Open bag policy ex US
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Open bag policy ex US
Is it still the case that you have to leave your check luggage unlocked when travelling ex-US for the TSA to stock up on goodies for their next car-boot sale, oops, sorry to ensure we're all not bomb-toting nutters trying to get past idiots who don't know how to read an x-ray screen.
OK, sorry, couldn't resist, but seriously. I'm travelling later this month LHR-MIA-LHR on my hols. I'll have several grands worth of dive kit in my check luggage. It's some months since I travelled to the US and I wondered whether I will have to leave the bags and boxes open or has this rule been modified or repealed.
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Cheers
Bob
OK, sorry, couldn't resist, but seriously. I'm travelling later this month LHR-MIA-LHR on my hols. I'll have several grands worth of dive kit in my check luggage. It's some months since I travelled to the US and I wondered whether I will have to leave the bags and boxes open or has this rule been modified or repealed.
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Cheers
Bob
Too mean to buy a long personal title
It's never been the case that you have to leave it unlocked. But if it's locked, they will cut the locks off if they need to get inside the bag.
I did MIA-LHR on Sunday night and left the padlock on and the luggage strap around the bag. They cut the lock off - no damage to the bag - and either had a tool to turn the "locking" device on the clip on the bag strap, or were somehow able to do whatever searching they needed to do without removing the strap. They also left me the usual billet doux. Nothing appeared to have gone missing.
The BA terminal at JFK has a nice system if you are entitled to use premium class check-in. There is an X-ray machine opposite the check-in desks. If you'd like to leave your bags locked, you stay with them until they have been through the machine. If they need to look inside, you are there to unlock them. If they don't, you can go and the bags are carted off to the aircraft. Nothing like that at MIA, though.
I did MIA-LHR on Sunday night and left the padlock on and the luggage strap around the bag. They cut the lock off - no damage to the bag - and either had a tool to turn the "locking" device on the clip on the bag strap, or were somehow able to do whatever searching they needed to do without removing the strap. They also left me the usual billet doux. Nothing appeared to have gone missing.
The BA terminal at JFK has a nice system if you are entitled to use premium class check-in. There is an X-ray machine opposite the check-in desks. If you'd like to leave your bags locked, you stay with them until they have been through the machine. If they need to look inside, you are there to unlock them. If they don't, you can go and the bags are carted off to the aircraft. Nothing like that at MIA, though.
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Depends where you fly from
When I've flown from LAX and LAS there's always been the option to leave the bags locked and wait for a clear screening. The last time I flew from SFO on Virgin, this wasn't an option. Maybe as the screening wasn't taking place in the check-in area?
Depends where you are flying from. Going out isn't a problem: coming back depends. If you come from one of the smaller airports such as Colorado Springs or Dayton, AND checking your bags right through to the final destination, they normally appear to have a system where the bags are examined right by the check in desks, and they then let you lock them after inspection. That even applied going into Chicago and on to Dayton this year. Larger airports, such as Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, your bags disappear and they want them unlocked. Coming from Miami, I guess you need to to leave it unlocked or at elast have an easily cut off padlock.
According to the TSA web site, there is a method of claiming if stuff is nicked, but I'd have some doubts about how much one would get myself - it's obviously too easy for false claims to be made.
I understand UK Customs however, pride themselves on being able to open any case and send it on without you knowing they've been in there.......
The whole thing really seems a good way to reduce unemployment by finding somethign for the 'jobsworths'. But there's another thread for that discussion.....
According to the TSA web site, there is a method of claiming if stuff is nicked, but I'd have some doubts about how much one would get myself - it's obviously too easy for false claims to be made.
I understand UK Customs however, pride themselves on being able to open any case and send it on without you knowing they've been in there.......
The whole thing really seems a good way to reduce unemployment by finding somethign for the 'jobsworths'. But there's another thread for that discussion.....
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As has been said before not a problem Ex-UK but I flew back from PHL last month and had the side pocket of my carry all padlocked. Nothing in it I'd just lost the key!
Still didn't stop the kindly TSA cutting the lock off and leaving a note (in the empty space!) stating what they'd done. They very kindly sealed it up with one of those zip fasterners. So problem solved for me - Thanks TSA!
So If I were you I'd lock your gear up and hope it doesn't get 'pulled'. At least it'll be secured in any event and there's ****** all you can do to stop them if they want to have a look-see.
Cheers
Benjurs
Still didn't stop the kindly TSA cutting the lock off and leaving a note (in the empty space!) stating what they'd done. They very kindly sealed it up with one of those zip fasterners. So problem solved for me - Thanks TSA!
So If I were you I'd lock your gear up and hope it doesn't get 'pulled'. At least it'll be secured in any event and there's ****** all you can do to stop them if they want to have a look-see.
Cheers
Benjurs
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Zip ties are the answer
I’ve stopped using luggage locks and now favor plastic zip ties for my checked bags. They do the same job as locks and, as an added bonus, they’re much cheaper and easier to replace if the TSA decides to open my luggage.
In reality, traditional suitcase locks are merely for show and can be opened by anyone with a few moments and the correct keys (or even a paperclip). At least the zip ties must be physically cut and then replaced by anyone who may want to remove or place items in my luggage. Now I’m just trying to find the ties in unusual colors….
In reality, traditional suitcase locks are merely for show and can be opened by anyone with a few moments and the correct keys (or even a paperclip). At least the zip ties must be physically cut and then replaced by anyone who may want to remove or place items in my luggage. Now I’m just trying to find the ties in unusual colors….
Paxing All Over The World
Now I’m just trying to find the ties in unusual colors….
If so, in the UK, I've seen them in a car accessory shop (Halfords). They were the usual range of lengths and in bright yellow, orange and red.
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Each time I've flown out of LAX in the last 12 months (UA and AA), at the check-in counter I've been told to take my bags to a TSA person at a nearby table -- I open them, he inspects them, and then marks them in a way that lets the person behind the counter know they're all right to check. But I believe then they're all x-rayed anyway out of our sight.
I haven't even bothered to lock mine -- been using only the fabric ones lately, and I figure if anyone wants to get into it, they certainly won't be stopped by a little padlock.
On one trip I was told to take my bag to a large x-ray machine, and I waited for them to scan it. They don't give them back to you after that (obviously that would provide an opportunity for you to slip something in) but the man assured me that it would make my plane. I was somewhat skeptical, to say the least, because it was in this little cordoned-off area with the machine and a lot of other bags, all going to different destinations. I made him promise (realizing that I was acting 6 years old). Was pleasantly surprised when it showed up at baggage claim when I landed.
I haven't even bothered to lock mine -- been using only the fabric ones lately, and I figure if anyone wants to get into it, they certainly won't be stopped by a little padlock.
On one trip I was told to take my bag to a large x-ray machine, and I waited for them to scan it. They don't give them back to you after that (obviously that would provide an opportunity for you to slip something in) but the man assured me that it would make my plane. I was somewhat skeptical, to say the least, because it was in this little cordoned-off area with the machine and a lot of other bags, all going to different destinations. I made him promise (realizing that I was acting 6 years old). Was pleasantly surprised when it showed up at baggage claim when I landed.
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PAXboy
That sounds like what I mean – usually I just refer to “those plastic thingies” and am not really sure what the correct technical term is.
Thanks for the tip; right now I have only clear and black ones, and, even though I prefer the low-profile of the black, I think those may be a bit too easy for someone to replace on the sly.
That sounds like what I mean – usually I just refer to “those plastic thingies” and am not really sure what the correct technical term is.
Thanks for the tip; right now I have only clear and black ones, and, even though I prefer the low-profile of the black, I think those may be a bit too easy for someone to replace on the sly.
Paxing All Over The World
Lily, if we are talking about the same things, they are called cable ties, as they started in the telecommunications and IT world (I think) and spread rapidly to all industries where people have so secure cables together or to a support point. They are used a cheap handcuffs in some countries.
They sound like a good idea for locking a case - just need to ensure that you have a good knide, pair of scissors or Leatherman on you to cut it open.
LR: Check your PMs for detail.
They sound like a good idea for locking a case - just need to ensure that you have a good knide, pair of scissors or Leatherman on you to cut it open.
LR: Check your PMs for detail.
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"They sound like a good idea for locking a case - just need to ensure that you have a good knife, pair of scissors or Leatherman on you to cut it open. "
Provided you don't carry any of these in your hand baggage! Could be tricky arriving late at night in a hotel.
Provided you don't carry any of these in your hand baggage! Could be tricky arriving late at night in a hotel.
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Thanks to all for the replies, that's good info. Hopefully there'll be the area Brighton Girl alludes to that'll mean the cases can be scanned prior to disappearing to the baggage equivalent of a torture chamber in the bowels of the terminal, where the screams of Samsonites being violated echo through the dank corridors
As the kit is in metal flightcases secured with hasps and padlocks, if there is no scanning at c/i, I guess I can try to leave the padlocks open and a note attached to the case to the effect of:
Dear TSA,
To save wear and tear on your boltcutters I've left the padlocks open. Please feel free to search the case, I'd appreciate it if you could then secure the padlocks. Thanks.
Long shot I know, but if it comes to it, it'll be better than potentially having the cases bent and hasps destroyed. I'll let you know how I get on.
Re the cable ties, Halfords do sell them, but are expensive. If you can get to RS or Maplins they're much cheaper (and still come in the fabulous colours).
Thanks again to all,
Cheers,
Bob
As the kit is in metal flightcases secured with hasps and padlocks, if there is no scanning at c/i, I guess I can try to leave the padlocks open and a note attached to the case to the effect of:
Dear TSA,
To save wear and tear on your boltcutters I've left the padlocks open. Please feel free to search the case, I'd appreciate it if you could then secure the padlocks. Thanks.
Long shot I know, but if it comes to it, it'll be better than potentially having the cases bent and hasps destroyed. I'll let you know how I get on.
Re the cable ties, Halfords do sell them, but are expensive. If you can get to RS or Maplins they're much cheaper (and still come in the fabulous colours).
Thanks again to all,
Cheers,
Bob
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PAXboy – Thanks for cluing me in on the correct terminology; that should make things much easier in the future when explaining what I mean.
Even with the added complication of not being able to travel with my mini Swiss Army knife in my carry-on, I’ve found the ties to be an ideal solution for me.
Bob – Enjoy your holiday in Florida!
Even with the added complication of not being able to travel with my mini Swiss Army knife in my carry-on, I’ve found the ties to be an ideal solution for me.
Bob – Enjoy your holiday in Florida!
Cable ties have many uses. Some years ago, Radiospares as they were then known reported that they'd had a lot of orders for cable ties from somewhere in Africa - Kenya, if I recall correctly. As the local electronics industry was hardly a a major one, they were interested, especially as the ties were going to a farm. Turned out that they were being used for castrating pigs - attach tie, tighten up and leave - testicles drop off.
Brings tears to your eyes to even think about it!
Brings tears to your eyes to even think about it!
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Moving away from pig castration......
If security is not a concern, and if you need to leave the bags open, you don't really have a choice! You could cable tie a spare key for the padlocks to case or onto the padlock wiht a note asking them to unlock the case if necessary, throwing the key into the cas before locking.
Just a thought
/LA
If security is not a concern, and if you need to leave the bags open, you don't really have a choice! You could cable tie a spare key for the padlocks to case or onto the padlock wiht a note asking them to unlock the case if necessary, throwing the key into the cas before locking.
Just a thought
/LA
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Back from the wilds of (VERY) sunny Florida. Fab hols, great diving, average beer!
Ended up traveling back from MCO as flights out of MIA went manic and we couldn't get on.
We left the padlocks off and sent the boxes with loosely applied cable ties. Sure enough, these were broken off and the boxes searched (nothing taken/broken - Phew!). Then blue TSA tie seals were applied in the cable ties place.
All our equipment was subjected to the same treatment, and, looking at the luggage on the belt at LGW, it seems the larger percentage of all bags checked are opened.
Point of note: the agent at c/i stated that VS has now posted one of it's employees in the out-of-sight TSA search area so that they can keep an eye on what happens to the baggage and contents whilst they're being searched by the 'crackheads' (his words, not mine!). It's an interesting reflection of the perception of those put in place to ensure the threat stays on the ground.......................
Ended up traveling back from MCO as flights out of MIA went manic and we couldn't get on.
We left the padlocks off and sent the boxes with loosely applied cable ties. Sure enough, these were broken off and the boxes searched (nothing taken/broken - Phew!). Then blue TSA tie seals were applied in the cable ties place.
All our equipment was subjected to the same treatment, and, looking at the luggage on the belt at LGW, it seems the larger percentage of all bags checked are opened.
Point of note: the agent at c/i stated that VS has now posted one of it's employees in the out-of-sight TSA search area so that they can keep an eye on what happens to the baggage and contents whilst they're being searched by the 'crackheads' (his words, not mine!). It's an interesting reflection of the perception of those put in place to ensure the threat stays on the ground.......................