Luggage lock broken at airport

ScarletBea

Last sunday I flew back from Faro to Liverpool.
When I got my suitcase back at Liverpool, I noticed that my lock had been broken (not exactly the lock, but the bit where the lock was), and my suitcase has been opened.
Nothing was missing, but there was absolutely no sign or note from the airport people saying sorry or something! It didn't even look at if it had been searched, because everything was exactly in the same place as my packing.
I had nothing important in there, just clothes, shoes, books and 2 bottles of wine, which are ok to bring.

Because I only noticed while putting the suitcase in the car, I didn't complain or anything (it would have been Faro airport anyway). I guess there's nothing I can do now, is there?
I'm really annoyed, my lovely samsonite suitcase can't be used now, I think

mrcow

Call the travel company and see what they say. They'll usually replace (but I always compalin whilst still at the airport so don't know if it's too late or not?)

ScarletBea

You mean EasyJet (I flew with them)?
But isn't it to do with the airport security instead of airline security?

DKLS

I heard its common practice now to break into any suitcases that are locked, especially when travelling to the states. I have seen approved locks for sale, that Customs can open easily to avoid this, you may be lucky with your Ins Co, but I doubt it

bryanb

It is also common for baggage handlers to steal from luggage. Hence the term "Thiefrow airport"
Less common now as sometimes security cameras are installed in aircraft holds. They are usually "Trying to turn off an alarm clock that they heard" when caught.

bryanb

DKLS wrote: »

I heard its common practice now to break into any suitcases that are locked, especially when travelling to the states. I have seen approved locks for sale, that Customs can open easily to avoid this, you may be lucky with your Ins Co, but I doubt it

But you pass through customs with your baggage. Surely they would ask you for the key?

ScarletBea

bryanb, this was a checked-in suitcase, so I'm not near it when it's xrayed.
I've heard of airports that have xrays at the check-in counters, but then that would just increase queues, I guess

bryanb

Ah yes, I was replying to DKLS regarding customs. Security is a different matter.

mrcow

ScarletBea wrote: »

You mean EasyJet (I flew with them)?
But isn't it to do with the airport security instead of airline security?

Sorry - no. I've no experience of Easyjet but have had new bags from both BA and Virgin and am expecting a new bag from Thomson from a flight last week from luggage that was damaged whilst flying with them.

I have no idea where my luggage was damaged, but they always replace the bags. I've never had a lock broken before, but that certainly wouldn't stop me from making an enquiry.

In fact now you mention it.....I think we have had new bags from Easyjet before. My OH had a bag damaged late last year and went to their customer services dept who gave him a new bag then and there (they have them at the airport). If it wasn't Easyjet, then it was certainly another low-cost airline.

I've never bothered reporting to my insurance compay as the airline have always dealt with this directly.

Stephb1986_2

All of us got our locks broken on the way back from Bulgaria nothing was stolen from any of us, Dont know why they did it then. Luckily i kept my camera ect in my handluggage.

Steph xx

meester

ScarletBea wrote: »

Last sunday I flew back from Faro to Liverpool.
When I got my suitcase back at Liverpool, I noticed that my lock had been broken (not exactly the lock, but the bit where the lock was), and my suitcase has been opened.
Nothing was missing, but there was absolutely no sign or note from the airport people saying sorry or something! It didn't even look at if it had been searched, because everything was exactly in the same place as my packing.
I had nothing important in there, just clothes, shoes, books and 2 bottles of wine, which are ok to bring.

Because I only noticed while putting the suitcase in the car, I didn't complain or anything (it would have been Faro airport anyway). I guess there's nothing I can do now, is there?
I'm really annoyed, my lovely samsonite suitcase can't be used now, I think

I noticed this started happening a good years ago, so I gave up on locks on my checked luggage (it's not as if I'm foolish enough to keep anything valuable in there anyway).

If you must have locks, there are special ones that security can open, but I personally wouldn't bother. Nothing worth stealing means no need for locks.