Suitcase lock for USA · Just You Community

Marion F
10 years ago
(Member) (Topic Starter)

(Member) (Topic Starter)

10 years ago

Hi

I'm doing the Golden West tour in October, and have never been to the States before. I've heard that US Customs may open suitcases at random, and you need a special kind of lock that they can open. Does anyone know anything about this?

Is it ok to put a strap round your suitcase, or might they cut this off?

I'll be grateful for any tips.

Thanks, Marion

Mick W
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

Think there is a lock you can buy but i don't bother.

I just use a plastic ty-rap (cable tie) to keep the main compartment closed. I leave to outside pocket unlocked but keep a pair of nail clipers in there which i use to cut off the tie when i get to my destination.

Any security people can go in your case not just America but on many trips to the States they have never cut my tie off. In fact only place I've ever had my luggage searched in that way was Barcelona.

Mick

sallyc
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

You need a TSA approved padlock - available in all superstores, Boots, shoe repairers etc. Just look for the letters TSA on the packaging. The padlocks are a combination lock but with a keyhole on the bottom. The US officials have the key if needed to get in to your case. With regards to the strap you should be okay as long as it's not a lockable one.

Have a brilliant trip.

stevmag
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

I always use one. Have had my case opened once and didn't know til I got it home and opened it. Inside was a note saying it had been opened by U.S. customs

nixon
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

personally I leave it unlocked I do take a lock so I can lock the case whilst in the bedroom..anything worthwhile is in my hand luggage.

Cindy

Marion F
10 years ago
(Member) (Topic Starter)

(Member) (Topic Starter)

10 years ago

Thanks very much for your help x

gulliver
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

I did the National Parks tour last year and ,due to a lack of suitcase space, brought a leather holdall to bring back excess luggage. I put it through the x ray at Las Vegas and it went through 'intact' with a TSA lock. When it came off the belt at Heathrow the zips had been ripped open and the whole bag had been wrapped in duck tape to keep it from falling apart. Obviously some security staff in the states haven't got a clue about TSA locks.

Susanxyz
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

Hi Dont bother with a special lock, as on the trip I did, one of our party had the special lock on and they cut it off !!! I would suggest using a bit of string tied in a knot. They can snip this and then you can replace it on the way back. I took a lock with me so that I could use it on tour.

Yours Sue

janib
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

Last year I forgot the TSA lock when I went to Orlando, my case was missing the lock on return to England and a polite message in the case that it had been searched. It also meant that anyone could have gone into my case. Shall not do that again :)

Have a great trip

Jan

Kezzer46
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

Hi Marion,

If you dont have the TSA approved lock and you just put a normal padlock on your case, the worst that will happen is that they will cut your padlock off. So if this is the route you go for, just take an extra padlock with you to be on the safe side.

Have a fabulous Holiday

Kezzer

Puer aeternus
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

'Mick wrote:
Think there is a lock you can buy but i don't bother.
I just use a plastic ty-rap (cable tie) to keep the main compartment closed. I leave to outside pocket unlocked but keep a pair of nail clipers in there which i use to cut off the tie when i get to my destination.
Any security people can go in your case not just America but on many trips to the States they have never cut my tie off. In fact only place I've ever had my luggage searched in that way was Barcelona.
Mick

Like Mick, I also use the plastic cable ties, then its obvious if someones been in your case, though having been to US and italy in recent years, they havent been disturbed yet. no valuables anyway in the hold luggage!

David22
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

I had a padlock cut off travelling to Italy a few years ago and was thinking about getting a TSA approved padlock, but I think a cable tie sounds a good idea and a lot cheaper!! But agree best to keep valuables in your hand luggage

David

Marion F
10 years ago
(Member) (Topic Starter)

(Member) (Topic Starter)

10 years ago

Thanks very much for all the tips, now I'm thoroughly confused! Wouldn't like to go along the cable tie route with nail clippers in outside pocket, in case the nail clippers got nicked and I was unable to cut the cable tie. I've bought a TSA padlock, but am now worried about using it, in case a US customs person doesn't know how to unlock it, and rips my case apart! Maybe just leaving it unlocked is the best idea, but have to admit I'm a bit nervous about doing that.

sallyc
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

Marion

I wouldn't worry about it. I've used a TSA padlock on every trip (now done over 20) whether to the US or elsewhere and have never had a problem. Ultimately if they want to get in your case and couldn't they would either call you at the departure gate or simply break it off. I would always recommend using a padlock as it acts as a deterrent to the casual thief.

stevmag
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

I always use a TSA padlock. No problems. My case was opened on my return from America 2 years ago but I never knew it was until I opened the case and found a note inside saying it had been. Stick with the padlock.

Steve

SarahS
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

I have done many trips to the USA. Never yet had a case opened. I use a US recomended lock. Tried cable ties once, then forgot to pack cutters in outside pocket! Managed to get hotel cocierge to cut the tie after a bit of hassle. Now play safe with an approved lock. However bags are fastened, it can only be a deterrent to a determined thief. The only real safeguard is to carry valuables in hand luggage, or leave safely at home.

Marion F
10 years ago
(Member) (Topic Starter)

(Member) (Topic Starter)

10 years ago

Thanks again everyone. I always carry valuables in hand luggage anyway, not that I've got many of those except passport and credit cards. Think I'll go for the TSA padlock and hope it doesn't get cut off, will take a spare just in case xx

Jaya
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

I purchased TSA padlocks from Sainsbury's but they are not combination locks - they came with a key. Perhaps you can get them in both varieties!

Jaya

David22
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

I bought a TSA approved combination lock from Sainsbury's yesterday - they didn't have any key operated locks - must just depend on your local store!

David

sallyc
10 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

10 years ago

David

If you have a look at the bottom of the padlock it should have a keyhole in the base with the combination lock on the sides. If it doesn't have a keyhole you may have to take it back as that is how the US authorities open it.

Sally

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