Policy on locking luggage

[downsized]

My TSA locks have an indicator that changes color whenever it is opened by the TSA. And the locks are reusable, zip ties aren't. ;)

 

Your TSA locks have an indicator that changes color when the TSA key is used, not when some reprobate uses a hairpin.

[swedish weave]

What I would know is that someone, somewhere, opened my bag.

I could/would then do a thorough inventory of its contents.

 

If I used a flourescent lime green zip tie, and it was still firmly affixed upon arrival, then I might not be quite so concerned.

 

I have no illusions that anything lost or stolen while in transit will be recovered or replaced...anyone that does (in my opnion) might be slightly naive.

 

My solution, although it seems to have caused more than a little consternation amoung the smug set, is only my solution. It makes me feel better, so I do it.

 

Have a great day, and keep that huge post count up!

 

I agree that nothing will keep a determined thief from taking what he wants, but the zip ties will give you your first clue that someone has opened your bag. That tells you to be more observant when you unpack to see what if anything is missing. I use them for that reason, also.

[Boytjie]

Your TSA locks have an indicator that changes color when the TSA key is used, not when some reprobate uses a hairpin.

 

And other than keep your zippers closed, what do your neon color zip ties do? At least my locks don't end up in the trash every trip. ;)

[terrymtex01]

WOW.. after reading this thread I am glad I never worry about this stuff. I keep anything of real value with us at all times in a carry on. If someone is determined to steal from you, they will find a way to get into your suitecase or your home, etc. Doesn't mean not to try to prepare for it. I mean we have home security system that includes video cameras that view the entire parameter of our home, but I know, if someone really wants in, they will get in. Thank goodness we would have them on video at least. LOL.

 

we cruised to Alaska out of Vancouver summer of '09. DH was on perratonial dialysis at the time, and we had to bring about 20+ boxes of dialysis fluids (sugar water) on board for him to cycle every evening. We were held up for about an hour while ship's security had to open each and every box, and compare it with his shipping invoice. Nice thing was, once we were done, we got a personal escort to our room from the assistant cruise director :) We're off to the Mexican Riviera in March, and DH has since had a kidney transplant! We plan on packing a lot lighter :)

Debbie

 

Debbie.. I'm glad your husband got a transplant. I hope he is doing well.

[raventhebouv]

Absolutely!;) If you have TSA approved locks, lock you luggage up!;)

We use the TSA approved locks when traveling by plane or on a cruise. I know they work because the last 2 trips (California & Florida) there was a printed form in my suitcase notifying me that it had been randomly searched and then relocked. :)

[raventhebouv]

"TSA approved locks" is so funny.

I spent 30 years as a locksmith, and I can tell you that there is nearly zero security in any "TSA approved" lock. If I can open one in less than 5 seconds, the bad guys can do so in 10 (or less).

 

I use brightly colored zip ties. In my opinion, they offer better security, in that if TSA needs to, they can easily cut the tie, but I then at least know that someone has been in my luggage. TSA approved locks rank right up there with the ban against nail clippers.

LOL...I am more worried about seeing my underwear blowing all over the airfield after the luggage handler "gently" (!) puts my luggage on the cart to go to the plane. If someone wants to get into your suitcase they will, so that is why I put nothing of value in checked baggage, I carry anything valuable in my carry on.

[raventhebouv]

You don't need TSA approved locks. They're for flying. The TSA doesn't screen luggage going onto a cruise ship, it's the port agency or cruise line's security. You can use any lock for luggage going on a cruise ship.

That's correct. But if you use a TSA approved lock you won't find a note in your cabin to go and unlock your suitcase. The workers at the port will be able to open the TSA lock, search your luggage, close it up and deliver it to your cabin.

[raventhebouv]

we cruised to Alaska out of Vancouver summer of '09. DH was on perratonial dialysis at the time, and we had to bring about 20+ boxes of dialysis fluids (sugar water) on board for him to cycle every evening. We were held up for about an hour while ship's security had to open each and every box, and compare it with his shipping invoice. Nice thing was, once we were done, we got a personal escort to our room from the assistant cruise director :) We're off to the Mexican Riviera in March, and DH has since had a kidney transplant! We plan on packing a lot lighter :)

Debbie

Life is good! Have a great cruise!!

[njhorseman]

That's correct. But if you use a TSA approved lock you won't find a note in your cabin to go and unlock your suitcase. The workers at the port will be able to open the TSA lock, search your luggage, close it up and deliver it to your cabin.

 

Uh...no. Once again, the port/cruiseline security is not TSA, they do not (or at least they shouldn't ) have the TSA key. If your luggage was opened and someone left a note it should have been the TSA at the airport that did it, not the cruise line.

[swedish weave]

That's correct. But if you use a TSA approved lock you won't find a note in your cabin to go and unlock your suitcase. The workers at the port will be able to open the TSA lock, search your luggage, close it up and deliver it to your cabin.

 

The notes in the cabins are generated from what is seen on the scanner. The cruise lines don't open your luggage even if it is unlocked.

[swedish weave]

And other than keep your zippers closed, what do your neon color zip ties do? At least my locks don't end up in the trash every trip. ;)

 

If the zip ties are missing, you can be pretty sure someone has opened your luggage.

[gooch47]

Cable ties (e.g. zip ties) are cheap. Sold in large quantity packages.

 

The last time I used a TSA lock it and the zipper tabs were missing when I got home. I think the lock got caught on something. There certainly wasn't anything in my luggage worth stealing.