TSA lock for trips to USA

[Mal]

You should look at the video on you tube - it will show you just how useless locks and cable ties really are.

Indeed I have. But, I have been advised (as indicated previously in this thread) that there are certain brands of zips that are protected against the types of attack shown on youtube (eg pen).

I'm still trying to find evidence to back this up though.

 

[Flashback]

How could this been avoided were you flying Qantas?

I think JohnK was implying that a lower class of people travel on DJ....

 

[NM]

Mal unfortunately that cable tie (or any other for that matter, or any lock) doesnt provide any indication whatsoever that someone has been tampering with your bag. The zip is the risk - the teeth can be opened in the blink of an eye, and then rezipped, all without damage or interfering with the cable tie, lock or whatever other item is holding the ends of the zip together. You should look at the video on you tube - it will show you just how useless locks and cable ties really are.

A cable tie can help. If the zipper tags are tied together AND to a fixed point on the bag such as a handle, a zipper that has been broken open with a pen of similar pointy object cannot be closed again as the zipper mechanism cannot be moved around the teeth. So in order to re-close the bag, the cable tie has to be removed. So unless the person has a matching fluorescent green (or whatever other colour tie I choose to use), I will know instantly that the bag has been tampered with.

 

[simongr]

Hand. Luggage. Only.

A simple effective solution to your security problems.

 

[JohnK]

Hand. Luggage. Only.

A simple effective solution to your security problems.

Hand luggage is not possible with most people especially the older people.

For me it means I cannot take my blade razor, disposable razors do not work for me, I have to have my medicines in a clear plastic bag, cannot carry nail clippers, small pair of scissors or knife etc etc. I do not want to go looking for these items at the destination.

I know we all take an element of risk when travelling but the airports and/or airlines should make a concerted effort to get rid of all the scum in their employ. And if this means a thorough 24 hour surveillance in the workplace then so be it. Our luggage should be safe at all times regardless of whether we have valuables in there or not. But I am afraid the do gooders civil libertarians win again....

 

[harvyk]

Hand luggage only is a nice thought, but unless it's only for a day trip (or a very simple O'Nighter) for me at least hand luggage ain't an option.

The simplist way of ensuring you'll be fine is

a. Don't put valuables in checked luggage.

b. Insure it to the hilt so that if it does go walkabouts you can replace everything.

 

[serfty]

Hand luggage only is a nice thought, but unless it's only for a day trip (or a very simple O'Nighter) for me at least hand luggage ain't an option. ...

Of course it can be done! There's some very knowledgeable disciples of the the Church of Minimal Luggage frequenting this forum.

See this thread:

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...only-challenge-10900.html?highlight=challenge

 

[drron]

The only way I am going to be able to do 3 month trips with carry on only is to make fellow pax wonder where the smell is coming from.
As an aside-on every sector of this DONE4 in the USA our bags have been opened by thge TSA-with the little leaflet left.On one occasion the lock was left unlocked and on another the lock was locked but not the bag-ie only through one zipper tag.

 

[SnowYeti]

Have recently been through LAX and SFO, had TSA locks, none of them were opened, well, I've never seen the colour thing change on them, so who knows!

 

[Maca44]

Hand luggage only is a nice thought, but unless it's only for a day trip (or a very simple O'Nighter) for me at least hand luggage ain't an option.

When you arrive back from your next trip just note how many items of clothing you used once. If you have access to a laundry, travelling with hand luggage only is very easy, and several weeks is not a problem. After my last trip of nearly a month in the USA I will never check luggage again, even if it is just for the ease of walking off an a/c and out of the terminal.

 

[simongr]

I have done three weeks (admittedly flying J) with a Suit bag and rollaboard carrying suits and a laptop.

Sadly for my next trip to teh UK with mrssimongr and babygr I dont think that hand luggage only will be an option...

 

[MikedOut]

How the hell do you get a snowboard and boots on as hand luggage

 

[Lynda2475]

This has been an interesting read as my last trip to the US saw me arrive home with a damaged tsa lock and i just bought 2 new ones for my upcoming US holiday trip, not for security but for keeping my luggage closed.

This trip (if I actually get to go, with all the swine flu nonsense cancelling scheduled activities in Mexico) will be unique for me as I will be travlling with a back pack and not a suit case.

The pack has so many sections to try and secure from coming apart (zip off day pack, expanding bite etc), I wionder how tsa guys in MIA and SFO will cope.

LAX open and inspect your check in luggage in front of you, but wont let you relock or otherwise secure it afterwards, so you have to try and get them to do it the way you want so it doesnt come apart with charm alone. I havent been to MIA before so not sure what they are like there.

Carry-on only isnt an option this trip cause my pack is too big (not allowed suit cases on my trek), and i need to bring liquids including industrial stength aeroguard for malaria threat, plus not too many laundried when you travelling through the Guatemaln jungle.

When I fly within Aus for work I can usually manage up to 3 days with small carry on + laptop, but sometime on the smaller qantas links to Albury the overheads arent big enough for the standard carry on, so they make you check it anyway.

 

[simongr]

How the hell do you get a snowboard and boots on as hand luggage

Wear the boots


Also - I use my TSA locks more in the hotel than when flying...

 

[SnowYeti]

Wear the boots

As a ski instructor, this does happen!! I've heard some instructors say they had to wear them because they couldn't afford the excess. Try walking around the terminal in ski boots!! Funny, but it happens My ski boots and bag for it are 8kilos, so it will save weight

 

[Evan]

That would be funny
I can't believe the board will be allowed hang luggage though...

 

[Sector3]

Just came across these and have purchased some:


Securoseal: Tamper Evident Luggage Seal


As a new user, I can't post links yet, so do a search!

 

[FlyboyAl]

I've been flying around the US for the last 10 days (come home from SFO tonite) and my bag has been opened by the TSA on every trip. They have left their little note in it, and I'm cool with that.
I guess they open it because I put all my chargers, cords, and power adaptors into a small leather "toilet bag". I suppose on the X Ray it it looks interesting, so thay want a look.
My only frustration was that I had some chocolate biscuits in the bag on Wednesday and they didn't seal the bag very well, so I had biscuit and chocolate crumbs in the suitcase.
On the whole I have found the TSA security staff in the passenger departure areas to be easy to talk to, and very friendly. I always smile at them and try to make pleasant conversation while they are doing their job. I've NEVER had an issue with any of them.
I figure if I give them the respect they expect (deserve?) they will give me the respect I expect.

 

[localknowledge]

Will be our first trip the US with TSA luggage locks soon, will be interesting to see how these go based on the varied responses.

Taking a slight tangent... one thing to note is to always be firm (but friendly) when dealing with security screening staff even outside the US! I once had a member of staff in Europe advise my tripod was too large and would need to be placed into checked baggage. After he would not listen to my pleas (had travelled with it fine through at least 6 other airports) I requested he bring over his supervisor, to which I pleased my case and was allowed to proceed with tripod in carry-on. Also never make jokes when getting the security screening, probably the worst place to make them!

 

[SnowYeti]

Flown in the US a few times this year. Did not have my luggage opened, maybe TSA indicators on locks don't work ...