lucky

I just got back from puerta vallarta. Had a wonderful trip, except for my damaged luggage, and stolen items from my suitcase. I always lock my luggage, since you are responsible for the contents in it, and are told to never leave it unattended. (if you dont lock it, whose to say what happens between the flight, and your destination) Well, when I got to the resort, preparing to unpack, I discovered my combination lock missing, along with the zipper broken. When I opened it, I discovered some clothes, along with expensive binoculars missing. We were told if we reported it at the airport, there might have been something they could do.
Just wondering if anyone else had a situation like this.
What do you do. Not lock it and take a chance they dont have a picnic on the contents of your luggage, or lock it, and risk them damaging it, and stealing from you anyway.
*** Need some advice for the next trip.

Appreciate any advice.

thanks

diane

bajaflash

Lucky.....Your name didn't bring you luck. The same thing happened to us on our return. Of course, picking up luggage after a 14 hour flight we did not notice the locks were off. Was told the same thing you were. Advice on this board was to put in a claim with the government checkers (this was in USA)and with the airlines. It sounds like you had problems with Mexican officals. Good luck to you Lucky.

Seamus

I believe that security regulations now forbid locks on luggage unless you check in at an airport where they have the equipment to examine your bags at the counter, then observe as you place the lock and check the bag. Some places also provide (for a fee) a shrink wrap around your bags after they have been screened. Neither guarantees you won't be ripped off, only that it will be more obvious when you claim your bags at your destination.
Two thoughts in response to your story -
Never pack things like expensive binoculars.
Check your bag on retrieval and if it looks funny immediately report/file a claim.
Hope you never have to go through this again!

Jed

Forget about locking your luggage anymore. TSA says NO. Check out <www.TSA.gov>. Don't put anything you will definitely need in your checked luggage. We always carry what we cannot afford to lose.

Also, you can download a claim form for any missing items. And wait. And pray. And wait.

We were missing a pillow (!) last time we flew. I can't imagine it was stolen, so sometimes items are just lost. For this, we have our highly paid, professionalized government checkers to thank.

caribtraveler

It's not forbidden to lock your luggage. It's SUGGESTED you don't, because the locks WILL be broken.
There's nothing you can do about it, but NOT put anything expensive in your checked luggage and put your underwear in ziploc bags! Seriously! You don't know who'll be touching them!! Ewwww...
I just happen to watch a story on the news tonight about items being stolen in people's checked luggages. Apparently, the TSA is blaming the airlines and the airlines are blaming the TSA for the problem.
You can file a complaint with the TSA, and join a VERY LONG complaint list.
We went to Maui right after Sept. 11th and our locks were broken (nothing missing thank goodness). We just came back from St. John and didn't lock anything..that was hard to do since I'm used to locking everything (nothing was missing either). Oh well...

irishdame

I have used plastic zip ties for my luggage due to the broken lock problem. They are found in any hardware store and very inexpensive. While not as sturdy as a lock of course it's better than nothing at all and you will know if someone's been into your bag.
TIP: Keep a set of nail clippers in your carry on to cut them off when you arrive at your destination!