Can an airline take a lock off my suitcase?

Question

thats how!

Answer 1

Yes they have a right. it  happend to me like last month so don't lock it

Answer 2

According to the TSA.gov website they do...

"TSA screens every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While our technology allows us to electronically screen bags, there are times when we need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available at airports and travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA"

Answer 3

yes they can remove your lock, you should bring the lock with you and then ask them if you can lock your suitcase before they take it

Answer 4

how is that possible without knowing the combination

Answer 5

Well... They DO hold the right to remove any locks, and search a luggage item, only if they deem it to be a threat to the safety of passengers or staff after the security screening.

Answer 6

The airline will never open your bag, unless the bag arrives at the destination and remains unclaimed. They will try to identify who the owner is.

TSA can and will open it up. If you have a lock on it, you should be sure to have the kind that TSA has the keys too.

Answer 7

yes. they have the right to check everyones bags and they do randomly. there is also a per oz. limit on liquids that you can take on the plane. check on the tsa website for restrictions before you travel next time and leave your bag unlocked. usually the check in clerk makes you anyway.

Answer 8

Oh yes they do. If they think you have an illegal item in your suitcase, you better belive they are going to rip that sucker off before they put in on a plane! They are not going to take the chance of letting 200 people in the air die because there was a flimsy little lock standing in thier way!

Answer 9

When you go through security, I am pretty sure they can do this. Out of curiosity, why do you need a lock on a suitcase if it will be under your supervision? My suggestion would be to forget the lock.

Answer 10

Yes, they can.  That's why it's best to get TSA-compliant locks; they have a special way to open and close it without damaging it.

Answer 11

Yes, if they think there is something suspicious. They will clip off the lock.

Answer 12

yes tahts how they get into your suitcase to search it.

Answer 13

Customs agents can remove it without telling you and search your bags. Theres nothing you can do about it. But its not generally the airline - its customs or security that would cut the lock off.

Answer 14

The TSA is allowed to open your suitcase without notifying you first - I suggest a TSA approved lock - basically it is a combination lock with a code and lock on the bottom that the TSA has keys that will fit they know which key based on the code - this way they can open it without breaking the lock.  If they are in your bag there is a paper they put in it advising something like .......per their guidelines they opened your bag.....its a security thing.  I have had them relock the lock and I have also had the lock left in my suitcase or relocked on the bag that doesnt keep the bag from truly being locked anymore.  I use the locks more when my bag is sitting in the hotel room and I am out and about.  Luggage locks take very little to keep someone from getting into your bag if they want to.

Answer 15

no, but NTSB and other security agencies can.  If the airline has done this, you can sue them.

Answer 16

yes, they can. has happened to me before

Answer 17

Whenever I fly, I always put a lock on my suitcase that goes in the underbody of the plane. This has never been a problem. They have no right to take the lock off. The suitcase goes through metal detectors and that is enough. The airline does not have the right to take your lock off without notifying you.

Answer 18

The airlines SAY they have a right to take your locks off. I travel by air with frequency. They cut my locks often and so I end up buying new locks to replace the ones that THEY'VE broken. If I were you, I wouldn't try fighting with them about it. Airlines these days are so rude, selfish, and don't care about their customers one bit.