For whatever it's worth, I used some decent, non-TSA-approved, locks on my baggage last year, and the thieving scumbags just destroyed the zippers and then nicked all the valuable stuff... and then my flight was cancelled and they had to give me my bags back and weren't even apologetic.
This wasn't the states though. Never take a connecting flight through Johannesburg. I mean, O.R.Tambo Intl. Heathrow and Stansted were pretty pikey too.
Does it have to be a real gun, or can you declare a replica gun as a real gun? (Are there penalties for improving your baggage security under false pretences?)
13 comments so far
Is there a reason why you'd leave them unlocked? The TSA folks with lockpicks need something to justify their jobs. ;)
1 year, 4 months ago by pjf
When are you travelling to the USA? Are you going to OSCON too?
1 year, 4 months ago by pjf
I'd say lock it, but be prepared to buy new locks for your journey home. (voice of conjecture - no relevant experience)
1 year, 4 months ago by jarich
I'd rather buy new locks than buy new bags.
1 year, 4 months ago by claudine
I'm not going to OSCON -- I'm going to SFO on 1st August, before a convention in Montréal. One friend (who tends towards paranoia) says that TSA folks can cut open bags if they can't unlock them. Should I just get a 'TSA-approved' lock?
1 year, 4 months ago by claudine
For whatever it's worth, I used some decent, non-TSA-approved, locks on my baggage last year, and the thieving scumbags just destroyed the zippers and then nicked all the valuable stuff... and then my flight was cancelled and they had to give me my bags back and weren't even apologetic.
This wasn't the states though. Never take a connecting flight through Johannesburg. I mean, O.R.Tambo Intl. Heathrow and Stansted were pretty pikey too.
1 year, 4 months ago by dryfter
I think the consensus is bring your valuables on carry-on, and TSA locks on your checked luggage.
Or just pack a gun with your valuables. http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2006/09/expensive_camer.html
1 year, 4 months ago by pjf
I always bring valuables in carry-on. Not playing with guns, though.
1 year, 4 months ago by claudine
Does it have to be a real gun, or can you declare a replica gun as a real gun? (Are there penalties for improving your baggage security under false pretences?)
1 year, 4 months ago by dryfter
Best baggage security method I've seen, and used myself successfully, is to basically wrap your bags in a whole roll of cling-film.
1 year, 4 months ago by dryfter
@alecthegeek just catching up on this, do the two carryon bags suffice for say 2 weeks away?
1 year, 4 months ago by claudine
I see my problem. I can't imagine travelling without a huge pile of books. :-\ (I have told my lecturers I'll try to do some homework while away.)
1 year, 3 months ago by claudine
Not for Biblical Greek grammar! (At least I'll have the technical references I need for work on my laptop.)
1 year, 3 months ago by claudine