TSA Lock requirement...
Jun 27, 2017, 7:48 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 276
TSA Lock requirement...
If I exclusively fly to places outside the US, is a TSA approved (non)lock still required?
I'm considering lightening my carryon by checking some of my gadgets, but want to properly lock my suitcase.
I'm considering lightening my carryon by checking some of my gadgets, but want to properly lock my suitcase.
Jun 27, 2017, 2:04 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Cupertino, CA - AA:PLT 2MM; Marriott:Plt; Hilton:Slv
Posts: 562
Frankly, all locks are easily cut with proper tools (so it really only adds a slight deterrent or "keep it closed" approach). I've given up on locks and gone to zip ties. If security wants to cut it open, they won't cut off the lock (which they do regardless of whether it's "TSA approved"). But it adds enough deterrent to the "open quick and see" theft approach.
Jun 28, 2017, 8:42 am
#5
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Frankly, all locks are easily cut with proper tools (so it really only adds a slight deterrent or "keep it closed" approach). I've given up on locks and gone to zip ties. If security wants to cut it open, they won't cut off the lock (which they do regardless of whether it's "TSA approved"). But it adds enough deterrent to the "open quick and see" theft approach.
With zippered luggage, the weakest security link is the zipper, making a lock a moot point.
Jun 28, 2017, 4:30 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 276
I'm looking around for a new suitcase, and will go for a hard shell, non zippered type. problem is that all the ones I've seen so far won't even take a separate lock, let alone a ziptie...Except for the FPM Bank, but that is rather expensive.
Jun 28, 2017, 5:22 pm
#7
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
What gadgets are you thinking of putting in your checked luggage?
Some items are not allowed by the airline or the countries involved.
Some items are prime targets for theft.
Is checking a bag necessary as the time consumed in doing so adds up?
Some items are not allowed by the airline or the countries involved.
Some items are prime targets for theft.
Is checking a bag necessary as the time consumed in doing so adds up?
Jun 29, 2017, 3:11 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
http://www.pelican.com/ca/en/pro/air/
They have a hole for use with a lock or ziptie or other tamper-evident tags.
Jun 30, 2017, 4:50 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Canton, OH
Posts: 244
I always lock my luggage with either luggage lock, zip ties, or both. The way I use them doesn't prevent someone from opening my luggage by breaching the zippers but it does prevent them from covering their tracks without cutting the ties or opening the lock.
Shak
Shak
Jun 30, 2017, 6:58 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 276
I know there are many one-bag advocates out here. To me checking a bag does the following:
- I don't have to worry about stuff I can't take in my carry-on. No limits on liquids, my swiss army knife can stay with me, so can many other things.
- Checking bag usually adds about 2 minutes to my train-to-gate dash in ZRH.
- Don't have to worry about where I will put whatever I buy on the trip...
What I want to do is since I am checking a suitcase is making my carry-on lighter. So in the suitcase go powersupplies, a powerstrip and socket adaptors, my bluetooth speakers, and my second screen. And sometimes my second laptop...
The pelican case idea looks interesting.
Jun 30, 2017, 8:13 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,687
Jul 1, 2017, 5:07 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 276
I'm starting to design the ultimate "suitcase to live out of" for my business trips.
A pelican case would probably be a good base. Provided it has the right dimensions so I can put something like a "Riser" collabisble shelf in one half of the bottom, divide up the other half for my gadgets (just added a small coffee maker to the load). And some kind of organiser in the lid.
Does this make sense?
Jul 1, 2017, 8:06 am
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Locks are an invitation to theft. They are a signal to anyone who has access to the bag at departure, connection and arrival that you have something of value in the bag.
Use a tie if you are concerned about the bag popping open. If you aren't concerned about that, don't bother locking at all.
Use a tie if you are concerned about the bag popping open. If you aren't concerned about that, don't bother locking at all.
Jul 1, 2017, 10:21 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,687
Are there any lid organisers that would fit the Pelican Air? I quick search didn't turn up anyting yet.
I'm starting to design the ultimate "suitcase to live out of" for my business trips.
A pelican case would probably be a good base. Provided it has the right dimensions so I can put something like a "Riser" collabisble shelf in one half of the bottom, divide up the other half for my gadgets (just added a small coffee maker to the load). And some kind of organiser in the lid.
Does this make sense?
I'm starting to design the ultimate "suitcase to live out of" for my business trips.
A pelican case would probably be a good base. Provided it has the right dimensions so I can put something like a "Riser" collabisble shelf in one half of the bottom, divide up the other half for my gadgets (just added a small coffee maker to the load). And some kind of organiser in the lid.
Does this make sense?
What you are planning to do was what we had to do to secure and protect our photo lighting gear in the 1650 for air shipping