Q: TSA locks and Hard Shell luggage

[allen.crawford]

One of the pieces of luggage we travel with is a "hard shell" piece. It is held closed by three "clamps" incorporated into the design. There is one clamp on each side and one at the top. The top clamp has an lock incorporated into it.

I am concerned that the lock will be broken by the luggage handlers to inspect the contents of the luggage. If that were to happen, then it is likely the luggage won't reliably remain closed.

It is a large piece and I really don't want to replace a good piece of luggage all for a lock. We last travelled with it in April of this year with no apparent problems.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Has anyone travelled recently with a similar piece? Has anyone encountered any problems with using such a piece of luggage?

[Gsel]

We used one piece of luggage like this last March and had no problems. But we also secured the luggage with a strap that could be easily opened by TSA. If in doubt, call your airline and get suggestions from them.

[Randyk47]

We travel with soft sided luggage so we don't have this problem. However, I did notice when we were buying our TSA approved locks that the store had straps for hardsided luggage with TSA approved locks. I'm assuming one would leave the locks built into the luggage latched but unlocked and then used the strap with lock to secure the bag. No doubt we'll get into a discussion here about whether or not it's worthwhile to lock your luggage in the first place, etc., but we do, if for no other reason than some peace of mind that we at least tried to secure our bags.

[CaptData]

Do as above, buy the strap with the lock. Leave the suitcase lock unlocked. Or you can buy new luggage. I use zip ties on my luggage now.

[TedC]

At our airport, which has private screeners, we lock it and standby if they want us to open it.

On the return portion we secure our softside luggage with electrical ties. If any screener at any airport in the world wants entry they can cut the tie, which doesn't damage the luggage and we don't lose a lock. Hopefully they will have ties to replace the one cut, but no guarantee in foreign airports.

Back in the US, the TSA screeners do have ties to secure luggage they open. I found that out when I was still using a lock on the return trip. My lock was gone and the TSA tie was in place. There was a note inside the bag that it had been searched. Nothing was missing, thus we still had to do the dirty laundry.

Short of getting the strap lock described above, I'd make sure there's nothing of a suspicious shape or makeup in the bag that could send up a red flag. Electrical devices could be suspicious, a fold-up cane could look like a gun etc. And chocolate is read as a possible explosive by the machines that check that sort of thing.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We travel with soft sided luggage so we don't have this problem. However, I did notice when we were buying our TSA approved locks that the store had straps for hardsided luggage with TSA approved locks. I'm assuming one would leave the locks built into the luggage latched but unlocked and then used the strap with lock to secure the bag. No doubt we'll get into a discussion here about whether or not it's worthwhile to lock your luggage in the first place, etc., but we do, if for no other reason than some peace of mind that we at least tried to secure our bags.
I agree with Randy, we have the straps as well as the TSA locks and have had no problem. Definitely do not lock the hard sided one with the lock on the suit case or it could ruin a nice piece of luggage when and if TSA decided they want to inspect. It is a shame that luggage manufacturers don't build a lock that is attached that is TSA approved. Or do they:confused: The other thing about the TSA locks is how useful are they if TSA can get into them I would guess getting akey that works with them would be easily obtained by any airport employee if they wanted to find a way to get into you luggage. But at least with the key it should slow them down a little bit.

[Randyk47]

Right now the TSA master keys are hard to come by. A friend is the deputy TSA regional director here in San Antonio and he told me they make the TSA agents sign for the master keys each shift and return them at the end of the shift. However, let's face it, stuff happens and sooner or later somebody will find a way around that. :(

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Right now the TSA master keys are hard to come by. A friend is the deputy TSA regional director here in San Antonio and he told me they make the TSA agents sign for the master keys each shift and return them at the end of the shift. However, let's face it, stuff happens and sooner or later somebody will find a way around that. :(
Randy, that is good to know. I figure if they want it bad enough they will get it. Plus if they need it that bad let them have it. I have learned not to worry about that kind of thing any more and ruin a vacation. I go on vacation to relax and and relax is what I do:D

[Smoky]

We got some straps with TSA locks from Brookstone for our hardside luggage. When adjusting to the size of the bag we noticed how easily the strap could be loosened and slipped off, offering no security at all. We altered the strap by stitching the two straps together, after sizing it to the suitcase for a tight fit, so it couldn't be loosened.

TSA did remove the whole locking mechanism on one of our Samsonite bags in August (Denver Airport). We found the lock in our taped-up bag. It was very difficult getting the bag repaired, so I suggest NOT locking your bag.

[Linda&Vern]

:rolleyes: We will be driving to our departure port. Should we arrive with our luggage locked or unlocked? Not familiar with baggage screening at the port (Norfolk). Thanks!

[sologrip]

At our airport, which has private screeners, we lock it and standby if they want us to open it.

Short of getting the strap lock described above, I'd make sure there's nothing of a suspicious shape or makeup in the bag that could send up a red flag. Electrical devices could be suspicious, a fold-up cane could look like a gun etc. And chocolate is read as a possible explosive by the machines that check that sort of thing.

I'm 2 for 2 inspections with a 20# bag of dog food.....

[RuthC]

:rolleyes: We will be driving to our departure port. Should we arrive with our luggage locked or unlocked? Not familiar with baggage screening at the port (Norfolk). Thanks!Feel free to lock your luggage; the TSA system is only used at airports---at least so far.
Enjoy your cruise.

[Keith B.]

The locks on hard sided luggage don't keep anybody out. The simply keep the latches from opening accidently. I showed a TSA agent how easy it was to open my samsonite luggage with a bobbie pin. That was two years ago.
Too avoid the hassle, I bought straps and don't bother to lock it at all. Now there has to be 2 accidents. LOL

[Randyk47]

Keith - Have to agree. The major reason I lock our luggage is to keep the latches from popping open or the zippers from getting undone.....by accident. I don't think any luggage lock is going to keep out the determined thief. I did notice that the new hardside luggage with TSA approved locks are combination locks which is a bit better than the old key locks. The key locks were really kind of a joke. Not only could you open them with a bobbie pin but if you had a key from say Samsonite it opened all Samsonite luggage. Not exactly like your house key or car key. :)