cases-locked or unlocked - latest tips/advice please

[Debbie2]

Hi

Just been discussing with DH what we should be doing with the luggage. Read a while ago on here that you shouldn't lock your cases as US immigration have been breaking into cases as part of security checks. Someone mentioned using the plastic garden ties which security can just cut off.

Just wondering what those of you who have recently been did or what those of you who are going shortly are planning to do.

Any tips/advice greatly appreciated.

Deb

[Keith]

well it doesnt help AT ALL but I fastened mine with ties which were cut off and no new ones applied :( so at manchester it was open :(

I still think ties are the best idea, but the most important advice is good insurance and nothing important in your luggage.

[ukwdwnut]

might as well not put anything on or locked, as my uncle will tell you they will break into your cases anyway, dont know what they do with the really hard cases that have the four digit wheely locks with the numbers on. ohhhh what they called cant remember :doh: :lol:

[deacs]

If you have a look on the TSA website it will tell you which locks they are able to open without breaking - as they have a master key. This is a very good idea as then they can lock it for you again. They don't break a lock until they really have to - but if they can't break the lock they will break the zip to get in and then clingfilm your suitcase up - watch the corousel next time at the airport - you might see some of these suitcases that look like big cling filmed chickens!

[ukwdwnut]

i would have thought the xray machines would pick out all the stuff that was not supposed to be in there, leaves your luggage vurnerable to luggage handler thieves

[ukwdwnut]

well it doesnt help AT ALL but I fastened mine with ties which were cut off and no new ones applied :( so at manchester it was open :(

I still think ties are the best idea, but the most important advice is good insurance and nothing important in your luggage.

keith every bit of my luggage is important to me otherwise i would not be taking it on my hols, i understand the need for security but breaking locks without recompense is i think out of order, some of these suitcases cost a small fortune, and once the locks broken what are you supposed to do

[JuniorMickey]

i would have thought the xray machines would pick out all the stuff that was not supposed to be in there, leaves your luggage vurnerable to luggage handler thieves
If something questionable is seen on x-ray they have to be able to get into the luggage.

The TSA is still telling us not to lock our suitcases

[american idol]

i wouldn't lock my suitcases- we just used the cable things on the way back from living in the states . Believe me we had all our clothes in there!(8 HUGE suitcases) i took photos of everything i put in every case though we do have military insurance so it is covered anywhere ( normal travel insurance is up to a certain amount though i think)

it still amazes me that people put cameras and jewellry and other stuff in their luggage, it was only the other day that i heard on the news about a luggage handler at one of our London airports- they found something like £10,000 worth of stuff at his house including a cartier watch- who puts a cartier watch in their suitcase??? :rolleyes:

i think you're less likely to have stuff stolen these days with the heightened security anyway

[ssttrasotm]

That is the only thing I hate about traveling. You can't put anything in your suit cases that is even remotely valuable. You carry all your valuables with you. So you step off the plane, and you have all this stuff on you and not so much as a nail file to defend your self with. It is amazing that more people arent mugged.

I have that soft luggage made out of balistic nylon. I use the tie wraps to close it and so far only one piece has been opened. I think I put an electric razor in that piece. All those wires, and cords... Anyway. My advice is not to lock your luggage, and don't put anything in there that can't be replaced with out blowing your travel budget. I always get insurance over and above what the airlines cover, for my stuff.

Then I carry my cameras and valuables with me on the plane.

[uscwest]

US Immigration does NOT open you luggage unless you are present and they have reason to suspect you have contraband. On the other hand TSA (the security folks) can and do open them. However, they are required to put a flyer inside if they do open them and they must use the ties to secure them if you had ties on in the first place. So if you had ties on and they were opened but there was no paper work and they didn't have new ties on them then the chances are it wasn't TSA.

[Keith]

In June, I secure mine on the way back to the UK with plastic ties. Got to manchester and it emmerged onto the carousel with the zip half open. Anyway, I grabbed it and took it home. I didn't have anything but clothes in there so wasn't too worried.

There was a note from the TSA saying it had been opened, but no sign that they'd tried to resecure it. Perhaps they had but badly and it'd come lose, don't know, all I'd say is, not very impressive.

[tajainaz]

I use cable ties on my soft-side luggage, but take a combination lock to use at the resort in case I want to stuff my shopping in it. I never buy anything valuable, so I don't know why I do that. Guess it just makes me feel good! :D

Usually I arrive at the airport early enough to watch my luggage go through screening, so I know if TSA has opened my bags. So far, all of the airports I have used have had the screening in areas where you can see it. I'm sure that will change in the future, though, as airports are remodeled and can accommodate the screening equipment behind the scenes. :)


__________________
Taja http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/natur/nature-smiley-016.gif

[dnsmills]

The best advice is to never put anything of value in your bags and put them in your carry-on bags. And there are plenty of TSA approved locks that they can unlock and relock when they are done. If you go to Yahoo! shopping or something like that and search for TSA lock, you should find plenty.

[deacs]

Or if you tie them close - why not put an extra one inside the luggage that they can use to redo it back up again if you want them too - i'm sure they woudl ablige your request. It's not that they are being intruative (?spelling) they just doing their job to make us safer. Although I wouldn't mind being in their presence when they do go through my stuff - they'd probably get a shock on the way home with my DH's dirty undies ha ha ha ha - even I wouldn't go in there.

[Babymischief]

Eek! Am now gonna havta go out an` buy all sorts of sexy undies.... don`t want anyone finkin` those big ol` grey granny knickers are actually worn by me.... I er use them for dusting...yeah... that`s what I use em for....

[ukwdwnut]

US Immigration does NOT open you luggage unless you are present and they have reason to suspect you have contraband. On the other hand TSA (the security folks) can and do open them. However, they are required to put a flyer inside if they do open them and they must use the ties to secure them if you had ties on in the first place. So if you had ties on and they were opened but there was no paper work and they didn't have new ties on them then the chances are it wasn't TSA.

thats the trouble they dont re-tie them

[dnsmills]

It's a good thought to put an extra one in there for them to put back on. Honestly, I don't think they would bother to take the time but, hey, give it a shot and it may just work!

[ukwdwnut]

good idea about leaving spare cable ties in the case for them to use, thanks for the tip :D

[MystikPiglit]

i took photos of everything i put in every case though we do have military insurance so it is covered anywhere ( normal travel insurance is up to a certain amount though i think)
That's a great idea, thanks.

Think this trip I'm not taking any clothes that are irreplaceable either, just plain holiday stuff. I always keep valuables, such as camera, with me.

[ukwdwnut]

me too. strictly clothing in the cases and anything that cannot be taken on the plane

[Kevin]

When we went in July, I used the plastic ties, no problem going out but on the return trip, one of the cases had broken ties, but no note inside. As others have said don't put valuables in your case, it is not worth the risk

[Debbie2]

Thanks for all your replies.

DH has just been out Halfords and got some plastic ties. I have also found a web site which sells the TSA approved locks that can open with a master key which the TSA have and relock. Probably too late for my trip but I am going to call them in the morning and see of they can get some out in the post.

The company are called Magellans (UK tel number 0870 600 1601) and the there are several different styles but prices start from £6.50 for two.

I never keep anything valuable in my case but just have this awful vision of watching all my undies and other 'personals' going round on the carousel - oh the embarrasment :eek: :afraid:

[ukwdwnut]

thanks debbie i'll go get some

[MystikPiglit]

[QUOTE=Debbie2]
The company are called Magellans (UK tel number 0870 600 1601) and the there are several different styles but prices start from £6.50 for two.

Thanks for that, Debbie.

I never keep anything valuable in my case but just have this awful vision of watching all my undies and other 'personals' going round on the carousel - oh the embarrasment [Quote]

Think I will take everything to the laundry before leaving WDW :eek:

[ukwdwnut]

£26 for 6 from here (http://www.tamperseal.com/Store.asp?m=tamperseal&n=14&k=2449&s=SearchAlert+Luggage+Lock)

[Keith]

I've ordered some TSA locks too but frankly after their failure to reseal with plastic ties, I reckon I'm taking a chance with locks that they'll just break them and throw them away anyway.

I read about a company in the states that was supplying TSA certified locks and had a guarantee that if the TSA broke the lock, they'd replace it free of charge with some money back as well? Apparently loads of people have been really annoyed because they've just got back to their home country to find the locks are simply missing and of course the company wouldn't replace them unless they had been broken and then put in the case.

I don't have a problem with the case opening in principle. I'd rather my case was opened than someone smuggle a bomb on board.... but again there's a way to go about things and I think there MUST be tsa agents who couldn't be bothered to reseal cases afterwards. I think my part of the deal is I'll let them mess through my private stuff and their part is they promise to resecure the case afterwards. I wish they'd live upto their part :(

Anyway! here's hoping the locks work better on the next trip!

[american idol]

you know nothing deters people from rifling through your stuff than a bit of smelly laundry :wink:

[ukwdwnut]

just emailed tamperseal to ask what hapens about replacement if the locks ahve been broken and not put in your case, will let you know

[Keith]

you know nothing deters people from rifling through your stuff than a bit of smelly laundry :wink:

:rotfl: good plan <G>

[Whitequeen]

I've never locked my case in the whole of my life! :eek:

I just put DS's dirty laundry in all luggage! :afraid:

[ukwdwnut]

just got a reply from tamperseal

If the TSA breaks the locks and does not replace them we have an unwritten policy of replacing the lock one time. You would need to be careful in UK airports since security does not have the access keys. Still is unusual for the TSA to break locks we only get a small % of locks broken.

[typhoon tilly]

last year flying from Glasgow we took the advice from others on this site and used cable ties, we were picked out at check in desk for a random search of our luggage. the security people had nothing to cut open our ties with and were annoyed that we had closed them in this way, after they spent a few minutes working out how they were going to open cases i produced nail clippers from outside pocket (another tip from this site) so they could cut ties i also had spare ties in outside pocket which we needed to tie cases again as they didnt have anything to secure our cases back up. it was rather embarrasing as our cases were opened in full view of everyone else, and they went through every thing with a fine tooth comb even taking out things i had packed in clear bags to have a closer look (my underware). we had no problems on way back, i no we have to have more checks but a bomb in my knickers i dont think so. :sun: :sun:

[Keith]

On our way out to our wedding, we got let on the plane first so they could hang the wedding dress up, but we were stopped by a security hag.

She opened the dress bag, all the carry ons, EVERYTHING out etc..... she was absolutely awful and plain nasty. "what's this" a wedding dress "why are you taking it there" I thought I'd use it as a table cloth <sound of Helen digging me in the ribs and me saying OUCH HEY!> and so on.

I think there are just some people who should be locked away in the depths of the backrooms and never let to actually interact with customers.

[deacs]

Just imagine the types of things people must see going through peoples bags! Bet they have a good old laugh at things!

[Keith]

So tempting to pack a few mouse traps :)

[deacs]

then a note underneath with a nice 'welcome to my luggage' on it.

[pigsy]

Just thinking....................... :whistle:

If I put cable ties on my cases but am not allowed to take anything sharp (pen knife, scissors etc.) in my hand luggage..................how do I cut the cable ties off at the other end!!!???
:lol: :lol: :lol: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :hehe: :hehe: :hehe:

Niki

[dnsmills]

Go to the dentist beforehand and have him sharpen up those molars.

[ukwdwnut]

Just thinking....................... :whistle:

If I put cable ties on my cases but am not allowed to take anything sharp (pen knife, scissors etc.) in my hand luggage..................how do I cut the cable ties off at the other end!!!???
:lol: :lol: :lol: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :hehe: :hehe: :hehe:

Niki


nail clippers!!!!!!!!

[ssttrasotm]

I don't think they will even allow nail clippers in carry on. I have allways gotten a steak knife from the hotel restraunt on my way up.

Since reading this thread, I have checked out all the locks that are available that are TSA approved. It seems that these locks can be opened by the TSA's and you, but nobody else. Sorry Keith, I'm just not as up on gadgetry as you are, but you are my gadget hero, and I am trying to ge just like you :wink:

I haven't found any locks that will be replaced if the lock was busted by the TSA's.

[Vikki]

Put the nail clippers in the outside pocket of your case - not your hand luggage. Which would then mean you can open the bags when you actually get to your resort as well :)

[ukwdwnut]

I haven't found any locks that will be replaced if the lock was busted by the TSA's.


ssttrasotm

go back to post #25 in this thread and click on the link, tamperseal will replace a lock if its busted by the tsa, even if they throw them away so you have no proof of having them, also read on past #25 the reply i got from tamperseal :D

[Toy_Girl_UK]

when we went last Sept, we were told not to lock our cases.
But i did !!
we have the hard ones with a numbered lock, the problem is that if you dont lock those you dont have a zipper to put a tie wrap through, so you carnt lock it at all.
Maybe i was lucky , but i have always locked it and had no problems.

[Keith]

I don't think they will even allow nail clippers in carry on. I have allways gotten a steak knife from the hotel restraunt on my way up.


We always carry nail clippers or small scissors in the outside pocket of our checked in cases. That seems to work ok.


I haven't found any locks that will be replaced if the lock was busted by the TSA's.

Brookstone sell them http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=EASYCHECK&world_code=4&category_code=38&subcategory_code=496&search_type=subcategory#

[clio]

One thing that worries me - how do they stop thieves getting hold of the master key?

[Keith]

I don't think they can clio... I think the only answer is not to put valuables in the case.

[candyman]

but dont the theifs takethe nail clippers from the case and open them ?
steve

[katie]

UKWDWNUT - the answer to you query about the really expensive hard suitcases is - they break the locks. We were very upset last March (2003) when we got back home to find that the locks were broken beyond repair - they had fastened the luggage straps back in place to hold the cases shut (lucky we had them on the cases). Fortunately, Samsonite have a 10 year guarantee and after a quick call to customer services in Belgium, they sent new handles, free of charge, which just screwed into place. This March, we just set the locks at 0000 and stuck a peice of paper with the code written on it just hidden by the luggage strap. We figured that they would work it out & the cases were intact this time. We will do the same in October when we go again.

Katie

[typhoon tilly]

never thought of that steve. :) :) :)

[Debbie2]

I orginally started this thread and decided in the end to lock cases on both legs of journey, having asked Virgin staff on check in what they recommended.

Both locks still intact and cases not tampered with.

Deb

[PaulaK]

Buy a luggage strap that locks (preferably with a combination lock) and leave your cases unlocked. The luggage strap costing a few quid can be cut and your case is untouched.

We cable tied our cases and put a small pair of nail scissors in the front pocket. When we were delayed we needed to get in the cases next day, the scissors had been removed from the front pocket. A quick dash into terminal 2 to visit Boots/Claires etc proved fruitless. No shops at the airport (even before security) are allowed to sell nail clippers or scissors. A nice man on reception at the Radisson cut the cable ties for us. Luckily we had spare cable ties too.

[Vikki]

We cable tied our cases and put a small pair of nail scissors in the front pocket.

Exactly what we did. Were not opened on the way, but one of our cases was opened on the way back. Must have been done in the rain as well, as everything inside was really damp...... I put extra cable ties at the top of the bag, but they didn't reseal it....

[dnsmills]

We ended up buying a TSA approved combination lock. They can unlock and open it and then relock it just like it was. Figured I'd rather spend a few dollars on a lock I KNOW will work.

[rjh812uk]

We checked in for our return at DTD , and on our arrival at Manchester one combination case had been opened( i taped the combination next to the lock) and a holdall had all the straps undone (not refastened) and someone had had an unsuccessful nibble at the tie wrap i had fitted to the zips.
The point I'm getting at is when they ask you has anyone else had access to your luggage. The answer is yes,i don't know how honest these TSA people are they could take any thing or plant something in my case for the customs at Manchester to find.They need some kind of tagging on any opened luggage not just a flier you find when you get home.And believe me they don't repack/seal your luggage after their rummage through.(Can you sense I'm getting angry?)
Years ago travelling back from Bangkok once they check your cases they put it through a banding machine so you know it has been checked, perhaps the Tsa could come up with a better idea,even a sticker on your case would be a start.

[candyman]

a banding machine would be so easy
i used to use one when i worked at B+Q and believe me it takes no skill and no time and they are really secure if you do one each way
a great idea

steve

[Eeyore1974]

When we went in May they would not take our luggage at baggage claim if it had a lock on it.

[candyman]

where did you go from ?
steve

[Eeyore1974]

We are from Canada, but flew out of Detroit, Michigan. It was the same coming back. When we got to baggage at MCO, they told us to remove our locks. I asked if this was something new and they said yes, since 9/11. I have since flown within Canada (July) and had the same experience.

[candyman]

we are just going to put those plastic ties on ours i think that is easier

steve

[rjh812uk]

Candyman
I bought a TSA approved lock at MCO last week so I'll be trying it next year and test the theory that they can gain access without breaking the lock.

[Dawn]

I know someone who is a supervisor of security at MCO and he told me that they have a bunch of master keys that they will use to try and open a lock. If that doesn't work they will break the lock. If you've got a TSA approved lock then I'd imagine they can open it with a master.

[rjh812uk]

Can you tell your friend to tell their staff to be a bit more carefull with my luggage next year.Doing the straps up again would be a nice start.

[Eeyore1974]

When I was flying to Nova Scotia in July, there was a booth setup near the check-in at Toronto's Pearson International that would shrink wrap your suitcase for you for $7. Can this be allowed? If they are not allowing you to log your suitcase, why would they allow such a booth??? It just doesn't make sense to me.

[candyman]

did someone check the case first ?
steve

[Eeyore1974]

It didn't appear so. It was an independant booth, with no security or "official types" around. I can never make sense of anything they do at airports it seems.

[Shogun]

Zip tied all our cases but non opened. Got asked about what was in can seen in X-ray machine though. (coffee whitener):whistle:

[dnsmills]

The TSA's official page regarding locking baggage is http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=183&content=0900051980082cb5. Usually the best bet is to get a TSA approved lock that they can unlock and lock back when they're done. Zip-ties aren't a bad idea but there's no guarantee they will put on new ones that you leave in your suitcase for them.

[arcamalpha2003]

When I was flying to Nova Scotia in July, there was a booth setup near the check-in at Toronto's Pearson International that would shrink wrap your suitcase for you for $7. Can this be allowed? If they are not allowing you to log your suitcase, why would they allow such a booth??? It just doesn't make sense to me.

Who would pay $7 for this service?
Surely the checking staff are not going to say, " No, we cannot open that case, it is shrink wrapped"
Reminds me of the story of some guy offering to take letters from people to their loved ones when he dies, there was a tidy sum involved for the honour ofcourse, so it was a bit of a shock when his coffin/casket was cremated with him and all these letters inside, maybe he had a ball with all the money he made before he passed away :hehe:

Bill.

[Disney hopeful]

Just got home yesterday. We used the zip ties on all of our luggage. When arriving in Orlando we noticed that 3 out of our 5 checked bags had a different colored tie on them. When we opened them up their was a notice inside that they had been physically inspected, then re-secured. They had checked one bag full of shoes (PEW!!), one full of food (YUMM) and my 14 year old daughters bag. When coming home we used the same things, and none were opened. Worked well for us!

[candyman]

that is really good news

especially as they re sealed them for you


steve

[Sungal]

Yup, cable ties used here but none were opened...wouldn't have minded cos all my stuff was clean! Felt sorry for some people who'd had their Samsonite case locks busted though...the cases are now useless :nono:

[katie]

If your Samsonite suitcase is withing the 10 year guarantee - ring Samsonite head office in Belgium and they will replace the locks free of charge. You just remove the screws from the old locks and screw the new lock into place. We have had to do this twice now & had no problems either time.

Katie

[ukwdwnut]

i just ordered 6 tsa approved locks, just in case :)

[candyman]

i just ordered 6 tsa approved locks, just in case :)

quick tip

they are no good in case they have to be on the out side !!

(sorry feeble attempt at ajoke)

steve

[MystikPiglit]

i just ordered 6 tsa approved locks, just in case :)
Me too!


Candyman - :lol: - well I liked it....

[ukwdwnut]

quick tip

they are no good in case they have to be on the out side !!

(sorry feeble attempt at ajoke)

steve


took me a while but i got it in the end, steve :rotfl:

[ukwdwnut]

Me too!


Candyman - :lol: - well I liked it....

what you ordered 6 too? :)

[MystikPiglit]

TSA approved locks arrived by Fed-Ex today! :thumbs: One less thing for me to panic about. :rolleyes:

[MadHatter]

Hi everyone! Just read about this and a bit shocked really that the airlines or someone are not providing these to flyers! Does anyone know how long it would take for these ties/locks to be received if ordered, as it looks like they are only available in the States? I'm off in about 3 weeks so don't want to order them if its too late! Also, does anyone know if its more likely to happen on the flight over there or back?

[Meezers]

This may sound a bit cynical....but after travelling since I was 5 (now 42)....I always put anything I am not willing to have stolen in my carry on and never lock my suitcase. I figure if anyone wants anything out of it they are going to get into it anyways. I still don't know what someone is doing with the size x-small fatigues and female size 6 combat boots that I had stolen years ago! I mean really....if you are going to go thru my duffle bag...at least steal something important! But at least my duffle bag wasn't cut open.

Yep...too long in military intelligence and the police department!

[ukwdwnut]

TSA approved locks arrived by Fed-Ex today! :thumbs: One less thing for me to panic about. :rolleyes:


mine arrived by fedex yesterday too, only wanted 6 but got twelve as there were 2 in a pack,anybody want six please let me know :D

[Whitequeen]

Have to agree with 2meezers. I've never locked luggage in my whole life. :shrug: I just don't put anything in that is valuable to me. I'd lose the keys anyway. :rolleyes:

[MystikPiglit]

Hi everyone! Just read about this and a bit shocked really that the airlines or someone are not providing these to flyers! Does anyone know how long it would take for these ties/locks to be received if ordered, as it looks like they are only available in the States? I'm off in about 3 weeks so don't want to order them if its too late! Also, does anyone know if its more likely to happen on the flight over there or back?
We got our locks from Magellan's co.uk - paid extra for fast delivery- arrived within 4 days.

Oh dear, ukwdwnut :oops: . Well, you could always let your DW take more cases. :lol:

Although I agree with 2_meezers and WQ that it is best not to put valuables in a case I'm so fond of all my clothes that I would not like to lose anything.

[ukwdwnut]

i just want them locked cos i have had probs in the past with baggage handlers opening my cases and taking things out, so now it looks they they will be double locked :lol:

MP i'll just send them back.......got mine from magellans too

[thistle1314]

Meezers - I'm with you too. We went to Orlando last year and didn't lock our cases. Anything we deemed valuable we kept in our hand luggage. We had 3 cases and they were all opened and searched. Didnt find it a problem at all.


:)

[JuniorMickey]

I too have never locked my luggage. I flew from Boston to Fort Lauderdale on Monday and had both my suitcases opened with a note left. There is nothing of value in either one.

[ukwdwnut]

i like most never keep valuables in cases, always carryon, but i dont want anybody other than customs going thru them :D

[Isafari]

We left our cases unlocked last trip after reading the Virgin website - this year I think we are going to use the cable ties :shrug:
What has me worried.....we are going to be just about the last people off the plane - hope no one decides to 'take' our cases for us :unsure:
Anyone ever had their cases gone missing?

[ukwdwnut]

We left our cases unlocked last trip after reading the Virgin website - this year I think we are going to use the cable ties :shrug:
What has me worried.....we are going to be just about the last people off the plane - hope no one decides to 'take' our cases for us :unsure:
Anyone ever had their cases gone missing?


issy wanna buy some tsa approved locks :whistle: :lol: :lol:

[Isafari]

mike - are these the locks that won't be broken at security if they search your cases - they have some sort of skeleton key for them :confused:

[Sarah84]

:eek: This is something I hadn't even thought about and now im slightly worried after buying a nice new suitcase yesterday for my holiday next year which is a hard plastic type case with the 4 numbered lock thing and also has a key lock bits on the two things ya press down when you shut the case (sorry don't know what to call them but i'm sure everyone knows what i'm on about). I've become slightly worried what to do as some of you have previously mentioned these cases cant just be closed they have to be locked, I dont know what to do though as i've never been to America before so i didnt even think about customs going through my case and i certainly wouldn't appriate my case to be broken as it cost quite a bit. After reading all your messages it seems that some of yous have wrote the code on the case, if/when you's go again will you be doing the same thing? as this seems to be the only option if i dont wanted a case with busted locks and wanted peoples advice wether they think it's the best thing to do.
Thanks in advance

[Keith]

We went once with our nice hard type cases (exactly the same as yours) and left the code set to 000 and wrote that above the locks on both cases and left the side latches down but not key locked. One of them was obviously opened and the right hand latch either wasn't closed properly or came open along with the front one :/ so when we got to it it was kinda half open.

That was enough for us and so our nice hard cases are now in the garage :( and we bought some normal soft ones and used cable ties to secure them. Theory is, at least they can cut off the ties and then redo them afterwards... Except of course once again, found the case had been opened and simply not resecured afterwards sigh so it was half unzipped on the carousel.

We did see loads of hard cases which had been forced open and then just taped closed after basically being ruined :( sooooo my conclusion is... whatever case you have you can be lucky and nothing will happen or unlucky and get a bozo who couldn't be bothered to reseal it afterwards.

This time we're trying soft case with TSA approved locks that they can in theory open with their tools without ruining. Frankly, I don't hold out much hope that they'd do anything other than ruin the locks when they pull them off but at least I know to put *nothing at all* of any value in there now.

[Sarah84]

Thanks for the advice Keith much appriciated.
So with your hard cases the locks/case didnt actually get broke it just wasn't shut properly??
Knowing my luck my case will be the one that gets opened, and have someone rumage through it!! :(

[candyman]

sarah
we are off a week today
we have cheap cases , soft tops with cable ties and spare cable ties inside on a big note asking ever so politley if they would please reseal with one of these and a big arrow to the tie.

we are also taking one case that just fits the hand baggage size , which is quite big really and are putting everythng of value in that and keeping it with us .
i will do a trip report and let you know what happens
if for any reason for get please send me a pm in january and i will let you know

steve

[Sarah84]

Thanks very much, I should have just got cheap cases myself really, but I saw the one I have and couldnt resist it hehehe typical woman really!!
I hope you have an amazing holiday which I'm sure you will (you are going to dinsey after all :D )

[Keith]

Yep ours was opened by the codes but not wrecked.. it was just they didn't close it again afterwards. I'm assuming the ones that were broken and then taped were ones that didn't have the codes visible.

Candyman's right though.. the real answer is to include some cable ties in there with a polite note as well as crucially, take everything of value in carry on.

[Kitten]

I just took a holdall secured with cable ties on my last trip, and kept anything of value with me at all times in my hand luggage. Plus there were 5 of us with luggage to get into one car so the holdalls were better than suitcases....

[candyman]

thanks sarah

the reason we bought cheap cases was that the last time we went with virgin we had some expensive ones and they were badley damaged on the way to MCO

(the funnyiest part of the whole holiday was when this really nice guy showing us the car . he was about 6foot 24 inches tall and built like a brick outhouse .the case was already damaged and he was so helpfull he helped us get the cases into the car and as he picked this case up it flew out of his hand -well the case did he still had the handle firmly in his hand .he was so embarassed but we all just curled up laughing it was so funny , and even he join in with us when he saw we were not upset .)

so reason told me that matalans 1/2 price sale £15 cases would do that way if they are damaged it would just not matter .and the security asspect just did not matter anymore as they cant be locked .

steve

[Sarah84]

I just took a holdall secured with cable ties on my last trip, and kept anything of value with me at all times in my hand luggage. Plus there were 5 of us with luggage to get into one car so the holdalls were better than suitcases....

I wish this was an option for us but I just DON'T know how to travel light esp as i'm goign on a twin centre holiday im going to be taking loads, thats why i needed a new HUGE suitcase, i'll just have to keep my fingerscrossed the case don't get broke.

[PaulaK]

The first time I went to the USA, I took loads of clothes in 2 suitcases, well over half came back unworn! Now, we take 2 suitcases for the 4 of us and 4 empty holdalls. I don't bother with locks anymore, just cable ties.

[candyman]

I wish this was an option for us but I just DON'T know how to travel light esp as i'm goign on a twin centre holiday im going to be taking loads, thats why i needed a new HUGE suitcase, i'll just have to keep my fingerscrossed the case don't get broke.


one important thing to remember sarah is just how cheap clothes are in the states .
every time i have been i have had to buy an extra case just to bring back all the clothes we bought there .

steve

[Sarah84]

one important thing to remember sarah is just how cheap clothes are in the states .
every time i have been i have had to buy an extra case just to bring back all the clothes we bought there .

steve

another reason i need to take a HUGE case, i do love to shop though as were only in Orlando for a week my main aim is to go to as many of the parks as possible, though with only 7 days i think its gonna be a tough job fitting them all in and decided which ones to leave out.