I am travelling on the Yosemite tour going on Monday. I saw in small print that putting locks on your suitcase was not advisable, if they need to search your suitcase at the airport for any reason they can damage your suitcase getting the lock off. I am not a seasoned traveller yet so any advice would be appreciated. Do I put lock on or not!

Ali

I am a seasoned traveller with JustYou and have been all over the world. I never bother to put a lock on my suitcase for that reasons but have never had any problems. I never pack anything of great value just to be safe.#

Angela

When I went to the USA I used a special lock which can be opened by US Customs. Locks can be purchased from Boots or Amazon.

Hope this helps

Lesley

Get yourself a lock that says 'TSA approved' and has a little red diamond shape on it. The American authorities have skeleton keys for these and will be able to open your case to search it if they want to and then safely relock it for you. If they do search it, they will put a note inside it confirming that it was them so you don't have to worry if the contents look like they have been tampered with.

Some newer suitcases come with TSA approved locks built in but you can easily pick a separate one up on Amazon, at Boots or similar (cheaper than waiting and getting one at the airport).

Have a fabulous trip

Mandy

you can buy TSA approved locks that US customs have keys to open - I have them on my suitcase and have had my case opened by customs( note left in the case to say they'd opened it) in the US and locks not been broken.  The padlocks must say TSA approved.    I have also read on other forums of people using cable ties to 'lock' their cases and then put nail scissors/clippers in a side pocket of the suitcase to cut them off at their destination.

Hope this helps

Jacqueline

Ray

I am going to the US for the first time next month and have bought a "TSA recognised 3 dial lock" from Boots. Using it means that if the Customs/Security people want to get in, they have a master key which will open the lock without damage and can be closed again. As I understand it, if they do open the suitcase they leave a card inside to let you know they did. I can't remember how much I paid for the lock but it wasn't expensive. One word, though, do remember to make a note of the combination you choose - almost nothing worse than trying to open a lock when you can't remember the number!

Have a lovely holiday.

Ann

Hi All

I am travelling on the Yosemite tour going on Monday. I saw in small print that putting locks on your suitcase was not advisable, if they need to search your suitcase at the airport for any reason they can damage your suitcase getting the lock off. I am not a seasoned traveller yet so any advice would be appreciated. Do I put lock on or not!

Ali

Locks which comply with TSA,the US security at airports,allowing them to open cases for inspection are commonly available.If they do inspect your case,they leave a note to say they have done it.

Having said that,sometimes the TSA locks don't function properly,and I have had to get them cut off at the hotel,because of that,I always carry spares.Make sure the combination locks work before attaching them to your case.

If you don't use TSA locks,security will break the lock to inspect the case.

http://forum.justyou.co.uk/thread-67335.html?highlight=Tsa+padlock 

No don't put a lock on, USA customs do not like them.  They are little protection against anyone who wants to get into a suitcase anyway so I don't bother on any flights now.  To give you an example I locked my new suitcase with the lock provided before I went to Burma and then needed to open my case the night before and the combination wouldn't register.  I got in with a nail file!!.  Most good quality padlocks are too thick to fit a suitcase.

I hope that helps answer your question,

Steve

Have a good trip.

Put a pair of nail clippers in the unlocked front pocket so can cut the tie off on arrival.

Cindy

Thank you for all your advice. I did not know about the TSA locks.

Ali

Jaya

I do NOT lock my case I have travelled round the world and back again, there is nothing in my case worth stealing, and having spent my working life at LHR I can assure you there are ways to get in all locks, so what's the point, anything of any value travels with me not in my case...

Cindy

This isn't a good idea if you ever want to put a claim in for transport damage with some airlines. e.g. Virgin Atlantic will not accept claims for loss due to unlocked cases and even state their public denouncement of the TSA's no-lock recommended policy here: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/baggage/check-in-baggage/usa-baggage-screening.html 

I use a thick padlock that is not TSA-approved as the skeleton keys are widely available as you say (check eBay) so pretty much every baggage handler can get into your case. If TSA want to get into my case they are welcome to cut the padlock off with bolt cutters as I have plenty of spare padlocks at home to replace it. They never have yet after 50+ trips to the US though (I work a for a US company so travel there a few times a year).

Jaya