General Chat

Just looked at that Securoseal, ZZzzz, hopefully it would work!
By the way, it's not just the zipper type luggage which is at risk. The suitcase my husband was using, when all his electrical items were nicked, was a (locked) hard-shell Samsonite.

Securoseal looks like it may be a good deterant, I'm going to buy some just to feed my paranoia :-D

jax, to me it is the same as locking my house or car, I wouldn't dream of leaving them open also when traveling we are more vulnerable to theft and I don't want to make things easy for the thieves. :-)

Why do you think anyone is going to steal your stuff, when thousands upon thousands travel each day with no problem.

As I said before I have not locked a case for over 20 years and never had anything stolen...maybe I was just lucky? but if you buy your duty free in the resorts you have to pack them in your case as the restrictions on hand luggage has changed

I know you didn't Bob don't worry, I've just looked and there isn't any non zip luggage :-) nor any really safe locks, it seems it is the zips that are the problem. :-(

I didnt mean to start a panic buy of alternative luggage

Bob

LOL. I haven't heard it called thiefrow before. I'm about to look at other types of luggage now. :-D

Yep, I'm another who has had things go missing from a suitcase, with zipper tags cut off. I never put anything of great value in my case - jewellery, camera, etc all goes in my hand luggage.

During that time a few years ago when we couldn't have ANY hand luggage, my hubby had all the electrical items stolen from his locked suitcase - spare mobile phone, i-pod, camera, external hard drive. I bet the security/luggage handlers had a field day during that period.

I am sure it happens all over the world - but no wonder Heathrow is famously known as Thiefrow!!!

Okay I've had a PM from Bob...and I'm glad to say his knowledge is all above board =0)

As for people taking things from your bags I have never put anything of any value in my bag just in case...why tempt fate. That said I have heard rumours in the past that some airports are known to have a problem with baggage handlers helping themselves to items from bags.....can I prove it...no....does it happen......well there will always been someone who gets tempted if it's offerred up to them on a plate.

Liz


it isn't a casual thief though ............ it is Customs and Security agents who have the right to open and all cases after you have handed them over.


If they cannot open the lock, they cut it off, and they then search your case. They can even snip off the zipper tag to force open a zipper............... my sis-in-law had that happen. She ended up having to buy a new case.


As OH found out, items can be left out accidentally ......


............... or much as they hate to admit it, there are bad apples, as there are bad apples in any job.

The onus is then on YOU to prove that you packed that item(s) in your case.

I now try to pack nothing that is of real value in a case that is going to go through Security. The problem comes if we are taking gifts to people (eg, at Christmas).

Any jewellery is either on me or in my handbag. All prescription drugs are in my carry-on, in prescription vials and plastic bags, ready to show to security. I try to take expensive gifts, without gift wrap, on the plane.



If they do decide to search your case, it makes no difference as to how well you have packed it, or with a towel. You will get it back as they re-packed it!



Believe me ....... been there, seen that!




sylvia

When I pack my suitcases for flights I put in a big beach towel with the hem at the back of the case and the extra length hanging out at the front, I pack then fold the towel back over and tuck it well in before using the elastic straps to hold everything in place. I also tuck the sides well in. I just join the two zips with a metal key ring so that it's fiddly to undo and no-one can just slip a hand in the front and steal anything they can reach, because the fold of the towel is in the way. Obviously if a thief wants to try harder they will but I always hope they will think, Oh I'll try another case which might be easier to access.

Don't think I have lost anything so far during my years of flying. I do the same when using coaches and trains but on trains you can usually keep an eye on luggage.

Lizx

Security do have a key that can override all locks, it states that on the packageing when you buy them so I guess that would be their get out clause and as far as I'm aware it is mainly flights to and from America that are affected and I don't blame them for that.

I am sure we were not allowed to lock our cases since the Lockerbie bombing? otherwise they could break into the cases if they saw anything suspicious.

I have bought back many packs of cigs and bottles of booze no problem with anything being stolen, but I am sure it could happen

Caroline, you are not alone, I'm curious too. I only have normal stuff in my case anyway so cans wont be going in.
It was in the papers a long time ago that some airport staff go through bags while the hold is being loaded to look for stuff and nick it, that is what I am more concerned about.

Am I the only one who is curious about Bob and his knowledge of opening bags ?? =0)

If your bag has been "fiddled" with......... check the contents with a security and/or customs officer........... who knows what has been PUT INTO your bag! You don't want to end up behind bars because someone has put nasty stuff in your suitcase.

cable ties or padlocks.............bags similar to laptop cases with two (double ended) zips.................easy peezy...........

Bob

The reason it is done behind the scenes is because they cannot search every ones bags because that would take far to long so when you wave good by to your bag all bags are screened via x ray and then and only then is a suspect bag opened

And for incoming flights after screening customs will stop you once you collect your baggage from the carousel

Roy

I understand why it is done but not why behind the scenes, surely they can get you as you walk through customs, as for things going missing, that is theft unless I am being too naive and I would make one hell of a noise if it happens to me, the would have to shoot me to shut me up lol.

Just a note Re Cable ties? these can be removed and then re used with out damaging them i use them all the time and never have to damage them to get them off

Roy