Luggage locks

Nicnme · #1 (**permalink**) March 4th, 2008, 01:28 PM

So, I have seen a few posters referring to NTSB luggage locks. Can anyone tell me what they are, where to get them, etc.? I don't like the thought of not locking my luggage and last year had my nice hard case destroyed :evil:
Any info would be appreciated.

Joe323 · #2 (**permalink**) March 4th, 2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicnme

So, I have seen a few posters referring to NTSB luggage locks. Can anyone tell me what they are, where to get them, etc.? I don't like the thought of not locking my luggage and last year had my nice hard case destroyed :evil:
Any info would be appreciated.

These are padlocks which are appoved by The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). They have a master key of some sort held by the NTSB so that security can open your luggage at the airport without breaking the lock. I will ask my Finance' where we got ours and get back.

Joe323 · #3 (**permalink**) March 4th, 2008, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe323

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicnme

So, I have seen a few posters referring to NTSB luggage locks. Can anyone tell me what they are, where to get them, etc.? I don't like the thought of not locking my luggage and last year had my nice hard case destroyed :evil:
Any info would be appreciated.

These are padlocks which are appoved by The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). They have a master key of some sort held by the NTSB so that security can open your luggage at the airport without breaking the lock. I will ask my Finance' where we got ours and get back.

Update: They were bought in a CVS drugstore but I suppose any luggage shop would have them.

nlb1050 · #4 (**permalink**) March 4th, 2008, 03:16 PM

You can find these at WALMART , Walgreens. Don't have to go to a luggage shop.

Nicnme · #5 (**permalink**) March 4th, 2008, 04:10 PM

Thanks everyone. As I seem to live at Wal-Mart

I should be able to find them with no trouble.
Again, thanks

Jayne10 · #6 (**permalink**) March 7th, 2008, 07:12 AM

Oh thank you!! Three years ago I went to Las Vegas and my locks were cut off my luggage. They were those teensie little things that are next to useless anyway, but I would have like to have been able to use it.....so....y'all are saying get NTSB locks, and no more lock cutting?
Jayne

Nicnme · #7 (**permalink**) March 7th, 2008, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayne10

Oh thank you!! Three years ago I went to Las Vegas and my locks were cut off my luggage. They were those teensie little things that are next to useless anyway, but I would have like to have been able to use it.....so....y'all are saying get NTSB locks, and no more lock cutting?
Jayne

Jayne - was doing some further research on the NTSB locks after I found you can get them at Wal-Mart, Target, etc. Looks like there is a special little id marking on the lock and all NTSB agents have a special code they can use to open the locks so they don't have to "cut" open your luggage. I am going to be getting them. Avg price I found is around $8 / lock.

Paul Motter · #8 (**permalink**) March 7th, 2008, 03:29 PM

Please read our article on travel props:

http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/...ops-121707.cfm

Which discusses these locks. First of all - not all airports have the "magic" keys, and they will break them off. Also be advised they are only approved for the US. If your kuggage goes overseas they will break them off.

Furthermore, if they are opened with a key they will turn red and tell you, but if they are broken off they don't. We have had a few broken offd and just tossed into our suitcase, flying Phoenix to Orlando.

mrspaj · #9 (**permalink**) March 7th, 2008, 03:32 PM

instead of bothering with the locks that often get cut off i've started just using the twisty things that you find in the fruit section of the grocery store (with the plastic bags for apples and stuff) and wrapping it around the zippers where the used to go...easy to get on and off and keeps our bags from unzippering in transit....so far so good!

thinfool1 · #10 (**permalink**) March 7th, 2008, 05:02 PM

We use wire ties (ty-raps). You can buy them at Home Depot or Lowes...probly WallyWorld, too.

Our view...a determined thief will get into anything. The TSA can clip the ty's as they like...and leave their 'inspection notice' with no trouble. Otherwise they are as much a deterrent to pilferage as a fancy lock.

In between, they are very effective at keeping the zippers closed so that we have no 'wardrobe malfunctions'!

Nicnme · #11 (**permalink**) March 10th, 2008, 01:07 PM

Paul - thanks for the heads up about the TSA locks. I don't want to waste my $$ if they will cut them off anyhow. Looks like I will invest in some plastic cables for our luggage.

NY Cruisin Mama · #12 (**permalink**) June 3rd, 2008, 12:36 PM

So are you saying that if I am flying to South America from the states -
that my TSA locks will be cut off?? Just want to know ahead of time.

Mike M · #13 (**permalink**) June 4th, 2008, 03:34 PM

I quit using locks on my luggage about 20 years ago. Before the days of TSA regulations anyone with a pocket knife or a screwdriver could get into your soft sided luggage faster than you could open the lock. This ended up with a broken suitcase plus stolen shirts and pants. (Never pack anything of real value in checked baggage)

These days your luggage is no longer in your control from the time you check it until you pick it up at the luggage carousel and the only people who have a screw driver,a pocket knife, or a TSA key are baggage handlers and the TSA and if they want inside your case it doesn't matter what case you have.

I use the cable ties on my suitcase. It keeps honest people honest and the zippers closed. If TSA needs to open them they can just snip them open.

The incidents of broken locks are increasing and the TSA does not recommend that you lock your luggage and this recommendation is one that should be take seriously. Luggage locks are more for the peace of mind of the owner than the practicality of the lock. Use the cable ties and put a nail clipper in the outside pocket of the luggage and save a few dollars on luggage locks.

Take care,
Mike