faubourg

My luggage was checked after a trip to Vegas this past weekend. Apparently the checker was having a sugar attack. He/she opened a gift package of candy and ate one piece. VERY TACKY! And difficult to give a gift of candy with one piece missing!

Jed

faubourg - You have to give the checker a lot of credit. He/she was risking his/her life to make sure that the candy was not full of explosives or poison.

irishdame

Simpson,
You CAN have scissors in your carry on bag as long as they have BLUNT tips, pointed tips will not be allowed.
Please see the link below, it will gie you a complete list of what are permitted and prohibited items. I'd keep a copy and bring it with you when traveling because I've found that the TSA has confiscated a few of my personal belongings in error!!

http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlib..._7_24_2003.pdf

ADOBE ACROBAT needed to view this link!


I traveled to Amsterdam this past spring and used the plastic zip ties on my checked bag. The bag was returned to me with all the ties removed but not replaced, AND with no paper whatsoever that indicated anyone had been in my bag. Of course I knew that someone had be rooting around in it but nothing was amiss. I don't keep anything in their that I'd mind losing anwyay!

RachelG

I use nail clippers to get the plastic ties off-- it's a little tricky, easier if you don't pull the tie all the way tight (which is what my husband is prone to doing).

E

Several people have said they stand around and wait for the inspectors to finish looking through their checked luggage, then lock their bags, BUT: that isn't possible anymore at some airports, and will eventually be impossible everywhere. The only option will be to leave your luggage unlocked and que sera, sera.

luna

I use the cable ties on my soft-side zippers, and leave a cheap pair of nail clippers in one of the outside pockets. I also carry a second pair of clippers (without the file attachment) in my purse.

Kay2

After the abuse our luggage has taken over the years, we use hard sided for checked and soft sided just for our wheelaboards.

Just back from trip to Montana. Had to leave unlocked when checking in at local airport or risk them breaking the built-in locks. It arrived on the carousel open with clothes hanging out in all directions. We reported to the counter folks and searched the bag--thankfully nothing missing. We also don't pack anything really valuable, just what we need for the trip, so it would be a real inconvenience for my hiking shoes or something similar to be missing. Counter agent said it must be heavy and have just come open when bringing it in from the plane and must have been hard to close so they just threw it on the carousel. Indeed it was heavy--we only check baggage when we have to take hiking boots, ski boots or something else too bulky for carryon. She said she would talk to the staff but it was obvious she didn't think it was a problem.

Returning that airport had the stand by while they screen then allow you to lock the luggage, so we did. Arrived closed this time.

Patty

Thanks Jed, I had thought of that but wasn't sure how well the tape would stay on. Guess I will try it out next time.

kopp,
Regarding the hard sided suitcase issue, I use a belt that goes all the way around the suitcase. Keeps the suitcase from popping open if accidently unlatched. It's a Samsonite accessory but I'm sure others make them. Don't know what to do about the golf clubs though.

gail

When we checked in for flights 2 weeks ago at Logan (Boston) there were signs warning people not to lock luggage and USAirways counter person also reminded us. I could not see how one could wait for luggage to clear check at Logan since it disappears on some conveyer belt thing behind a wall once you check in.

Earnst

I never lock my luggage. If I am taking anything that I consider to be of value, I put it in my carry-on.