Luggage Unlocked?

[Kween Karen]

I am guessing that you need to leave your luggage unlocked when you send it off to the ship checking place.
Is this the case? Can you use the "airline acceptable" type of locks? Probably not a big deal but someone had previously posted that they like to put on locks before setting their luggage out in the hallway prior to debarking.....and this seems like a similar situation EXCEPT it has to go through screening.

[ekerr19]

We always keep our luggage locked with TSA approved locks. I have never had it be a problem.

An unlocked bag is an invitation for theft, in my mind.

Bon Voyage!

[taxmantoo]

Originally Posted by ekerr19

We always keep our luggage locked with TSA approved locks. I have never had it be a problem.

An unlocked bag is an invitation for theft, in my mind.

Bon Voyage!

Ditto.
We would never even think of putting unlocked luggage out in the hallway for a few hours. The same with airlines...we have often had our bags go on trips different from the ones we were on !

[Randyk47]

We always lock our luggage with TSA locks. Now I've been told the cruise lines don't have the master key for TSA locks and TSA, as much as it's been talked about, is still not physically part of the cruise terminal security process. That said I've never had my locks cut off or have I been called back to open luggage.

[ekerr19]

Originally Posted by Randyk47

We always lock our luggage with TSA locks. Now I've been told the cruise lines don't have the master key for TSA locks and TSA, as much as it's been talked about, is still not physically part of the cruise terminal security process. That said I've never had my locks cut off or have I been called back to open luggage.

I didn't even know that Randy - and yet, I'd still never consider sending them through (handing them over to porters) unlocked.

I'm sure HAL doesn't make to much of a stink over it because - can you imagine? If they forced everyone to leave unlocked bags unattended, well, the liability alone would be hard to imagine!

[Randyk47]

I probably lock my luggage as much for keeping them from coming unzipped as I do for security. Where there's a will there's a way and my little tiny lock isn't going to stop a theft who wants inside my luggage. Heck, they don't even have to cut the lock off.....a really sharp knife, like a box cutter, would slice through most of our soft side luggage. I know people who use the cable ties just as effectively as the locks but I just find the locks to be handier.

[uppitycats]

We don't have locks, but do use those plastic ties, and indeed tie together anything that could be opened..and have never had a problem, nor been questioned by ship security...

although our luggage HAS been opened by TSA (they leave a letter inside the case, telling you that your luggage has been inspected).

[Krazy Kruizers]

We always keep our luggage locked with the TSA locks.

Have read too many stories here about people who did not lock their luggage and then they found items missing.

[Big Al B.]

We lock our luggage also. I think that if anything strange shows up when your luggage goes through the inspection coming on board the ship, they hold it out and give you a place to come claim it. Most of the time it's from bringing bottles on board.

[SDHALFAN]

Lock that luggage girl. I always do and have never had a problem (shoot, did I just tempt providence?)

I finally got a cabin assignment and sent you and Ron an e-mail.

See you soon - 9 days and 13 days and counting.

Valerie

[IRL_Joanie]

We are the dummies because we never knew that TSA had approved locks we could use. We've left our luggage unlocked since 9-11 not knowing any diffence.

I just discovered that the darned locks that came with our luggage 2 1/2 years ago (and never used) is one of the approved brands. So from now on our luggage will be locked!!

Thank you to the OP and all that replied on this thread for enlightening us.

If any of you need to find more info here is TSA's site: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ant/locks.shtm

[rkacruiser]

I use TSA locks and lock the bags when they are going onto the ship as well as being taken off the ship.

[sylteach]

I just got back from a cruise on the Ryndam. I used the TSA locks-found the ones I like at Target- from the minute I left my hotel room to go to the airport until I returned home from my flights. I like the locks with cable attachments better than the solid ones. We had no problems, and we even used US Direct.

[tbrein]

We have a friend who did not lock one of his bags last year on a Princess Cruise leaving from Southhampton. When they got to their cabin on and the bags arrived, his brand new camera was missing.
Moral of the story. Lock your luggage.
Terri

[imsulin]

Why would someone leave a new camera in their checked luggage instead of in their carry-on? Just asking.

[Randyk47]

We never put anything but clothing, shoes, and such in our checked bags at the terminal. Since we fly in the day before we even move liquids, etc., that have to be in checked bags for flying back into our carry-ons.

[Jewel99]

I've done a bit of searching/reading on various forums (not just for cruising) and I can totally see the value in locking your luggage before boarding the ship (and leaving the ship as well), but can you lock luggage on flights? Although we're from Canada, we'll be flying within the US from Buffalo to Fort Lauderdale for our upcoming cruise.

I've read quite a few posts in various places about locks being cut off, tampered with, etc. on flights so trying to decide if we need to lock prior to boarding, or on the flights as well.

Thanks.

[Randyk47]

I can't speak to Canadian laws but there is no law in the US that prohibits locking luggage. I have used TSA approved locks since they became available and I have never had one cut off a bag. I've had locked bags opened and inspected out of my sight and relocked by TSA. Certainly TSA has the authority to cut off a lock that is not TSA approved or won't unlock using their master key but I'd hesitate to say that happens often. We fly a lot and we always lock our bags.

[cdkempton]

We do not have locks on our luggage when going through airports but as soon as we are ready to board the ship, the locks go on. The same when we are leaving our luggage out on the last evening while aboard, the locks go on. We then remove them when we're ready to check our bags in at the airport. If the ship has any reason to want to check your luggage, they will notify you and ask you to open your bags. It's never happened to us but I have heard/read that it does on occasion.
Cheers and have a fabulous cruise!!!!!
Colette

[Nancyquilts]

We always use locks. Twice we have had the TSA locks mangled enough that they broke the loops on the suitcases. I keep telling DH that now I need new suitcases, but it hasn't worked yet. I also don't keep anything of much value in the suitcases, but carry that on. Nancy