Check in luggage and theft

I’m going to Bonaire June 13 and some one told me you can’t lock your check in luggage. If this is true how many of you have in countered theft of you camera or housing equipment ? I put together a 16x20 Pelican case for my housing and flash equipment. I’ll be carrying my camera and lens on board the airplane which is Air Jamaica.

Marc

You can lock it, but they will cut them if they see something on x-ray that they want to check out....very probable with camera and scuba gear!

or:

You can buy locks at Brookstone that can be unlocked by airport personnel

or:

just use tie wraps...they will replace them if they get into your bag

We've travelled several times since this policy started and have never had any problems....I've now got the Brookstone locks

Karl

I use a tie-wrap to "seal" my case. TSA cuts it off, inspects my stuff, and then puts another one on.

I have not encountered theft of any of my gear yet.

Cheers

James

Thanks guys,

You’ve made me feel at ease with your suggestions and experience.

James, does your insurance company cover theft and flooding of your equipment ?

Marc

I put a good old brass padlock on my camera case with no problems (October 03)

We flew with BA and KLM

PauP

Marc: yes.

Cheers

James

James,

That sounds good, can I get the name and phone number for your insurance company.

Thanks,

Marc

Nearly always TSA cuts my ties off check-in bags, but they've never replaced the ties yet.

I've had ties cut off my luggage for inspection, but I also leave extra ties just inside the luggage as a sort of hint. Every time they've replaced the ties...

www.h2oinsurance.com

I just got back from Kona and my big Pelican case which was closed using the zip ties was opened for inspection after I had checked it in. When it rolled into baggage claim only one of the four latches was sealed properly, the lid was barely closed with stuff hanging out...every traveler's nightmare. Fortunately, nothing was missing. Inside was a small note telling me the case had been inspected. No kidding! Michele Westmorland told me that she prints out an inventory of what is in the case along with a nice note to the inspectors explaining what all this gear is, asking them to please be respectful and re-pack it carefully. After this experience, I will do the same.

I travel a lot, probably 20 times since 9/11 and its further applied security proceedures, and have always used locks on my checked luggage. I use the combination locks as they are easy to remember, we don't have to fumble with keys or find them missing when needed. BUT, I do not lock them down on the checked luggage. I place them through so that all they need is to be squeezed down. Then I ask KINDLY to the ticket agent to ask TSA to lock them after inspection, and SPIN the dials - they ALWAYS inspect our bags. I then sit there at the ticket counter (to the side so others can continue their check-in of course) as TSA goes through its inspection and I watch them go through, and sometimes ask the officer who's nearest me to remind them to lock it, PLEASE, as they are finishing.

I'd say 75% of the time, they do SPIN the dials, but not always.

This proceedure is not perfect by any means, but I've never had a problem. Later I've found the "inspected" letter mentioned earlier inside, but my locks have always been in tact. I do bring along extra zip ties just in case.

I found those locks you suggested at Brookstone Co.

I’ve posted the link for those of you who are interested.

Marc

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp...ype=subcategory