One of the LAX shuttle sites mentioned that one should be at the airport 3hrs before the scheduled flight. Is this true?

Also, I read the TSA procedures. Should we really leave our luggage unlocked for security screening - just in case they want to open it? I'm getting mixed suggestions from people. A few of my friends who visited recently said they didn't though. Or should we just leave it unlocked for domestic flights and not for transatlantic flights (we are coming from Asia)?

Hi,
I flew from Boston Logan recently and had to check in at least two hours before flight time. (International flight)
Security was tight we had to remove our shoes and put them thro the scanner.
At check in we were asked if our luggage wes locked and when we said it was they made us aware that it could be forced open if security wanted to check it.
What to do, leave it unlocked and chance theft or lock it and chance security breaking it open?

www.tsa.gov

This is the TSA's website and it provides excellent information about security procedures across the USA.

We took Virgin Airlines to London from LAX this summer. The I had locks for the luggage and asked if we should take them off. We were told no, we didn't have to, but we did have to wait for the luggage to be screened and they gave the okay that they were not going to open our luggage (in which case, we'd have to open the lock). The screening went on adjacent to the check-in. Ours went through and they called our name and said we were okay and could proceed on. There was other luggage we saw that was screened, and it was taken off to the side and opened and examined. So the answer, I guess, for Virgin is: if you want to keep it locked, you have to wait for the luggage to be checked.

Obviously, this whole procedure takes a while, maybe not 3 hours worth, but at least 2 hours for check-in and screening, then the second check of you and your carry-ons as you head in to the waiting area.

If you want to lock your luggage, consider using plastic ties. Personally, I don't worry about it when I travel... I just make sure there is nothing other than clothes and tolietries packed in checked luggage.

While traveling through Phoenix last week, my checked luggage was inspected (after I had checked in). Noticed when I picked up luggage at final destination ... my plastic tie had been cut off and replaced with an airline plastic "lock" and there was a card inside the luggage stating that it was inspecting. Everything was there and not really disturbed.

I too had my luggage inspected on a trip from New York City to Las Vegas a few weeks ago. It was tagged and inside was a printed card stating that my bag had been selected to be opened and inspected as a safety precaution for me and other passengers. It also stated that if locks had been secured they would have been broken and they (NTSB)wouldn't have been liable.

Use the plastic tie self-locking tabs. Yes, if someone really wanted to break into your luggage these are easily cut. But I like using them rather than no locks at all. First of all they keep the zippers together. Secondly, they may keep honest people honest and if they are intact when you get your luggage you'll know that no one opened. Also, if airline does need to inspect your luggage they just cut them off and replace with the same type of airline plastic lock.

The only downside to the plastic ties (and we used them on one of the suitcases) is that the only way you can get the darn thing off is cut it. Which you can't do, because you can't bring scissors or other sharp objects with you. Which means, after your long flight, you have to run around the airport looking for scissors, or wait until you reach the hotel and hope they have a pair you can borrow.

Thanks everyone. I guess we should leave the luggage unlocked.

Unfortunately, we have those hard-cased suitcases which have no zippers to tie with a plastic lock! This is my dilemma. I'm not going to risk security destroying the lock but I'm afraid that if I don't lock it, it would open up.

Surfergirl, I use a small enought zip tie that my nail clippers can cut it. Now that nail clippers are allowed on flights that is.

Do you know, are the TSA replacement ties small enough for clippers?

If you can use the plastic ties, they can be cut with nail clippers which you are allowed to carry. You can also leave a small pair of scissors in an unlocked outer portion of the suitcase (if you have this kind of case) ... I've also done this many times with no problems.