I've read earlier threads but nothing real recent. We're making a couple connections (domestic) before our flt. to FRA and on to FCO. We ck. our bags all the way through. What's the latest on locking when in our situation? (plastic ties?) Thanks.

LH says don't lock them. This was in effect when I flew on the 8th of April out of FRA.

I think if you are using the plastic ties then you're ok. As long as TSA can cut them off and then replace them with their own it should'nt be a problem.

i love those little red pseudo-locks from magellans.

U.S. to wherever, the advisory is the same: locks not advised. The TSA doesn't give a rip whether you're going to Syracuse or Syria.

Re-entering the U.S., YMMV.

I'm surprised to see that not too many people on FT are infuriated at this "advice" of the TSA.

I currently have a letter that I'm planning on sending to the TSA, my Congresspeople, and the airlines I regularly fly. I'll be posting a copy on FT for people to read and critique. (No, this isn't anti-TSA -- more of anti-"We have the right to go through your stuff behind your back because we're the TSA. Who cares what other civilized countries do.") I find it also disgusting that no news of this was announced until January.

I'm also want to compile a list of US airports that have checked baggage inspections before going to the airline agents and check baggage inspections "behind-the-scenes" . I also want to set up a list of countries (esp. with tough security measures) and how they screen luggage.

Right now, I'm hoping that this is just only temporary and will eventually be resolved in the long run.

- Pat

[This message has been edited by Wiirachay (edited 04-10-2003).]

What is this? Do you have a link? Thanks.

Wiirachay, check out the Security forum on this board and In The News on the Miles board and you'll get an earful/eyeful of disdain.

USAFAN, the poster above you mentioned Magellans. They're online.

Thanks essxjay. I found it with GOOGLE.

PrivaSeal
Once you snap a tiny PrivaSeal on your zippered luggage, no one will be able to open and pilfer its contents without breaking the seal. A clever way to discourage luggage tampering. Individually numbered, just like security seals ought to be. Packaged one dozen to a reclosable pouch. A Magellan's exclusive. (28g)

http://www.magellans.com/shopping/pr...emType=PRODUCT

I guess I must be a little slow as I still don't understand what good these do if they are cut off after you've checked you luggage.

The point to having these is:

(a) you have a lock, but you risk it being cut off. you don't want to lose your lock

(b) you don't lock your bag but it is never opened by TSA so it never gets a plastic seal. then your bag is shipped without a lock.

(c) with a disposable "lock" it discourages tampering because the bag is not flagrantly left unprotected, but in case the bag is flagged by the chocolate detector, you don't mind it being removed since the thing is single-use anyway.

As I said, sometimes I'm slow, but I think I'm getting the picture now. The point of the disposable lock is, your bag is locked until TSA would remove it to inspect, at which time THEY would then seal it after inspecting. Am I understanding this correctly?

We used these disposable locks on our bags recently. Three went through with no problem but one had been opened. A notice was put inside bag and a new cable lock was put on the bag. Good thing, though, that we took blunt-nose scissors in our carryon; that cable lock would have been impossible to remove without the scissors.

On my last trip to the Dominican Republic I saw a system of giant plastic wrap that was wound around and around the luggage. Easy to remove at home, but hard to hide that someone opened your bag.

I personally like my plastic ties.

That is exactly it.