Frequent travellers to the USA should know this. A friend of mine went to America for the first time and her suitcase was broken into by security people in USA. Apparently they are allowed to do this without asking for it to be opened and there is no compensation for damage. It all goes back to 9/11. However you can buy suitcases nowadays that they can open without damage being done as they have a special key. You lock your case by using numbers and there is a keyway that overrides your numbers. Nobody is allowed to buy or sell these keys.

Sorry if everybody knows this but just thought that it was useful information.

Peter

Thanks for this information. I have been told that if you lock your case when going to the US they can break into it,

I was advised to buy one of these locks that they can open with the key. I have had my lock removed on previous trips to Europe (?) so bought a couple of these.

Everything was still intact when I flew to Peru in March & so I am hoping it will be the same for Route 66 in September. They were not expensive and well worth the money.

Best wishes,

Lesley :angel:

Just to add to Peter's comment:

It's called a TSA lock. Most new suitcases already have them built in (if they come with built in locks), but it's best to check if you've an older suitcase. If you buy a lock to attach yourself this also has to be a TSA lock - they're available in Boots, etc.

Caroline

Thanks for the reminder.

These padlocks have been available for a while now, I never lock my case when I travel to the USA, to be honest unless told I leave my case unlocked the reason for this is that most locks can be opened by people if they want to get in, I did lock my case when on the Kenya trip as that was taken to main hotel while we were on safari. I never have anything of major value in my main case.

Cindy

Its a good point you make, I did know about it but suspect many don't.

I was advised a few years back that its ok to use plastic ty-raps because if they want to be in will cut them off, so thats how i deal with it.

Its more a case of just making sure it doesn't come open accidently rather than security as i carry any valuables in my hand luggage.

One point of note though is I only put the ty on the sitcase main compartment and carry a pair of nail clippers in one of the smaller pockets so i can remove the plastic ty when i arrive at my destination.

Mick

Steve

I have lived in the USA for nearly 30 years and yes this happens to everyone. My suitcase has been forced open, broken into etc numerous times regardless of what type of lock I use so now I just use the little strips of covered wire like you find on bread, potatoes etc. They hold the zippers closed but can be taken off with no damage and I'v even had them put back sometimes.