2007-01-13 03:38:45 · 22 answers · asked by MICHAEL S 2 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Packing & Preparation
No, they can be locked, but if there's suspicion about your bags, they can forcefully open it. They also do "random" checks sometimes and ask you to open your luggage. So keep the keys close by.
2007-01-13 03:43:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
HI
Yes they do, either that or the key has to be attached to locks so that they can open them to inspect them.
If they can't get in they will break the locks to get in to check out the contents. So it is best to leave them unlocked. If you are worried about popping open in transit get some suitcase belts that wrap around the suitcase as these can be removed by customs and put back on and will keep the case closed during transit.
Hope this helped.
2007-01-13 11:53:55 · answer #2 · answered by justmetisher 2 · 6⤊ 2⤋
The American customs usually do a random check of suitcases. If they happen to check yours and find it locked, they will break your lock. The only solution to this is if you buy the special TSA key which only the American customs have access to so your suitcase lock will not be broken into.
2007-01-13 11:47:49 · answer #3 · answered by AspiringJ 2 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Yes do not lock. We travel back and forth to see our son and we were advised not to lock after 9/11. We have never had any problem with stealing etc. We have had a suitcase opened unbeknown to us and checked but there was a card inside telling us that this had been done by customs.
2007-01-13 12:51:00 · answer #4 · answered by Isobel M 1 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Yes, you have to keep your suitcases unlocked for the custom officers but after the checking they let you lock your suitcases in their presence of course.
2007-01-13 11:43:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
No, you can keep them locked, although they will cut the lock off if they decide they want o search your case.
Best to use TSA approved locks, which they can open without breaking them. Although that doesnt always guarantee they won't just cut it anyways.
You could use cable ties, but any baggage handler with a pair of scissors or a knife could access your case.
Make sure you have the keys on your person when you get to the US, incase they wish to search the case at customs with you present.
2007-01-13 11:50:43 · answer #6 · answered by Sight 4 · 6⤊ 2⤋
suitcases do not have to be left unlocked but if customs do want access to your case (for any reason) they will burst the lock and they by laws have the right to and due to customs laws you cannot claim it back through your insurance!!
worked at glasgow airport for more than ten years and you dont need to lock your case its safe enough (dont listen to horror stories)
if your still in doubt contact the airport to where your travelling and they will advise you better
oh and to go through customs and immigration in the states you have to collect your luggage before you go through so you should have nothing to worry about!!
2007-01-13 11:47:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
The following links should be able to set your mind at ease. No, the only time you need to unlock your suitcase is if you are asked. If it is deemed your suitcase needs to be checked and it is locked and under their control (meaning it is checked and you are somewhere else) then they will cut off the lock to inspect.
I use both those plastic tie stirps and TSA approved locks.
TSA approved locks: http://www.safeskieslocks.com/store/index.php
TSA website: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/locks.shtm
US Customs website: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/your_inspection.xml
Plastic Ties at The Home Depot:
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0427762828.1168717645@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccgcaddjljlegmicgelceffdfgidgim.0&MID=9876
2007-01-13 14:48:47 · answer #8 · answered by Mexico Traveler 3 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Yes, all suitcases need to be unlocked, even checked in.
2007-01-13 14:30:23 · answer #9 · answered by Joe T 1 · 5⤊ 3⤋
you cannot have a locked suitcase going into the usa! instead you can use cable ties to keep your case shut securely but it also means they can get into it if they should want to search it and your suitcase stays in one piece
2007-01-13 11:44:28 · answer #10 · answered by PInky without perky!! 4 · 5⤊ 3⤋