Do You Lock Your Luggage?

[badcdn]

I carry all my valuables with me in my carry on, but I'm afraid that someone behind the scenes might slip contraband in my bags. I.E Drugs.

I think the plastic wrap and locks are a good idea, but if Security or Immigration decide to search the bag, they're going to remove the lock and plastic to do that.

Does anyone know if they, airport officials, are required to tag bags they search? A way of indicating to the passenger that their bag was searched by an official and not pilfered by someone along baggage handling system?

[lioness]

It's not what they might take out that worries me but what they can put in, I always lock.

Seeing the Schapelle Corby case in Bali has me taking as many precautions as possible.

[Dave the Dude]

There is a video doing the 'Internet rounds' at the moment showing how a simple 'Biro' ballpoint pen can be used to open ANY zip whether locked or unlocked. Then once opened and

robbed, the zip can be re-sealed as if never touched!

IT WORKS TOO, UNFORTUNETLY

Dave

[doggie888888]

I do lock my luggage. I know it is not foolproof but it acts as a deterrent, hopefully. I am more worried about strangers putting things IN rather than taking things OUT.

[britmaveric]

It's not what they might take out that worries me but what they can put in, I always lock.

Seeing the Schapelle Corby case in Bali has me taking as many precautions as possible.

Can hardly count her as a valid example since she was evidently guilty and part of her drug smuggling scum family.

[sirineou]

I was under the impression that it is the police of the security agency, that governs most airports , that all checked in luggage must be unlocked for security purposes , am I wrong?

[Dave the Dude]

I was under the impression that it is the police of the security agency, that governs most airports , that all checked in luggage must be unlocked for security purposes , am I wrong?

YES

[bobbysan124]

Always lock mine with TSA approved locks. Never had a problem. Also use them in the hotels.

[Hawaiian]

Always lock mine with TSA approved locks. Never had a problem. Also use them in the hotels.

When TSA approved locks first came on the market I bought some and used them to lock our luggage. Airport security asked me to remove them as they would be cut by the inspectors. When I mentioned that they were TSA approved I was informed that they did not have keys for them. Small city airport, mostly polite staff. So I took them off and put them inside of the luggage. When we returned from Thailand I returned them to Walmart for a refund. Never tried using these kind of locks again. Just use regular locks secured to the zipper and not fastened to the eye. Don't know what good it does, but never had a problem. That way they are available to secure the luggage at baggage claim. Keep a duplicate in my wallet and my wife's handbag.

[FarangForce5]

I didn't lock my bag once on a Thai Airways flight to BKK from Phuket. When I arrived I had a 40k baht watch missing and my girlfriend's bag had a diamond ring gone. That was the last time I put anything even remotely of value in my check-in bag. I think that deterred me from using that airline any longer as well, and I have had no problems using Air Asia ever since (refer to my last post in the thread about Air Asia's claim as the best low-cost carrier in the world)

[britmaveric]

^uh why would you put anything that valuable in your checked luggage - u are asking for someone to take it.

[Zpete]

Nope.

Locked bags are targets.

As previous poster says, "Why put valuables in checked bags".

Mind you, I have refined my requirements to fit in a backpack and take into cabin.

.......even when on long, 2 month trips around S.E.A.

[Lancashirelad]

I used to put a mini padlock on but stopped doing this after one was cut off by customs (with note inserted).

Hadn't heard of TSA locks until reading this thread. I see some are available with a green/red indicator that shows if the lock has been opened, so you can immediately check for missing items & report it before leaving the airport.

If i was an airport baggage handler and into a spot of baggage contents pilfering, i'd be getting myself a TSA master key!

[BabySun]

I'm curious to know how many members think it's worth putting locks on luggage to deter thieves/drugs.

I don't use a suitcase, just a backpack/rucksack and didn't use any locks on my previous trip.

You will risk serious troubles,if you do not lock your bags.Have you heard about that very sorry girl from Australia doing 30 years in Bali jail?

[BabySun]

It's not what they might take out that worries me but what they can put in, I always lock.

Seeing the Schapelle Corby case in Bali has me taking as many precautions as possible.

Can hardly count her as a valid example since she was evidently guilty and part of her drug smuggling scum family.

Grass is quite expensive in Australia and costs next to nothing in Indonesia.