Leaving luggage unlocked.

dmg24

soco1 wrote: »

No need to be snide.
I am a UK Immigration Officer and as such have a wider understanding than many. The fact I have not experienced transitting in the US is hardly a reason for the put down.
That is the purpose of these forums so people can expand their knowledge.

Can't help it if the Yanks have a stupid, illogical and backward way of doing things!

Well then maybe you should check your facts next time (that you have stated twice!), before being so smug?

soco1

dmg24 wrote: »

Well then maybe you should check your facts next time (that you have stated twice!), before being so smug?

As before, that is the point of the forum - to learn.
Snide personal attacks help no-one and are not constructive.

JessicaF_2

Hi

It is correct that if you transit through the US you have to clear immigration, then pick up your luggage and then clear customs.

I am an AA frequent flyer and 65mins in JFK is a tight connection time. I would suggest trying to get as near to the front of the plane as possible, so that you get to the front of the immigration line. Make sure your visa waiver forms etc are filled in correctly, I have seen many people sent to the back of the line when they are not.

The other suggestion is travel with hand luggage only. You can now take a personal item + a smaller wheeled case on AA and we did this last time given we had a tight connection in Raleigh. Obviously depends on where your going, but we generally take too much anyway.

I have found that generally US immigration will not let people queue jump even if a connecting flight is at risk, AA will just rebook you on a later flight although if you have a couple of further connections that can be a pain.

I believe the minimum Intl-domestic connection time is around 55-65 mins depending on the airport for AA, but I fly in and out fairly frequently on AA and many times it takes longer than that. We are more successful if we are in business and first off as bags get priority, economy you have to pray your bags come off reasonably quickly!

Good luck, hope you have a great trip.

Jessica

Viper_7

Most airports offer a wrapping service.

Totally wraps your case in plastic.

gingerdad

Logic would say keep you valubles close and leave your case unlocked.

The funniest time i have every had (though not at the time) was when a man came up to me at the ticket desk i was working on complaining beacuse his case had missed the flight due to too short a connection at heathrow, and how was he supposed to get home as his car keys and wallet were in the case........ it takes all sorts.

you risk too much by putting anything of value in the case like cameras etc.... so leave it open and customs can do their thing, and the baggage handlers are less likly to nick whats not in there.

GD

Edinburghlass_2

I leave my bags unlocked and have my valuables in my hand luggage.

angel

I've never locked my cases although I do thread the plastic loop of a luggage label through the holes in the zips thesedays.

soco1

Thanks for all the comments. Have decided to get a TSA strap so I can lock the case and they can get in if they really want to search 2 weeks worth of dirty washing! No way I would travel with it unlocked.

Have also resolved the transitting issue at JFK. AA have said that I don't have to do the whole Immigration, baggage reclaim and customs thing at JFK as it will all be done at the previous transit point of San Juan, which is a US territory, and where there is 1hr 40 mins stopover. They say at JFK I just need to go straight to the connecting flight and they recommend a minimum of 40 minutes.

Thanks again for everyones ideas and suggestions.

dylel

Anyone know if these locks work in european airports???

spaceman5

dylel wrote: »

Anyone know if these locks work in european airports???

this is a quote from a website that sells these locks :-

Accepted and recognized by the American TSA (Transportation and Security Administration). These padlocks allows TSA personnel to check your luggage without damaging the lock. In the current climate of increase terrorist alerts, a TSA lock is essential for securing your luggage if travelling to the USA.

so i would say thay are only good for american customs to get into, but as any locks they will keep your case locked flying into any european country, HTH Dave