"Travel Sentry" luggage locks - essential for USA?

tom81_2

I'm shortly off to the USA, and I've seen these in the shops. They allow security to inspect your bags with a key to prevent damaging other locks or your luggage itself.

Are these absolutely essential then? And how trusting should I be knowing that anyone with a master key can get in?

M4RKM

i never lock my suitcase... never.....

the locks are so small and weak, anyone can break them regardless..

M

photome

I use cable ties which can be cut off.

mitchg

if the security cant get into your case they will break any locks to get entry, there are recommended locks that they carry master keys for and these are what to use, they should state somthing like this on the packaging, US Customs authorised .
Alternaatively do as i do and this is just as safe use some cable ties and then place spare ties inside the case somewhere easily spotted, the customs will cut the tie and retie it for you after they carry out any search.
Do not just use any old padlock or security device they will just break it off or worse, damage your luggage.

alanrowell

Can anyone explain how it's only the US that doesn't have the capability to get into cases & bags without the need for special locks?

M4RKM

seriously... why bother wasting money... just leave your case unlocked!

or are you that worried that someone is going to steal a pair of your jeans?!

skr80

I use the metal key ring 'rings' - fiddly to undo to deter, but ok for security to check (as the did last time on way back from USA

Bob63

Another cable tie fan. A tip I picked up off a colleague is to use two or more different coloured cable ties which provide pretty good tamper evidence because it is unlikely that a criminal baggage handler will be able to replace.

dwileflunker

markymoo wrote: »

seriously... why bother wasting money... just leave your case unlocked!

or are you that worried that someone is going to steal a pair of your jeans?!

The problem with that is if anything does go missing (not necessarily jeans)and your insurance company finds out the case was unlocked they won't pay out.

moonrakerz

If US Customs officials have "master" keys, I bet most of the baggage handlers will too !

M4RKM

dwileflunker wrote: »

The problem with that is if anything does go missing (not necessarily jeans)and your insurance company finds out the case was unlocked they won't pay out.

i'll put some sellotape on the edge of it....

it's just nice to see everyone going really paranoid right about now... with lines like

"criminal baggage handlers"

is nice and reassuring that people don't judge...

seriously.. you lot are really pathetic sometimes... really pathetic... what do people put in their suitcases, that is so precious, apart from clothes...

M