[cbeccaboo2]

Anyone know if you can lock your bags when you fly now or not? I am flying AA and have even emailed them and did not get a answer if we can lock our bags or not?? Any experienced flyers out there??? HELP:nooo:

[rlander]

We flew Delta in June of this year. We locked only one. The ticketing agent asked if our bags were locked. I said "Yes, one." He said either you can unlock it now or security will cut the lock.

So I think the policy is, all bags need to be unlocked so if the x-ray machine picks something up, they can easily open it.

On a different note, when leaving Orlando Airport for home, we had our snow globe in a big box. We carried it on with us. The x-ray technician ran it through back and forth trying to figure out what it was. It was pretty cool seeing it on an x-ray machine. He couldn't figure out what it was, so he asked if he could open it. Of course we said yes. My wife was so scared he was going to break it. We were not allowed to touch it until he was done. Well, you know how nothing goes back in the box once it's opened. He had a heck of a time getting it packed. He let us go with no problems. But he said, "You know, my daughter would really like this. Can I keep it?"

[noahsark45331]

We use the wire ties, the kind used to hold a bunch of wires together, on our zipper pulls. I put the tie through both pulls and pull it tight. If they need to hand inspect my bag, the tie can be cut off. Just make sure you have access to something to cut them off when you get to your destination.

Cyndy

[rlander]

Originally posted by noahsark45331
Just make sure you have access to something to cut them off when you get to your destination.

Cyndy

Just imagine, the baby needs a new diaper and the diapers are in the bag and you don't have anything to cut the wire tie!!!! Whaaaaaaa!!!!!:D :D :D

Remember....you can't bring anything sharp with you outside of your baggage.

[WVWISEGUY]

When we flew last year, we used wire ties, Then we put a small pair of child's scissors in the small zipped section of the suitcase. Had no problem.

Note: you may not want to use red ties because that is the color that the inspectors use once they open a suitcase to mark it as having been opened and inspected. When they do this, they will stick a note in your luggage saying that they opened it and inspected it.

[rlander]

Originally posted by WVWISEGUY
Then we put a small pair of child's scissors in the small zipped section of the suitcase.

O.k. Wiseguy!!! I knew there had to be some way of doing this!!! Thanks for clearing this up.

[WVWISEGUY]

Actually, it was my 6 yr old son who suggested we pack his scissors. :D

[rlander]

Originally posted by WVWISEGUY
Actually, it was my 6 yr old son who suggested we pack his scissors. :D

That's a smart kid!!!!!!:laugh

[cbeccaboo2]

Thanks for your ideas!! I would have never thought of the wire ties on the zippers. And I would never have thought of the childrens scissors tucked away in a zippered compartment to get into the bag latter. Thanks also about the color hint--I would have bought the red ones so I would have been able to have spotted my bags from others. You all are wonderful help with questions and just being there when a person need something!!

Thanks again.:heart :) :) :heart

[alextina]

When we went to WDW in May we were told at the ticket counter before we left home to unlock the bags or security would cut the lock. So we unlocked them and used those little wire trash bag ties to secure the suit cases. Everything was just fine once we arrived in Orlando we enjoyed our vacation and then headed home using the same wire ties. When we arrived at home they had lost one of our bags. Well once it was found and delivered to our home we noted that it had been searched and even though the lock was not on the zipper (it was on the handle just so we wouldn't loose it) they cut it anyhow. So the moral of my story is if you would like to keep your locks keep them completely off of your suitcase. I think they were probably rushing and just didn't realize that the lock was not on the zipper.:dazed

[ilvminnie]

We used pipe cleaners last trip & planning on doing the same on this trip. It keeps them closed so they don't accidentally come open, but they're easy to get into if necessary.

[dznygrl]

Yep, the airlines now require you to unlock any locked baggage...there are signs posted everywhere!!

[JOANN]

This past May, we flew down to DW on ATA, and we did not lock our luggage. When we got home, I noticed a letter in my suitcase, telling me they did go through my luggage. Of course, nothing was missing, who would want dirty laundry??? So, next month when we leave I will check with ATA. But , I'm pretty sure we still will not be able to lock our luggage.. JOANN:)

[Dana]

I'm embarrased to say that I have never locked my suitcase. I never keep money of any kind in there and it never occured to me to do so. I can't imagine anyone stealing my "personals". Funny as it would be. I know that since 911 it is not allowed, but again, I have never done it so it wasn't a problem. I always carry all my cash and cards on my person. I know it's not the wisest thing to do, but I'd be worried sick thinking of it elsewhere.

[ilvminnie]

We flew Frontier & they asked us before checking our luggage if it was unlocked. We also had a bag checked by TSA. I know it's necessary, but I really don't like folks going through my stuff without me being there, you know???