Airport check in luggage

[Hang_them_later]

Thats not entirely true you can lock your luggage as it is with approved TSA locks.

Forget about the so called "approved TSA locks". TSA will cut them as well.
TSA destroyed my "approved locks" at Dulles a week ago.

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[Gollnick]

I hope this isn't too off-thread:
I'm afraid to put anything expensive in my check-in luggage, since we are no longer allowed to lock our baggage. I have heard that baggage handlers constantly steal peoples' property, and that when this happens, the airlines won't do anything about it.

Am I wrong?

Keep in mind that this thread is originally about international travel coming into the US. Security inspection procedures in other countries will vary greatly and you'll have to check on each country's rules.

Here in the US, you can request to be present when your bag is inspected and then you can lock it with whatever lock you want. I have traveled through almost every major airport in America since the TSA procedures and I have always been able to witness the inspection and lock the bag. Most now take the locked bag and ask you to wait in a specific place while they inspect. Thanks to the CTX 3D x-ray machines, they usually don't need to open the bag and just waive you on your way.

Frequently, the airline ticket desk clerk will say, "You have to unlock your bag. There is no way around it." This person is just busy and doesn't want to take the extra few minutes to deal with your request. Just insist. Very often, you'll have to ask for the supervisor. But, in the end, you will be able to witness the inspection and lock the bag.

But, again, that is in the US. Internationally, procedures will vary country-to-country.

 

[thatmguy]

Yup, I zip tie all my bags.

I tell them that it is zip tied, and that if they want to open it, I will be there to witness it and re-seal it, as I have had things disappear fro ma previously zip tied bag, only to find a TSA red zip tie in place of my original one, plus a "We've been in your bag" letter inside the bag.

Whne I called, it was the normal "can you prove the missing items were in your bag?" crap.

To the topic, searched and approved at the point of origin may not mean no chance of subsequent search at destination. Just be sure nothing packed is illegal at your destination.

 

[jzmtl]

Wait, they scan and open checked luggage, in addition to carryon now? I don't remember them doing it a couple years ago when I flied international.

 

[Gollnick]

Wait, they scan and open checked luggage, in addition to carryon now? I don't remember them doing it a couple years ago when I flied international.

In the US, checked luggage -- either domestic or international departure -- is inspected (either by CTX X-ray or manual inspection) almost 100%. It's supposed to be 100%, but, truth be known, sometimes if they get overwhelmed, they do have to waive a few bags through. But don't count on it.

Internationally, if your flight is bound for the US, then it's supposed to be screened and/or opened 100%.

On other international routes, it will depend on local laws.