Luggage Locks
 

My Wife & I are going to Italy next year and plan to move about by train. I have seen advertised luggage locks that purportedly can be unlocked by TSA but are otherwise secure. I know that a luggage lock is only going to keep the amateurs at bay -- but was curious if anyone had any experience with the locks -- or are they just a waste of money?

We've used the locks ever since they became available and have had no problems. Once one was unlocked and locked back up again, with a note left inside the suitcase. Much better than not locking the luggage.

they do work - right up to the point the TSA guy can't be bothered to find the right key.

I actually just came across what I think might be a better idea.....key chain links.
They will prevent random opening of luggage by baggage handlers since they do take some time to open, but will enable authorities to open and inspect your property easily if need be. Not as secure, but I have never before used locks for European travel, and have either been very lucky or have nothing anyone else wants.

The locks may work, but I would not expect officials outside the US to have and use passkeys if our very own TSA cannot be counted on to do so.

On trains you would be better off with a cable lock to secure several bags together or to the overhead rack becasue train luggage thieves snatch and debark with the whole bag; they would cut off the lock at their leisure as you continue on your journey.

I switched to the key links last year after my TSA lock was cut off my luggage in either Milan or Schiphol (I'll never know which), and they not only cut the lock off, but the tab part of the zipper, as well. This year I asked the attendant at Schiphol, and she informed me that they open EVERYTHING.

I used a TSA lock on my checked luggage traveling from MSP to LHR earlier this year. The suitcase arrived minus the lock, but nothing else was missing. I guess in that case the TSA guy found the right key, but couldn't be bothered to replace the lock afterwards.

Heimdall - Or maybe you're just lucky they cut the lock carefully without damaging the rest of your bag.

OK, I'll ask the (I fear) stupid question. What are key chain links? Do you mean the little links that look like small beads? Hmmm, thinking about it...I think I get it. But anyone can release that...maybe I don't get it.

If you buy the TSA locks at Brookstone and they are damaged or cut off by airport personnel, the store will replace them.

I'm talking about the round ring that you use to attach a key to the key ring itself. Same as you'd use to attach a dog tag to the collar.

Thank you Holly. So it just makes it more time consuming for the thief. And the beaded thing would work too but be a lot easier to open than the ring.

that thing that you pry apart and slide the key along it

For flights I use kitchen twist ties simply to secure each zipper. For train travel I don't do anything.

Plastic ties available in any hardware store work fine.

The familar complaint against the plastic ties is finding something to cut them off with when you arrive since you can't carry anything sharp.
I'm speaking now of the type of plastic tie that can't be removed.

I keep a small pair of scissors, with a rounded end, in one of the unlocked outer pockets of the locked suitcase. Small nail clippers would work just as well.

I use cable ties - TSA only applies to the US.

Cable ties work great - use a nail clipper to cut them when you arrive. No need for scissors/knives or anything else.

And yes, you are allowed to have nail clippers in carry on's . . . . .

just to clarify - cable ties are the "plastic ties" mentioned above

Do you cable tie users think there is an advantage to them over normal kitchen twist ties? (I've used both on different occasions.)

Cable ties must be cut. So, if you see yours missing, you know your bags have been opened for inspection (or have stuff stolen), and you can open and check them.

Twisties can be retied, so it doesn't indicate to you whether your bag has been opened or not.

I like the idea of a cable lock that KAYD recommended -- are you just suggesting what you might use for a bicycle -- or is there a particular cable lock that you like for luggage?

Thanks for everyones feed back!!

I still do not know what cable ties are!!! Do I just go to ACE Hardware and ask for cable ties. And how do they "lock" so that they have to be cut to undo them. And I assume one buys enough to use them when flying home as assume the ones used on the first flight will no longer be any good. Which brings to mind, if one is travelling on more then one flight and if the security people cut the cable ties before the first flight then ones luggage is not secure so to speak on the second segment of the flight, right? Sigh, something I have not understood. Thanks.

Yes you can go to Ace Hardware and ask for them. Cable ties were designed to hold a group of wires or cables together. Each tie is a narrow pice of ridged flexible plastic -- about the size of a shoe string. One end of the tie fits into slot at the other end. Because it is ridged -- it can go through the slot in only one direction -- and can't be pulled out but must be cut.

And don't worry that cable ties are only good for one flight each. They come in packages - usually 100 for less than $4 or $5. So NOT a big budget item :)

I give everyone who attends my packing class 3 or 4 to get them started - and don't spend more than a few $ even when I have a huge group.

They're also available on the Magellan web site.

Are you sure Magellan's sells <u>cable ties</u>? Maybe so but all I've ever seen on their site are cable locks which are an entirely different animal (that cost a LOT more money).

&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;
who attends my packing class
&gt;&gt;&gt;&gt;

what??? packing class???

You can get the cable ties at other stores such as Staples.

&quot;<i>what??? packing class???</i>&quot; :)

I give 8 - 10 packing classes a year in my home town. Mostly at the local community college or libraries but also at professional clubs/orgs. Usually between 25 and 50 in attendance but once in a while I get a zoo like the time I had 97!

For a good picture of cable ties,

http://www.cabletiesplus.com/ties.cfm

I've used the twist ties mentioned above but not cable ties. But now that I see the colorful potential I may visit my Home Depot and see what stands out.

I get my cable ties at the Dollar Store and they work just the same
as any other.

Thank you everyone, I do know what those are, just didn't know what they were called! I appreciate the answers.

My TSA locks have been opened on every trip in the USA in the past year. They do put a paper in the top to indicate they've opened it.

Could there be an &quot;online packing class&quot;??? Need a lot of help. :-)

SKIITALY -- the cable lock I refer to is a combination lock with a long retractable cable to link around/through several things (bag to bag, or to train luggage rack or hotel room bedframe, etc). Use search words &quot;cable lock&quot; at magellans.com for a couple of choices, one with alarm for $20 and one TSA-compliant for $12.

Thanks kayd!!

janis...sounds like a good way to meet other travellers but what about your travels and experiences living internationally? do you give chats on visiting places and living in different countries? sounds more interesting than packing (to be blunt).

sorry, if you've posted on this before...i've never seen it.

there is a shortage of international managers so it helps to generate interest in international business (and international living) in schools.

walkinaround: &quot;<i>do you give chats on visiting places and living in different countries? sounds more interesting than packing (to be blunt).</i>&quot; Most of my talks <u>ar</u> travel seminars/classes. In fact I'm giving a small one tonight about travel to London and southern England.

I have several programs -- mostly London, London and the South, Scotland, The Gardens of the British Isles, and a general &quot;Travel to the UK&quot; - plus the packing talks.

Most are well attended - but the packing class has just taken off mostly because of a 2-page article last Nov in our major daily's Travel section, and a couple of TV appearances since then.

Sorry about the typos - - - -