Padlocks for suitcases
83 Posts
When we travelled to Orlando in March last year we were told that we could not use the combination locks on our cases but we still used the key and locks that we already had and there was no bother about this at all. We travelled from Manchester to Orlando Sanford.
Definately leave them unlocked, I have been advised this by loads of people who travel to US a lot.
And
If you are buying any clothes etc cut the price tags off them and pack them as normal clothes in your suitcase as things have been going 'astray' between checking in and getting suitcase back.
And
If you are buying any clothes etc cut the price tags off them and pack them as normal clothes in your suitcase as things have been going 'astray' between checking in and getting suitcase back.
5 out of 6 cases had the locks either broken open or picked.We were fuming!
Why would anyone want to lock a case?
The locks themselves arent really very much of a problem to anyone who _really_ wants to get into your case.
The locks themselves arent really very much of a problem to anyone who _really_ wants to get into your case.
Chloe
Whilst the locks may not prevent anyone determine enough getting in the case it can be a requirement of your travel insurance that your cases are locked!
Also I would imagine if you have those rigid cases (don't know for certain because we don't have them) that they can spring open easily if they are locked. I know the vanity case I have has to be locked or the slightest tap on the catch will make it spring open.
Whilst the locks may not prevent anyone determine enough getting in the case it can be a requirement of your travel insurance that your cases are locked!
Also I would imagine if you have those rigid cases (don't know for certain because we don't have them) that they can spring open easily if they are locked. I know the vanity case I have has to be locked or the slightest tap on the catch will make it spring open.
Yes, I do have rigid cases but they are secure and I really cant see them opening on their own.
I have just check my insurance documents for Majorca and Florida and can see no mention of locking your case, so I guess I will just leave it open as always!
I have just check my insurance documents for Majorca and Florida and can see no mention of locking your case, so I guess I will just leave it open as always!
The info here is good to know and i will keep my case unlocked when we travel
Hi all,
I saw in Tesco this weekend that they are now selling TSA approved padlocks for travel to the US. They have the 3 digit combination type, or the regular key type for £8.99 each.
That's got to be better than having your luggage cut open!
I saw in Tesco this weekend that they are now selling TSA approved padlocks for travel to the US. They have the 3 digit combination type, or the regular key type for £8.99 each.
That's got to be better than having your luggage cut open!
Cheaper to use plastic cable ties 
is there any paticular reason for locking your bags when flying to the us? in going in december and would be great to here any advice on this, many thanks!
Honestly, no, there isn't much of a good reason except for your peace of mind. After 9/11 customs are much more likely to search your bag. However, they will do this even if your suitcase is locked, breaking the lock if necessary. There's nothing you can do about it and, given the current threat of terrorism, I think it's completely understandable. So, you can buy a lock if you want to and it could turn out to be a waste of money... personally, I don't lock my bags although I would do depending on the country. I don't think the US has big trouble with baggage handlers stealing items although I suppose there will always be the odd one or two in any country
We use cable ties. But remember you'll need nail scissors or penknife to cut them off at the other end but not in your hand luggage. I slip nail scissors in the zip compartment of one of our cases.
Howard
Howard
hey thanks for the advice, i wont worry to much about it then
There's no problems flying to the US (apart from baggage handlers!) but on your return US customs require all bags to be either unlocked or locked with a TSA approved lock (which they can easily open) to inspect your luggage if they decide to do so, if your luggage is locked with a non-approved lock they will remove it the quickest way possible, normaly just cutting it or the handles it's attached to off the case. Using plastic cable ties offers a cheaper alternative and they can easily be removed by Customs without damage to your luggage
hey thanks! think cable ties sound the best option, think ill go for that, cheers.
I have travelled to the states about 12 times and never put any locks on and never had a single problem.
I am very impressed with the idea of using plastic cable ties and I will indeed use these in future.
Many thanks for this idea.
I am very impressed with the idea of using plastic cable ties and I will indeed use these in future.
Many thanks for this idea.
Hi everyone
Travelling through the USA earlier this year, we had our combination Samsonite cases damaged by TSA at LAX.
We have now replaced the cases and are off to California next week, however, I have been looking at some TSA approved locks, and as padlocks are no good with combination locks, can anyone suggest TSA approved locks that are suitable for combination locks?
I have looked at some TSA approved straps but should our cases fall into the wrong hands, these straps can be easily cut open.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance
Driver02
Travelling through the USA earlier this year, we had our combination Samsonite cases damaged by TSA at LAX.
We have now replaced the cases and are off to California next week, however, I have been looking at some TSA approved locks, and as padlocks are no good with combination locks, can anyone suggest TSA approved locks that are suitable for combination locks?
I have looked at some TSA approved straps but should our cases fall into the wrong hands, these straps can be easily cut open.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance
Driver02
Should your cases fall into the wrong hands, a padlock can be easily opened as well.
We use key ring loops on ours. Suitcase locks are useless - they only have to be levered slightly to break and often break in transit. A key ring loop has to be taken off properly as it won't break.
I have used cable ties and have had the cases opened by customs when leaving the US with no damage to the case.
I leave a couple of spare ties clearly visable in the case so if customs open it they see the spare ties, and I must give them credit they have put them on
I leave a couple of spare ties clearly visable in the case so if customs open it they see the spare ties, and I must give them credit they have put them on
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