Lock suitcase or not if state bound?
Thread Starter
Lock suitcase or not if state bound?
Flew with TED/United a couple of weeks back. On return leg when checking in with TED at Vegas enroute Chicago then LHR to connect with BMI to GLA. Rather unfriendly checkin person told us all to take away the pad locks and use plastic ties to secure the bags so that if after security scan they wanted to rummage. United said this was now policy for all USA flights. Is this true? Naturally the operator and come to that BMI never informed us of this. Just curious.
Nivsy
Nivsy
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: About 3000 below Midhurst SID I reckon
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My bag went missing inbound from Washington a couple of years back. It was delivered 24 hours later, the lock smashed (suitcase now unusable as a result) and the contents had been turned upside down. Why they felt the need to open a sealed seethrough pot of body moisturiser and then not close it properly (wrecking about £200 worth of goods) is totally beyond me.
A note was enclosed to explain why my case was opened, at least i think that what it said, the moisturisor had soaked through it and it was in pieces.
Ex-ray wouldn't have encouraged them to check it, it contained clothes, shoes, cosmetics and candy bars.
Unfortunately I couldnt claim for any of the damage, from anyone.
A note was enclosed to explain why my case was opened, at least i think that what it said, the moisturisor had soaked through it and it was in pieces.
Ex-ray wouldn't have encouraged them to check it, it contained clothes, shoes, cosmetics and candy bars.
Unfortunately I couldnt claim for any of the damage, from anyone.
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: He's on the limb to nowhere
Posts: 1,981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are TSA approved locks which the TSA can open as they have some master keys. What do you expect them to do if they see something that they think needs further investigation and it's got a lock on it? Just let it go through and put it in the hold? Places in the world where they will not break a lock need to improve their security.
Thread Starter
I really did not know that cases are supposed to be kept unlocked. Must say - bet the insurance companies like that - one wonders what one does when trying to submit a claim. "you mean your suitcase was unlocked sir?" Oh well maybe i am just being sceptical and all baggage handlers are angels.
Nivsy
Nivsy
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Wet Coast
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by nivsy
United said this was now policy for all USA flights. Is this true?
The TSA will (or at least is supposed to) Xray all checked bags and open and examine any containing unidentifiable or suspicious(sic) items. As mentioned, you can get TSA-issue locks which they are supposed (again) to lock after any exam thus protecting your bag from non-TSA personel.
Or you can simply leave your checked bags unlocked - in which case do not put anything of value in them (a wise precaution anyway IMO).
Or you can use your own locks and risk the TSA breaking them and/or your bags. Also as mentioned, you have no claim to the airline or the TSA should they do so.
Happy trails
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Red Snake
Never lock a suitcase on any airline in any country. Your case will be opened!
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Dublin
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As cabincrew, we are told to ALWAYS lock our suitcase. The TSA are aware of this proceedure of ours and in some airports our suitcases are either scanned in front of us by the checkin area so that we can open it for them if they want us to or they will come to the aircraft and ask us to open it there for them.
However, I have your typical Delsey suitcase with the latch on the front with a combination. These (and the likes of the samsonite ones) are really handy as the TSA know how to open these. I have regularly found a little note in my suitcase saying that it has been searched by the TSA. However recently I found a great big mark by the latch where it had obviously been forced open...again a note left by the TSA!!! I think some airports are just more careless than others!!!
However, I have your typical Delsey suitcase with the latch on the front with a combination. These (and the likes of the samsonite ones) are really handy as the TSA know how to open these. I have regularly found a little note in my suitcase saying that it has been searched by the TSA. However recently I found a great big mark by the latch where it had obviously been forced open...again a note left by the TSA!!! I think some airports are just more careless than others!!!
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Wet Coast
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Final 3 Greens
If the TSA can open a case, then so can a whole bunch of undesirables.
Its not whether someone can open your case, it whether they leave any evidence of having done so that is more important.
Think about it......
Its not whether someone can open your case, it whether they leave any evidence of having done so that is more important.
Think about it......
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Dublin
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At the end of the day a suitcase is just a flimsey piece of plastic or fabric which can easily be opened if someone wants to place something in it! Its making sure that these people dont get employed by the agents/airlines that matters...GOOD LUCK!LOL!
Join Date: May 2002
Location: LGW - Hub of the Universe!
Posts: 978
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The TSA can be bloody-minded over this issue!
We have (sorry, had) a Samsonite Oyster hard case with a built-in combination lock. As it tended to open involuntarily if left unlocked, I spun the tumblers and sellotaped a large note to it "THE COMBINATION IS 0000 IF YOU NEED ACCESS". (Yes - I had even reset the combination to its factory setting!!!!)
On arrival at Houston, the ignorant ba5tards at the TSA (I know it was them cos they kindly left a letter on top of my clothes) had used a saw to cut out the lock!!! Obviously whoever they employed couldn't read English (or couldn't read!)
Don't Lock Your Case!!!
We have (sorry, had) a Samsonite Oyster hard case with a built-in combination lock. As it tended to open involuntarily if left unlocked, I spun the tumblers and sellotaped a large note to it "THE COMBINATION IS 0000 IF YOU NEED ACCESS". (Yes - I had even reset the combination to its factory setting!!!!)
On arrival at Houston, the ignorant ba5tards at the TSA (I know it was them cos they kindly left a letter on top of my clothes) had used a saw to cut out the lock!!! Obviously whoever they employed couldn't read English (or couldn't read!)
Don't Lock Your Case!!!
TSA = Totally Stupid Agency, just as FBI is Famous But Incompetent. Both prove it frequently. But the rule is don't lock your cases in the US. Mrs Radeng unthinkingly locked a Delse case, and it now doesn't lock any more after TSA rummaged through.
The really disappointing thing is they take no responsibility for damaged or missing articles, which to my mind suggests that they are more than happy to have their employees thieving.
The really disappointing thing is they take no responsibility for damaged or missing articles, which to my mind suggests that they are more than happy to have their employees thieving.
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Probably a bunch of jobsworths who use their new found position of power to massage their egos....
Freud would probably have some excellent psycho-analysis verbage to describe this behaviour, but I'm sure most people can guess what it would be (or what they would like it to be, although a certain hand waving gesture would probably suffice
TSA "approved" locks can be bought in the UK for about £5 from shops like Graham Tiso (camping & climbing gear etc) Fairly funky little combination lock, with a slot for the master key.
Regards,
Shuttlebus
Freud would probably have some excellent psycho-analysis verbage to describe this behaviour, but I'm sure most people can guess what it would be (or what they would like it to be, although a certain hand waving gesture would probably suffice
TSA "approved" locks can be bought in the UK for about £5 from shops like Graham Tiso (camping & climbing gear etc) Fairly funky little combination lock, with a slot for the master key.
Regards,
Shuttlebus
Join Date: May 2003
Location: BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having just travelled with United LHR-JFK-LHR with a locked suitcase I had no problems or was l asked to unlock my case on check-in at JFK. The lock used was one purchased at LHR T3 so probably wouldn't have been a TSA 'approved' lock.
In fact I was impressed with immigration etc at JFK, no queues or attitude!
In fact I was impressed with immigration etc at JFK, no queues or attitude!
Too mean to buy a long personal title
I don't think that there are any problems with flights originating outside the US, even if they're going to the US. Locks have always been acceptable and indeed recommended by airlines.
It's only for US-originating flights, where the TSA is responsible for screening, that the TSA recommends that you don't lock your bags because they may want to smash their way inside them if you do. As this includes domestic onward sectors, I take the lock off and change to a cable tie after clearing US customs and before handing the bag back to the relevant airline.
It's really nice to fly from a US station where you can actually lock your bag because it's screened at a point where you can still open the bag for the TSA if they want to get inside it. But it would really be much nicer if the TSA could do what every other country seems to manage to do.
It's only for US-originating flights, where the TSA is responsible for screening, that the TSA recommends that you don't lock your bags because they may want to smash their way inside them if you do. As this includes domestic onward sectors, I take the lock off and change to a cable tie after clearing US customs and before handing the bag back to the relevant airline.
It's really nice to fly from a US station where you can actually lock your bag because it's screened at a point where you can still open the bag for the TSA if they want to get inside it. But it would really be much nicer if the TSA could do what every other country seems to manage to do.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IF there was any intelligence involved with the TSA, all suitcases would be x-rayed at the pre-check-in point where the owner can open it. Damaging people's property is retarded, stupid and just plain idiotic. I'll never understand why the U.S makes getting in/out of it's borders such a hellish experience, personally I hate going there now, I like the country, hate it's airport experience. You can still have security without this level of stupidity.
Some US airports are better than others. Generally, I find getting through Phoenix on the way out takes less time than coming back through Heathrow, the immigration people are friendly and polite without being obsequious, and they're pleasure to deal with. Chicago isn't bad, LAX and MIA are the pits, and ezyBoh is the first person I've heard with a good word to say about JFK!
San Diego used to let you stand there while they X rayed the suitcase, but that's changed a bit. The problem when flying internationally may well not be the US but somewhere else - it's not known as 'Thiefrow' for nothing!
Still, the derogation by TSA of responsibility for damage and theft is disturbing.
San Diego used to let you stand there while they X rayed the suitcase, but that's changed a bit. The problem when flying internationally may well not be the US but somewhere else - it's not known as 'Thiefrow' for nothing!
Still, the derogation by TSA of responsibility for damage and theft is disturbing.
Paxing All Over The World
Paper Tiger
Uummm, where do you start considering your clothing as having a 'value'? Is it when they take your M&S underwear, or when they take your Saville Row suit? If I place a swatch of 24 CDs in my hold case - so that my hand luggage will not exceed permitted weight - is that placing something of value in the case?
Those, such as the TSA, that have the legal right to open suitcases cannot guarantee that every other person in the chain (at least two airports and maybe more if through checked) are going to be well behaved. To then require you to leave the case unlocked ...?
When I lived in Munich, they x-rayed the bag at check-in. In fact, you had the bag and hand luggage x-rayed BEFORE you were allowed to queue for check-in. That was 1998~2000!!! Sensible and practical, the TSA should learn from them.
... in which case do not put anything of value in them (a wise precaution anyway IMO).
Those, such as the TSA, that have the legal right to open suitcases cannot guarantee that every other person in the chain (at least two airports and maybe more if through checked) are going to be well behaved. To then require you to leave the case unlocked ...?
When I lived in Munich, they x-rayed the bag at check-in. In fact, you had the bag and hand luggage x-rayed BEFORE you were allowed to queue for check-in. That was 1998~2000!!! Sensible and practical, the TSA should learn from them.
