationally?
Traveling DL DCA-JFK-CDG, then AF CDG-TLV. I have an old hard-sided Samsonite that has two keyed locks. I haven't needed to use it in years and don't know how current security measures would affect it. Should I lock the suitcase or leave it unlocked?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jun 8, 2018, 10:03 am
#2
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
Flew AF/DL DXB>CDG>ATL>SAT in December and we locked our four bags. Granted they were TSA-approved locks but there was no indication any of them had been tampered with or opened. Not sure about the pre-TSA old style key locks. Our old hardsides are long gone but I’d probably not use them for fear they’d be forced open with no easy way to be resecured.
Jun 8, 2018, 11:04 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
If either TSA, French security and/or customs or Israeli services decide they want to open a locked bag they can break it without really any recourse.
Assuming the bag with locks are preTSA approved locks, which have universal keys for security services to use, locking them comes with a risk. You could get one of the bands with a built-in TSA approved lock that goes around your bag and then you leave your existing locks open.
Assuming the bag with locks are preTSA approved locks, which have universal keys for security services to use, locking them comes with a risk. You could get one of the bands with a built-in TSA approved lock that goes around your bag and then you leave your existing locks open.
Jun 11, 2018, 9:42 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Frensham, Lincolnshire
Programs: RFC
Posts: 5,089
Don't use locks. Use zip ties, and keep a supply of spares in the bag itself. Secures the bag from random thieves, doesn't present any problem to security to open, and is cheaper than replacing locks on bags or bags themselves if the locks are integral. It's also very easy to see if the bag has been opened: count the zip ties left.
Jun 12, 2018, 6:22 am
#5
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
Don't use locks. Use zip ties, and keep a supply of spares in the bag itself. Secures the bag from random thieves, doesn't present any problem to security to open, and is cheaper than replacing locks on bags or bags themselves if the locks are integral. It's also very easy to see if the bag has been opened: count the zip ties left.
Jun 12, 2018, 11:55 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: DL Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 325
Yes, Randyk47, I followed Yoshi212's advice and got a band with a built-in TSA lock to go around the suitcase and I left the case itself unlocked. I'm glad to report it arrived intact (on a later flight than my other bags, but that wasn't an issue). Thanks for the help.
Jun 12, 2018, 2:00 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Locking a bag will not deter thieves and may even flag it as a bag from which it is worth stealing. Thus, pointless for most travel.
Whether a lock is "TSA-approved" will make little difference as to whether TSA (or anyone else) cuts or pries the lock. It is often faster to cut or otherwise force it. For built in locks while traveling, you either spend time getting the thing fixed or buying a new case.
Whether a lock is "TSA-approved" will make little difference as to whether TSA (or anyone else) cuts or pries the lock. It is often faster to cut or otherwise force it. For built in locks while traveling, you either spend time getting the thing fixed or buying a new case.
Jun 12, 2018, 4:11 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriot Am, MU Pt
Posts: 3,092
I also lock mine mostly so people don't put stuff in. I've nothing worth stealing. I carry all my valuables. I use mostly Rimowa suitcases and only once have I found evidence of prying. Someone tried to pry the locks open to no avail. Now zippers to worry about.
Anyways I have a little luggage tag with a throwaway contact email on there that says, if they want to open it, I'm available to open it.
Anyways I have a little luggage tag with a throwaway contact email on there that says, if they want to open it, I'm available to open it.
Jun 12, 2018, 4:12 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,863
Locking a bag will not deter thieves and may even flag it as a bag from which it is worth stealing. Thus, pointless for most travel.
Whether a lock is "TSA-approved" will make little difference as to whether TSA (or anyone else) cuts or pries the lock. It is often faster to cut or otherwise force it. For built in locks while traveling, you either spend time getting the thing fixed or buying a new case.
Whether a lock is "TSA-approved" will make little difference as to whether TSA (or anyone else) cuts or pries the lock. It is often faster to cut or otherwise force it. For built in locks while traveling, you either spend time getting the thing fixed or buying a new case.