apetaster

We are travelling to Europe in the AM and have a few travel size padlocks. Given the new security checks, do I even bother securing my checked luggage with the padlocks, will they likely just be cut and opened during a search process?

I know that we should be packing all valuables inside carry-ons (which we will be) but in terms of keeping my other junk/skivvies, etc secure, should I even bother?

Thanks to any seasoned travellers in the know!

Atanvarno

I have never locked my luggage or had to. I don't really see the use. If someone should bother to go through your stuff the won't have any problems opening it up.

I don't quite know how the security checks are on flights to/from the US now, but I don't think anyone searched my luggage in any of the flights I did since 9/11. I assume by search-process you mean without your knowledge.

So, I'd say, don't bother.

But, one thing you really should, is to bring as carry-ons, in addition to valuables, a towel, some extra underwear and a toothbrush. It has happened a few times that my luggage has gotten lost on the way, and instead of being a crisis (not having your essentials) it has turned out rather nice, not having to transport your luggage to the final destination but getting it delivered on the door

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nowthen

I flew Panama - Miami - England and back last month, after about the fourth time of unlocking my bags to have them searched I didnt bother to lock them anymore.

To be honest the security is so tight at the moment I wouldnt worry about anybody tampering with your bags.

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syquestrd270

Being in college out of state, I have had a deal of experience with domestic flights from the East to West coast and back.

I have had my bags searched each of the last two times I've flown. I only secure my bags with the zip-ties because they keep the zippers closed and they are easily replaced. One-way flights are almost always tagged for extra searches, but you probably won't have to deal with that.

Additionally, the TSA inserts a paper notice of a search when they're done so you will know if your checked bags were searched. It's annoying, but not as bad as it could be.

JStrider

i flew home recently and my climbing backpack was searched... kinda found it amuzing... i wouldnt put any locks on it... theyll just be cut if they want to search it...

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Lebell

Zipper ties are the way to go, with some extras tucked inside. Otherwise, the locks will just be cut off.

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Dr. Smooth

when i flew to Ireland over spring break, I had no locks of any sort on my bag. They did end up searching it, and when i got it back, everything was zip tied together. turned out kinda nice

suviko

I have had a pilot's bag with number code and they didn't break it but ask me to open it instead, but this was in Finland. I could assume they are not as humane in bigger places.

Charles de Gaulle is a black hole what comes to luggage. :I If you gotta change, don't do it in Paris but try to use Amsterdam instead. Atan's advice about having extra brush & towel is handy, but usually you can buy them with money. Your best friend when travelling is your plastic money.

nowthen

Amen to that! Never let your visa leave your pocket and your good for any situation.

__________________

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."

George Bernard Shaw

Atanvarno

Actually, last time my luggage got lost was on Madrid-Amsterdam-Oslo ...
And when for some reason you can't get your luggage it's always nice to reduce stress factors ... having everything you need with you and not having to run around the airport to find somewhere to buy it is nice Besides ... poor students like me can't afford buying new stuff all the time anyways

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Kllr Wolf

Locking your stuff is actually a way for them to search your stuff more often and treat you more supiscious. The only thing I have ever locked that didnt get lots of searches done because of it was my laptop bag.

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Frowning Budah

suviko you are so right abt Charles de Gaulle, avoid it at all cost.
My number one rule when traveling is don't put anything in the suitcases I would hate to loose. That way you don't need locks, as an aside the one suitcase I have does have a combo lock which I keep locked just so it doesn't pop open. Nobody seemed to bother it except during regular inspections.

MSD

There's something hilariously ironic about seeing padlocked zippers on nylon suitcases.

Cynthetiq

and if they are those cheesy little luggage locks... well they all have a common key, for that very reason. IMO I believe even the combo ones do as well.

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phredgreen

okay. the zip ties (with extras inside) are a great idea. i'd also reccomend a luggage strap, one of the kinds that wraps around your bag. foriegn baggage handling can be unforgiving, and luggage latches aren't the most reliable things on this planet, so if you want to avoid your socks and boxers spread around the luggage carousel (like mine were), get one for each of your suitcases.

also. hard-side suitcases. don't bother with nylon. i worked british airways for a while... all of the flight attendants used delsey (or similar brand) hardsides... i have one myself. great case.

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boredjerk

don't tape the heroin to your chest.

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