regarding locking of bags ?

[doc_cute 0]

My wife's and my suitcase was inspected when we flew from the Philippines to San Francisco last month. When we got the suitcase from the carousel there was a red sticker taped across it that said "Security Checked." This was my 4th trip to and from the Philippines, but the only time the luggage was opened by TSA. Not locking the suitcase was an issue because the latch can easily pop open when not locked. I bought a latching strap to put around the suitcase to keep it closed.

wow so does it mean that u didnt lock it n luckily that helped coz it was all of sudden checked 1st time in your 4 visits to n fro phillipines ?

[doc_cute 0]

You can buy these special TSA locks at nearly all International airports. Duty Free and other shops in the airports sell them for a reasonable price. TSA can unlock these locks and search, then relock your bags.

thanks sasha i will be buying these now

-Mala

[Ladylethal 12]

Only time I had my bags inspected was going back to Brazil back in 1997, and it was opened in front of me, so I could unlock it. Besides that I never had my bags unlocked which is good since I had one of those samsonites with built in locks.

[ladybird216 2]

What we do is.....on our bags with built-in locks, we write the code on a sticker so that they don't have to be broken off - they did search them (found the 'security checked' sticker on the outside and a note on the inside) but they also locked them back up for us. On our bags with zippers that you attach a lock to, we fasten them with a zip-tie which stopped them from being opened accidentally but they can be easily cut off for inspection.

I traveled 7 times to the US from the UK and my bags were checked 5 times....I never had anything taken, but then I always carried any valuables in my carry-on.

Edited August 5, 2007 by ladybird216

[doc_cute 0]

Only time I had my bags inspected was going back to Brazil back in 1997, and it was opened in front of me, so I could unlock it. Besides that I never had my bags unlocked which is good since I had one of those samsonites with built in locks.

thanks so much luis and lara

i too have this bag but i am feeling after reading many posts that they dont open the baggages unless something suspicious like any valuable or any sharp object i wont be carrying any thing which will make them suspicious n i will be also keeping the valuables in handbag

[doc_cute 0]

What we do is.....on our bags with built-in locks, we write the code on a sticker so that they don't have to be broken off - they did search them (found the 'security checked' sticker on the outside and a note on the inside) but they also locked them back up for us. On our bags with zippers that you attach a lock to, we fasten them with a zip-tie which stopped them from being opened accidentally but they can be easily cut off for inspection.

I traveled 7 times to the US from the UK and my bags were checked 5 times....I never had anything taken, but then I always carried any valuables in my carry-on.

thank you lady bird

most probably even i will be travelling thru airindia thru london hithrow

though not yet booked the tickets as of now

your suggesstion of writing security code of built in locks is really appreciable i can always do that by putting a sticker and putting a brown cover with tape above that code which they can open easily if they want to inspect

great idea yipee thanks so much

[Heracles 417]

I would not recommend using the inbuilt luggage locks as they will have to tear open your backs, if they need to be inspected.

That said, they rarely check your bags coming in to America. Your bags will probably be checked if you need to take a connecting flight domestically.

[doc_cute 0]

I would not recommend using the inbuilt luggage locks as they will have to tear open your backs, if they need to be inspected.

That said, they rarely check your bags coming in to America. Your bags will probably be checked if you need to take a connecting flight domestically.

luckily wont be needing a connecting flight

my final destination will be till jfk

-Mala

so far so good i thought they will be inspecting baggages if needed in jfk

will they be opening baggages in london also ?

any ideas

thanks

[Heracles 417]

I would not recommend using the inbuilt luggage locks as they will have to tear open your backs, if they need to be inspected.

That said, they rarely check your bags coming in to America. Your bags will probably be checked if you need to take a connecting flight domestically.

luckily wont be needing a connecting flight

my final destination will be till jfk

-Mala

so far so good i thought they will be inspecting baggages if needed in jfk

will they be opening baggages in london also ?

any ideas

thanks

Hmm. If your traveling via London there is a good chance it will be inspected. They also have the ability to open TSA approved locks rather than breaking them.

[doc_cute 0]

I would not recommend using the inbuilt luggage locks as they will have to tear open your backs, if they need to be inspected.

That said, they rarely check your bags coming in to America. Your bags will probably be checked if you need to take a connecting flight domestically.

luckily wont be needing a connecting flight

my final destination will be till jfk

-Mala

so far so good i thought they will be inspecting baggages if needed in jfk

will they be opening baggages in london also ?

any ideas

thanks

Hmm. If your traveling via London there is a good chance it will be inspected. They also have the ability to open TSA approved locks rather than breaking them.

wow

so finally i am not locking them

[kitkat1 5]

When I check my bags on international flights, I tell the TSA inspectors that I am going to stand there and wait (outside the roped area) in case they need to open my bag. That way, I can give them the combination. I also ask them to make sure that the bags are locked when they move them to the post-inspection area. I have never had them say no to this request. I would NEVER send bags on any flight that are not locked.

[Davidvj 0]

mala,

relax you think too much. Go for interview first once done then think about luggage. PM me I can help Been delhi like 20 times in row

[Cassandra+Yuibi 0]

I never lock my baggage, and every single flight I've taken in the past 4 years my bags have been searched. My fiance (the non USC) has a lock on his luggage and, even when traveling with me- has never has his luggage opened and searched. It wouldn't bother me- except the last time they searched it- they opened my zip lock bags (which had soap, toothpaste, etc) and didn't close them!!! So I had toothpaste ans soap ALL over my (expensive) cashmere sweaters. I was totally p!ssed off.

[doc_cute 0]

I never lock my baggage, and every single flight I've taken in the past 4 years my bags have been searched. My fiance (the non USC) has a lock on his luggage and, even when traveling with me- has never has his luggage opened and searched. It wouldn't bother me- except the last time they searched it- they opened my zip lock bags (which had soap, toothpaste, etc) and didn't close them!!! So I had toothpaste ans soap ALL over my (expensive) cashmere sweaters. I was totally p!ssed off.

thanks cassandra and yuibi finally my visa is done now and i got my tickets booked though not a good deal finally but i m still not able to decide with locking of baggages

though not such a great issue but still i am supre loaded with extra baggages too

-Mala