V-Flyer

I know when you arrive in the US the TSA can search through locked luggage but do they have to have a reason or can they just search luggage at random? Also, is this the same for the UK?






Thread moved to Travel General from Virgin Atlantic forum, as it isn't a Virgin specific topic..... Nick

They can search WHATEVER they like, for ANY reason.

Applies to both countries in the case of customs too.

Just make sure you pack anything valuable in your hand luggage.

Also if it's locked, they can cut, break or destroy any non-TSA lock to look inside. If that happens, your insurance will not cover you. Not good with a £300 Samsonite case.

I've had my case broken into twice and they leave you a nice little note inside. Luckily they didn't do much damage as it was a combination lock and they have a special tool that can open these locks without breaking them. But I have known other crew with key-locks have their locks broken. Have to say though it's been a while since anyone I know of has had their case searched in this way - just jinxed myself haven't I !!

The combination locks should be TSA-approved locks. They have a mechanism that shows when TSA has used their skeleton key to open the lock.

And I agree with Tinkerbelle - do NOT leave valuables in checked luggage. In Africa you can have your luggage shrink-wrapped, which seems to have a similar effect to a lock, but I still wouldn't leave valuables in the bag (unless I am required to with my equipment).

S.

I always use TSA locks on my cases even when not travelling in the US.
Do not be put off buying them because it sounds like an expensive option as the last lock I purchased a week ago only cost £4.99 from my local High Street luggage shop.[y]

In addition, I always carry a couple of strong zip ties just in case a lock gets broken or a zip gets damaged.

quote:Originally posted by Jeffers555
I always use TSA locks on my cases even when not travelling in the US.
Do not be put off buying them because it sounds like an expensive option as the last lock I purchased a week ago only cost £4.99 from my local High Street luggage shop.[y]

In addition, I always carry a couple of strong zip ties just in case a lock gets broken or a zip gets damaged.

Exactly the same thing I do, plus zip ties come in handy when other parts of the case breaks.

I think the TSA approved locks have a red triangle on them.

Have had my luggage searched by security when returning from USA and Canada a couple of times and they left a little note in it. Interestingly both times it was my holdall rather than my case they looked at. Maybe it was something they saw on the x-ray. Other than being asked at customs I wasnlt aware that the TSA could search you luggage on arrival.

Based on this I don't lock my case and have a stripey travel strap thingy to help hold things together too.