Locking luggage
Aug 9th 2004, 5:01 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Locking luggage
What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
luggage) to check contents?
onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
luggage) to check contents?
Aug 9th 2004, 6:43 am
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
>What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
>onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
>no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
>luggage) to check contents?
You could try just using twist-ties. They're still easily undone for security
checks, but take enough time that they might deter someone from just opening
your bag and grabbing stufff. I also see locks advertised that carry a special
logo, saying that airport security has a special gizmo that will allow them to
open those with no problem.
-- Kimbis
>onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
>no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
>luggage) to check contents?
You could try just using twist-ties. They're still easily undone for security
checks, but take enough time that they might deter someone from just opening
your bag and grabbing stufff. I also see locks advertised that carry a special
logo, saying that airport security has a special gizmo that will allow them to
open those with no problem.
-- Kimbis
Aug 9th 2004, 7:37 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
f.crane wrote:
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
Apparently there are now "approved" luggage locks available (which may
be opened by a special tool - presumably issued to all inspectors). If
you don't use one of those, and don't want your "good" lock cut open (or
worse still, the zipper-pulls - to which it's attached - removed), I'd
suggest either leaving them unlocked or doing as I have, these last few
trips, and securing them with easily removed "twist ties". (I don't
think anyone is under the illusion that luggage locks are any security
against theft, but they DO keep your case from opening accidentally and
strewing your belongings across the tarmac en route to your plane.)
Using the "single use" fasteners provides evidence that your bags have
been opened (or not), but I'm not sure what good that would do you. The
lock would have been removed by inspectors before you boarded your
initial flight, so if anything has gone missing, how could you prove
where it was removed, and by whom? (Unless it was something
"suspicious", in which case I'm sure you'd be made aware of it long
before take-off!) ;-D
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
Apparently there are now "approved" luggage locks available (which may
be opened by a special tool - presumably issued to all inspectors). If
you don't use one of those, and don't want your "good" lock cut open (or
worse still, the zipper-pulls - to which it's attached - removed), I'd
suggest either leaving them unlocked or doing as I have, these last few
trips, and securing them with easily removed "twist ties". (I don't
think anyone is under the illusion that luggage locks are any security
against theft, but they DO keep your case from opening accidentally and
strewing your belongings across the tarmac en route to your plane.)
Using the "single use" fasteners provides evidence that your bags have
been opened (or not), but I'm not sure what good that would do you. The
lock would have been removed by inspectors before you boarded your
initial flight, so if anything has gone missing, how could you prove
where it was removed, and by whom? (Unless it was something
"suspicious", in which case I'm sure you'd be made aware of it long
before take-off!) ;-D
Aug 9th 2004, 9:15 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
"Kim Dyer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one
checks
> >onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks?
Use
> >no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage
the
> >luggage) to check contents?
> You could try just using twist-ties. They're still easily undone
for security
> checks, but take enough time that they might deter someone from just
opening
> your bag and grabbing stufff. I also see locks advertised that
carry a special
> logo, saying that airport security has a special gizmo that will
allow them to
> open those with no problem.
As the Duke of Wellington said, "If you can believe that, you can
believe anything". Use cable ties; they are cheap enough and airport
personnel in the US don't seem to disapprove.
--
James V. Silverton
Potomac, Maryland, USA
news:[email protected]...
> >What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one
checks
> >onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks?
Use
> >no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage
the
> >luggage) to check contents?
> You could try just using twist-ties. They're still easily undone
for security
> checks, but take enough time that they might deter someone from just
opening
> your bag and grabbing stufff. I also see locks advertised that
carry a special
> logo, saying that airport security has a special gizmo that will
allow them to
> open those with no problem.
As the Duke of Wellington said, "If you can believe that, you can
believe anything". Use cable ties; they are cheap enough and airport
personnel in the US don't seem to disapprove.
--
James V. Silverton
Potomac, Maryland, USA
Aug 9th 2004, 4:02 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
Kim Dyer writes:
> I also see locks advertised that carry a special
> logo, saying that airport security has a special gizmo that will allow them to
> open those with no problem.
The same gizmo the airport thieves carry, you mean?
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
> I also see locks advertised that carry a special
> logo, saying that airport security has a special gizmo that will allow them to
> open those with no problem.
The same gizmo the airport thieves carry, you mean?
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
Aug 9th 2004, 9:44 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
"f.crane" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:U5ORc.256855$JR4.174586@attbi_s54...
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
Have used cable ties, twist ties, and paper clips with success. No illusion
that anyone could not open them, but just keeps accidental openings down.
Joe in Texas
news:U5ORc.256855$JR4.174586@attbi_s54...
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
Have used cable ties, twist ties, and paper clips with success. No illusion
that anyone could not open them, but just keeps accidental openings down.
Joe in Texas
Aug 10th 2004, 9:03 am
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
<< What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks onto
airlines these days? >>
We use plastic-coated wire. And use as twists. We've done this for years and
have never locked the luggage. The twists merely make sure the zippers don't
open. We also put nothing of real value in our checked luggage - just our
clothing - none brand new. Anything of value we take with in our carry-ons.
airlines these days? >>
We use plastic-coated wire. And use as twists. We've done this for years and
have never locked the luggage. The twists merely make sure the zippers don't
open. We also put nothing of real value in our checked luggage - just our
clothing - none brand new. Anything of value we take with in our carry-ons.
Aug 10th 2004, 11:40 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
Home depot sells plastic locking ties, once "locked" a person cannot
pull it open, but easy enough for airport security to cut off with
scissors (if still intact when you arrive, you must have scissors to
cut them off! I have gone to my hotel room many times and have had to
call to the front desk for scissors to be brought up!).
I have never had mine "cut off" by airport personnel, however, once I
left the front pockets unzipped and they put "the note" about having
searched my luggage inside that pocket, even though the ties were all
still in place!
Debbie
[email protected] (Steltzjr) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> << What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks onto
> airlines these days? >>
>
> We use plastic-coated wire. And use as twists. We've done this for years and
> have never locked the luggage. The twists merely make sure the zippers don't
> open. We also put nothing of real value in our checked luggage - just our
> clothing - none brand new. Anything of value we take with in our carry-ons.
pull it open, but easy enough for airport security to cut off with
scissors (if still intact when you arrive, you must have scissors to
cut them off! I have gone to my hotel room many times and have had to
call to the front desk for scissors to be brought up!).
I have never had mine "cut off" by airport personnel, however, once I
left the front pockets unzipped and they put "the note" about having
searched my luggage inside that pocket, even though the ties were all
still in place!
Debbie
[email protected] (Steltzjr) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> << What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks onto
> airlines these days? >>
>
> We use plastic-coated wire. And use as twists. We've done this for years and
> have never locked the luggage. The twists merely make sure the zippers don't
> open. We also put nothing of real value in our checked luggage - just our
> clothing - none brand new. Anything of value we take with in our carry-ons.
Aug 11th 2004, 4:13 am
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
James Silverton <[email protected]> wrote:
> As the Duke of Wellington said, "If you can believe that, you can
> believe anything". Use cable ties; they are cheap enough and airport
> personnel in the US don't seem to disapprove.
This may be airline or airport specific. At JFK a few weeks ago, the
security for my (Delta) flight to CDG made it clear that _any_ kind of
locks or ties should be removed on luggage- and they were enforcing
this. When I opened my luggage after the trip, there was a little card
inside which indicated that they'd looked through it- I wouldn't have
noticed otherwise, however.
David
--
David Horne- www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
> As the Duke of Wellington said, "If you can believe that, you can
> believe anything". Use cable ties; they are cheap enough and airport
> personnel in the US don't seem to disapprove.
This may be airline or airport specific. At JFK a few weeks ago, the
security for my (Delta) flight to CDG made it clear that _any_ kind of
locks or ties should be removed on luggage- and they were enforcing
this. When I opened my luggage after the trip, there was a little card
inside which indicated that they'd looked through it- I wouldn't have
noticed otherwise, however.
David
--
David Horne- www.davidhorne.net
usenet (at) davidhorne (dot) co (dot) uk
Aug 11th 2004, 4:55 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
"David Horne" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1gid6f4.1r2me0b1twp2faN%this_address_is_for_s [email protected]...
> James Silverton <[email protected]> wrote:
> > As the Duke of Wellington said, "If you can believe that, you can
> > believe anything". Use cable ties; they are cheap enough and
airport
> > personnel in the US don't seem to disapprove.
> This may be airline or airport specific. At JFK a few weeks ago, the
> security for my (Delta) flight to CDG made it clear that _any_ kind
of
> locks or ties should be removed on luggage- and they were enforcing
> this. When I opened my luggage after the trip, there was a little
card
> inside which indicated that they'd looked through it- I wouldn't
have
> noticed otherwise, however.
On the other hand, the essence of cable ties or twisted wires is that
the inspectors can readily remove them if they wish but otherwise,
they keep the zippers from opening. So far, inspectors have never have
opened my luggage.
--
James V. Silverton
Potomac, Maryland, USA
news:1gid6f4.1r2me0b1twp2faN%this_address_is_for_s [email protected]...
> James Silverton <[email protected]> wrote:
> > As the Duke of Wellington said, "If you can believe that, you can
> > believe anything". Use cable ties; they are cheap enough and
airport
> > personnel in the US don't seem to disapprove.
> This may be airline or airport specific. At JFK a few weeks ago, the
> security for my (Delta) flight to CDG made it clear that _any_ kind
of
> locks or ties should be removed on luggage- and they were enforcing
> this. When I opened my luggage after the trip, there was a little
card
> inside which indicated that they'd looked through it- I wouldn't
have
> noticed otherwise, however.
On the other hand, the essence of cable ties or twisted wires is that
the inspectors can readily remove them if they wish but otherwise,
they keep the zippers from opening. So far, inspectors have never have
opened my luggage.
--
James V. Silverton
Potomac, Maryland, USA
Aug 11th 2004, 1:57 pm
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
"f.crane" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:U5ORc.256855$JR4.174586@attbi_s54...
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
Only "safe" locks (aka ones that won't be cut off your luggage by security
personnel) are those approved by the TSA (Transportation Safety
Administration).
Magellan's and Travelsmith both sell them among others. Key operated and
combination models are available. Security staff at US airports have master
"keys" to open them and will re-lock your luggage once inspected.
Happy traveling,
Livadia
news:U5ORc.256855$JR4.174586@attbi_s54...
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
Only "safe" locks (aka ones that won't be cut off your luggage by security
personnel) are those approved by the TSA (Transportation Safety
Administration).
Magellan's and Travelsmith both sell them among others. Key operated and
combination models are available. Security staff at US airports have master
"keys" to open them and will re-lock your luggage once inspected.
Happy traveling,
Livadia
Aug 12th 2004, 2:09 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
Livadia extrapolated from data available...
>
> "f.crane" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:U5ORc.256855$JR4.174586@attbi_s54...
>> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
>> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks?
>> Use no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage
>> the luggage) to check contents?
>
> Only "safe" locks (aka ones that won't be cut off your luggage by
> security personnel) are those approved by the TSA (Transportation
> Safety Administration).
Why bother. Twisties and cable ties are immeasurably cheaper and
disposable.
>
> Magellan's and Travelsmith both sell them among others. Key operated
> and combination models are available. Security staff at US airports
> have master "keys" to open them and will re-lock your luggage once
> inspected.
>
Be advised that Interpol suspects that Pierre L'Baggageois, Chef
d'pilferage and noted international baggage thief has a large keyring
filled with master keys for every Samsonite, American Turista, TravelPro
(the luggage, not the hoores on 747s) and Hartmann bag, plus spent only
about 45 seconds with a little bar stock and a file making master keys for
the new TSA-approved locks.
As the Eastern folks in Miami used to say..."We always stole from the
locked bags. Those were the ones with stuff worth stealing."
TMO
>
> "f.crane" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:U5ORc.256855$JR4.174586@attbi_s54...
>> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
>> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks?
>> Use no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage
>> the luggage) to check contents?
>
> Only "safe" locks (aka ones that won't be cut off your luggage by
> security personnel) are those approved by the TSA (Transportation
> Safety Administration).
Why bother. Twisties and cable ties are immeasurably cheaper and
disposable.
>
> Magellan's and Travelsmith both sell them among others. Key operated
> and combination models are available. Security staff at US airports
> have master "keys" to open them and will re-lock your luggage once
> inspected.
>
Be advised that Interpol suspects that Pierre L'Baggageois, Chef
d'pilferage and noted international baggage thief has a large keyring
filled with master keys for every Samsonite, American Turista, TravelPro
(the luggage, not the hoores on 747s) and Hartmann bag, plus spent only
about 45 seconds with a little bar stock and a file making master keys for
the new TSA-approved locks.
As the Eastern folks in Miami used to say..."We always stole from the
locked bags. Those were the ones with stuff worth stealing."
TMO
Aug 12th 2004, 7:11 am
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
"f.crane" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<U5ORc.256855$JR4.174586@attbi_s54>...
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
Is this a problem for travel within Europe? OK, at US airports the
advice is not to lock or use 'approved' locks, but do any European
airports insist on this?
My experience in the US is that security can open and close my
mini-padlocks without damaging them (and so can I - all that is needed
is to poke them with a small screwdriver. They are not 'secure', but
they do stop the bags coming open accidentally.)
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
Is this a problem for travel within Europe? OK, at US airports the
advice is not to lock or use 'approved' locks, but do any European
airports insist on this?
My experience in the US is that security can open and close my
mini-padlocks without damaging them (and so can I - all that is needed
is to poke them with a small screwdriver. They are not 'secure', but
they do stop the bags coming open accidentally.)
Aug 12th 2004, 2:14 pm
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
dtren wrote:
> My experience in the US is that security can open and close my
> mini-padlocks without damaging them (and so can I - all that is needed
> is to poke them with a small screwdriver. They are not 'secure', but
> they do stop the bags coming open accidentally.)
Is ANY luggage lock "secure" in terms of preventing theft? The most
they can do is (as you say) stop bags from opening accidentally. (And
perhaps deter casual passersby from taking a look inside - they
certainly won't stop a determined thief.)
> My experience in the US is that security can open and close my
> mini-padlocks without damaging them (and so can I - all that is needed
> is to poke them with a small screwdriver. They are not 'secure', but
> they do stop the bags coming open accidentally.)
Is ANY luggage lock "secure" in terms of preventing theft? The most
they can do is (as you say) stop bags from opening accidentally. (And
perhaps deter casual passersby from taking a look inside - they
certainly won't stop a determined thief.)
Aug 12th 2004, 7:12 pm
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Locking luggage
"f.crane" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<U5ORc.256855$JR4.174586@attbi_s54>...
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
There is no point locking it, because it never ever happens that
anything got stolen by the baggage hanlers anyway.
Jan
> What is the best advice regarding locking the luggage that one checks
> onto airlines these days? Use secure locks? Use disposable locks? Use
> no locks because security personnel will destroy them (or damage the
> luggage) to check contents?
There is no point locking it, because it never ever happens that
anything got stolen by the baggage hanlers anyway.
Jan
