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Post by LHR02 on Jan 10, 2004 21:14:47 GMT -5
One thing I thought I would mention from this last trip...locking your luggage. I had heard that they were not allowing it these days and I found that to be true. Every flight asked me when I checked in if my luggage was locked (it wasn't) but folks around me had theirs locked and had to remove them before they took the bags. What I did have was some 'security' locks that I got from Magellans....look sort of like a cross between a small padlock and a cable tie sort of....they are fairly sturdy, but plastic...they do lock, sort of, more like snap together although can just be pulled off with a bit of effort if security wants in your bag. Main advantage to it is that when you retrieve your luggage you can quickly tell if your bag has been opened. They were inexpensive, 10 for under $5 if I remember correctly. Plain old cable ties would do the same thing. No one blinked at these....while making others with padlocks remove theirs.
BTW....maybe just luck of the draw but I have never had a bag searched in literally dozens of transAtlantic flights.
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Michelle
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 179
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Post by Michelle on Jan 10, 2004 22:48:40 GMT -5
Dustoffmom is right about locking your bags. DON'T!! It actually isn't "allowed" anymore. I just went to Mexico with my boyfriend and his family. They had locks on their bags and one of their bags had the lock actually cut off (the lock is now unusable) so that the bag could be searched. This was done after they had given their bags at airport check-in in Vancouver or during our connection in Los Angeles. The best thing to do is use plastic cable ties. Trust me, if security wants to get in your bag, a lock won't stop them! So it's better just to have a cheap plastic tie cut off rather than a sturdy lock that is worth a couple of bucks!
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Post by cnlneenan on Jan 11, 2004 17:24:47 GMT -5
Other than airports, though, is locking your bag suggested? We have those little combo locks that Magellans has for our zippers. Is it pretty much not needed to have your backpack locked or is it just the flights that don't welcome it?
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Post by LHR02 on Jan 11, 2004 18:07:30 GMT -5
Other than on flights....I normally keep my day pack locked as it has my camera and lenses. My big pack or luggage I lock or not depending on where it is. On a train, out of my sight, yep, at least a minimal lock on it. In a single/private room....usually not but if it is a less than 'secure' feeling place then I lock it there. I suppose the main feeling for me is that anything 'vital or important' is on me...passport, tickets, etc in my money belt, camera in my day pack and those are secure with me. The clothes and such in my pack...well, would hate to lose it but what I must have, I have with me always. In a hostel....well, I'd padlock everything, but that's just me. ;D
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Post by Eagle on Feb 1, 2004 0:20:45 GMT -5
One more comment on the subject of luggage locks. I've just noticed that www.magellans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=13116&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=6&iSubCat=23&iProductID=13116 has a new line of "Travel Sentry" combination locks, that can be opened (somehow?) by airline security inspectors and then re-locked. These include a guarantee that if the lock is cut-off by mistake, it will be replaced (shipping included!). Of course it should be remembered that these smaller combination locks do not provide the level of security that a larger padlock would, as they usually do not have "heel & toe" locking or other security features in their construction. They will usually discourage the casual thief however. I've also noticed that Rick Steves (travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=124&id=164) is now selling a small padlock that features a flexible cable rather than a standard shackle. Might be useful in some situations. For those that would prefer to secure their luggage with a padlock rather than the plastic security clips, the Travel Sentry locks might be the best method. Hope this information is of some help. Cheers!!! |
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Cil
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 131
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Post by Cil on Feb 1, 2004 7:24:30 GMT -5
Wow, I've never locked anything, even when I've stayed at a hostel.
But then, all I've ever carried is a smallish carryon backpack which never leaves my sight.
I always thought that locks are just an invitation to rip open the back rather than unzip it.
I realize that carryon is not so easy anymore.
Maybe I've just been lucky so far.
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