Luggage security for Cuba

[ckpossum]

Hi, am flying Las Vegas/Cancun via Charlotte (RTN) in April with US Airways and connecting to Havana using Cubana on the same day. Wondering if anyone had any recent experiences and was able to offer advice re locking/unlocking checked luggage for each sector. Doing a number of various domestic flights within the States in the weeks beforehand and was planning to use those padlocks that the TSA can open using codes rather than cutting them open. Don't know what to expect in either Mexico or Cuba. Should we change tactics for this leg of the trip? Cheers.

 

[docjames]

Hi, am flying Las Vegas/Cancun via Charlotte (RTN) in April with US Airways and connecting to Havana using Cubana on the same day. Wondering if anyone had any recent experiences and was able to offer advice re locking/unlocking checked luggage for each sector. Doing a number of various domestic flights within the States in the weeks beforehand and was planning to use those padlocks that the TSA can open using codes rather than cutting them open. Don't know what to expect in either Mexico or Cuba. Should we change tactics for this leg of the trip? Cheers.

I would use the same "tactics" as you usually use.


FWIW - when leaving you luggage in your hotel room in Cuba, make sure they're locked whilst you're out of the room - we had (not overly valuable) items disappear from our room in what otherwise was a decent hotel - almost certainly assisted in their disappearance by the housekeeping staff......

 

[ckpossum]

thanks will do. As for the good advice re room security - sad to say but today I think it's probably a good habit when travelling anywhere.

 

[haydensydney]

We had an expensive jacket stolen from our luggage when we left Cuba for Paris. Our bag didn't make it to Paris either (took two days to get to us). When we got the bag, the lock had been smashed right off which was odd because that bag only contained clothing and the jacket was the only thing missing (?)

 

[james4321]

Hi ckpossum. I would check to see if there is a luggage wrapping service at any of your departure points. Its a much better way than locks to secure your luggage, definitely deters opportunistic theft, and provides immediately visible evidence of tampering. It is definitely available in Mexico City, and probaly in Cuba too. Here is a link to a directory if known airports where it is available. PROTECTABAG - Contact PROTECTABAG

 

[ckpossum]

thanks for the link :idea: - we too have been fans of the "gladwrap" in the past on trips to both China and Europe for the protection of our luggage but were worried about the physical TSA inspections in the States which I understood to be random and very frequent leaving your luggage at risk until you met up with it again. Will do some more research as I may have misunderstood the security procedures and be worrying needlessly. Will also try finding out if any other company services the airports we're visiting.