Locking your luggage?

Question

I just purchased some new luggage , it came with a special lock that TSA officials (Travel Security)at the airport can open, does anybody reccommend this tyoe of lock or locking you luggage at all?

Answer 1

It's really a personal choice.  And if you lock your luggage and for some reason customs wants to get in, they will either break them off or, supposedly they have a master key to remove the TSA locks.

I went on a trip 1-1/2 years ago and had my luggage locked with TSA approved locks, and it clearly stated on the packaging that the TSA locks could be removed with a master key by customs, port officials, etc.  Well, when I got to the airport I was told by the airlines to either remove the locks or they would cut them off.  I showed them the packaging for the locks and they proceeded to tell me they would cut them off if I didn't remove them.  Needless to say, I removed them as I had spent a lot of money on these locks.  When I got to the port to board my cruise I put the locks on and again I was told by port authorities to remove the locks or they would be cut off.

So, now you have TSA approved locks that state that the master keys that these customs and port officials have would unlock these locks without damaging them, but on the other hand you have the authorities telling you to take them off or they would cut them off.  So with that I say the choice is yours.

Answer 2

I would definetly lock my luggage.  with all that is going on in the world today you want to keep any of your personal belongings safe and in your own position.  you never know who could get a hold of it

Answer 3

I recently used a TSA lock on a trip from Quito, Ecuador through Miami and on to Newark.  When I got the bag in NJ, I saw that the lock was intact but the zipper ring it was hooked through was cut.  Somewhere along the line I guess they didn't have the right equipment to open the TSA lock without damage.  I have used these locks several other times without problem.  So if you have them, use them.  You should have no problem with the TSA locks within the U.S. at least.

Answer 4

I dont bother with the locks anymore. Because the last time that I had a lock, the officials at the airport asked me to remove it. But luckily i've never had anything missing or destroyed.

Answer 5

dont bother.. they airport will break it open.     make sure to take ALL your valubles on the flight with you ..in a carry on bag.   valubles will be stolen if you put it in your suitcase.  i only put clothes and bathroom stuff in my suitcase.

Answer 6

I always use a lock that is approved by the TSA. This means you can lock your luggage, but if security needs to get into it they have a master key they can use to open it. That way they don't have to bust the lock to get in.

This is the best way to go if you prefer to lock your luggage. I've never had any problems with them. I don't like leaving my luggage unlocked, it is just safer to keep it locked.

Hope this helps

Answer 7

I don't lock my luggage because Customs will break the lock anyway if they want to.

Who knows ? It might attract suspicion too ?

Interesting question and I wonder about other people's experiences.

Oh hang on....you said that they could open it..my answer is stupid then.