Locks on luggage?
 

Does anyone know what the rules are regarding putting locks on your luggage for flying? Like a small combination lock or key lock. Thanks.

The last time we flew (over Easter), my husband asked the gate agent about this. He told us that locks on checked luggage were fine. I would just ask when you check your luggage, and take the lock off if it's a problem.

Airlines still prefer that you DO use locks on checked luggage. If they need to remove the lock to screen your bag, then they will ask you to stay with the bag and allow you to re-lock it before it is sent down to the plane.<BR><BR>I ALWAYS fly with locks on my luggage after having things removed from my luggage, and my husband's frifled through, while it was checked...

WE always lock our luggage, but not with those cheesy locks that come with them. Go to a hardware store or even Sears and buy Master padlocks. They have the tiny ones that will fit on suitcases and they have their own individual keys. The keys that come with luggage are universal and the baggage handlers have the ability to easily open them. Since Master locks have individual keys they are much harder for someone to "crack". All of the keys are different. We have had less trouble since we started using them instead.

Just flew 2 weeks ago with locks, no problem there but I think I ruined my film. I put the film in the suitcase where it should be safe..both rolls had weird streaks and the camera store thinks it was x-ray. I was randomly selected to have my bagged xrayed on the way back. They were work photos and are useless now. The camera store suggests I use a lead bag next time.<BR><BR>The price for safety....

Good question. I'm glad to get this information. I've wondered about the lock thing since 9/11. My husband and I were flying from Paris to Denver 9/21 last year when security was really high. We ended up using cable ties, like you use for computer equipment, to secure our luggage. We hoped that tampering would be obvious, but that cutting them wouldn't be a big deal, if needed.

We use black cord ties instead of locks, and put them through the zipper heads so nothing can be unzipped. I keep extras in my purse and they can be removed and reapplied easily if needed. We press an identifying mark into the plastic that cannot be easily detected, so if tampering is done, we know it. plus if the keys get lost, its difficult to fix, this is a inexpensive solution I've used for years both abroad and domestically, pre and post 9/11.

"No locks," can you be more specific re: what you mean by "black cord ties" and what "plastic" you can press an ID mark into? Is this a commercial product or what?<BR><BR>We have had some rough luck with locks -- first, the bright colored plastic locks made by Samsonite to match their ID tags were snapped off (presumably by machinery) the first time we used them. Similarly, a color-coded 3-digit combination lock was torn off, pulling the zipper tab with it, so I had to improvise something to pull the zipperhead along. I've had better luck with the 4-digit, heavier metal combination locks, but I would much prefer something I could use on ALL the exterior pockets to discourage pilfering, etc.

We use a small combination lock. One time the lock and tabs were torn off, so now I wrap it with a bright green strap from AAA also. Besides making it more secure, it is highly visible when it lands on the baggage carousel.

yes---no locks, what are black cord ties? I have also heard of people using regular twist ties, just to keep the luggage closed.

I used a padlock (a sturdy, expensive one) travelling from Japan to the U.S. The luggage reached its destination with tapes around the lock and marked (Inspected.) <BR><BR>When I used the same padlock from Toronto to Denver, my luggage was "lost" until the following night when it was delivered to my residence with the padlock missing. My jars of maple butter, which had possibly been opened for inspection, was running throughout my clothes and shoes. <BR><BR>Could I put in a claim for damages? Or, since the airlines state they have a right to inspect your luggage, should I have left the padlock off?

We use combination luggage locks PLUS bright yellow mylon straps that we wrap around and knot on our pieces. Film that is being put through should be in a lead lined bag... we are using a digital camera now and it isn't affected by x=ray equipment.

A local paper down here in Miami just did an expose artical about the local baggage handlers @ MIA, complete with anonymous interviews of the so-called "ramp rats". Apparently, the zip/cable tie thru the zipper pull tabs suggested above (which I had always done in the past) presents thieves with NO problem, they have a way that, with only a pen, they can poke open the zipper itself, go thru your things, and actually zip up the bag again- all while your locks or cable ties remain untouched. <BR> The bottom line is, don't put expensive items, or even mildly expensive items, in your checked bags. There is usually no reason why expensive jewerly, electronics, or quality perfumes (don't laugh, apparently expensive perfumes are highly values as presents for the thief's wife or girlfriend) can't be carried on in a small bag.