Welcome, guest [login | register]

Posted by Bill S on March 28, 2008 at 7:28:27 pm EDT
In reply to Stratagies for protecting backpack as checked luggage? posted by WISam on March 25, 2008 at 9:59:22 am EDT

There should be no problem with checking locked bags IF the locks are TSA-approved. You can check this when you buy the lock, since it should be labelled "TSA-approved" on the packaging, and the lock itself should be labelled for the appropriate key. Mine are labelled TSA001 (a key-lock type), and TSA002 and TSA004 for combination types (002 is a 4-digit combo, 004 is a 3-digit combo. 001 and 002 have the key slot in the bottom and 004 has a key slot in the side). Between Barb and me, we have several of each type. They all have the official TSA "hollow box" logo on them. While I have heard of non-TSA locks and tiewraps getting cut, I haven't heard of an approved lock getting cut, plus all 4 brands of lock we have have free replacement guarantees if one gets cut (the lock, that is). I had one lock get damaged though not apparently by TSA, which the company did replace. My locks have been through a number of airports in the US, plus Canada, Mexico, Chile, Italy, and Netherlands, and my son's through England and New Zealand as well (Heathrow, at that) with no problems of cutting.

If the airline allows empty fuel bottles, and for UPS and FedEx, the best way to clear them is to wash with soap and water, then let them air dry in the sun for at least 24 hours. For UPS and FedEx, I have always taken the package unsealed to the shipping office, handed them the empty bottles to sniff, then sealed the package (sometimes if the people in the office don't know you, they will ask to inspect the contents). By the way, I have had it happen (once on Alaska Air, which has the reputation for being super strict) that I took the bag to their air freight office with a "forbidden stove" in it (which is ok for their air freight, and was in the list of contents they carefully read through as I filled out the paperwork), then watched as I sat in the plane as the freight, including my bag, was loaded onto the same flight - so why, when the freight goes on the same flight, is something strictly forbidden in checked luggage, but ok in freight? Admittedly, this was 1998, before 9/11/01, but still, Alaska Air was confiscating stoves at that time and before.

Replies

View: flat | threaded

There have been no replies

Post a Reply

Before replying, please read the complete thread.