Posts Tagged airline baggage
Word-Lock Luggage Lock
I can’t think of one instance when I’ve used a combination lock to secure my checked luggage. Maybe when I was 20 and backpacking through Europe; I vaguely recall using a big ol’ school-locker lock to keep safe my backpack in various hostels. But, frankly, I figure that if someone really wants the stuff out of my suitcase, they’re going to get it whether the zippers are locked shut or not.
That said, you do hear some crazy tales about items being stolen out of checked baggage. So if you do feel like you’re checked valuables would be more secure with a lock, you might consider the easy-to-set combination lock from WordLock.
I like the idea behind this lock since four-letter words are so much easier to remember than four-number combinations. The instructions to set the combination are easy to follow. In fact, my 7-year-old (with the help of his 9-year-old sister) figured out how to change the combo I set (R-O-C-K) to D-O-R-K.
In case you can’t come up with your own clever four-letter combination, a list of different options comes with the lock instructions. Each dial has 10 different letters on it; not all 26 are available, so you are somewhat limited. (Even so, there are 10,000 possibilities.)
The lock is recognized by the TSA, and inspectors can use a universal key to open it if they need to inspect your luggage by hand — no bolt cutters necessary. (Note, however, that sometimes it’s the TSA inspectors doing the stealing.)
My advice: If an item is really valuable, put it in your carry-on luggage.
WordLocks are available at many big-box retailers; plug in your zip code here to find one near you. Or purchase online at Amazon.com for under $10. The lock makes a nice travel gift or stocking stuffer.
Posted by Kara in General Gear on December 18th, 2009
Cure for Disappearing Luggage Tags: Easy Spot Handle Wraps
Recently, I received a call from a friend who had just returned from a business flight and his luggage tags had disappeared from all three checked suitcases.
While I can’t make airline baggage handlers be more careful (wishful thinking), I have found an ID tag that not only stays put but has an important added benefit—Easy Spot Handle Wraps from Magellan’s.
Have you ever seen the way airline baggage handlers treat your bags? Unfortunately, I’ve watched the process many, many times from window seats on planes.
There must be an unwritten rule among baggage handlers that doesn’t allow them to simply place a bag on a loading belt outside the plane. No, the standard procedure must require dropping or throwing the bag—when it would be just as easy to gently put it down on the belt or on the ground before it is loaded.
I’ve also seen gate-checked bags dropped down a 15-foot chute before they are loaded–so don’t assume those bags get any better treatment than suitcases checked at the ticket counter.
Then there are the mechanical belts that bags travel on through the airports, another trouble spot for anything like a luggage tag that might be dangling from your bag.
So along comes the travel store Magellan’s to the rescue with the Easy Spot Handle Wraps. They are actually made to help you spot your bag and, for that, they work well.
Ever notice how many black rolling suitcases come out on the luggage carousel? I can think of two times when I watched my black roller get picked off the carousel by someone else.
Surely they were just mistaken and not trying to steal my bag. Surely.
But I knew it was my bag because of the neon yellow wrap around the top handle, so I went and retrieved it.
If neon yellow doesn’t suit you, the handle wraps also come in neon pink, neon green and hibiscus.
The added benefit is the identification tag that’s inside the wrap. The wraps are secured with Velcro and, in my experience, I’ve never had one come off. I’ve used these for a couple of years and the only problem is they will get dirty after repeated trips.
By the way, besides the airline routing tags and your own ID on the outside, it’s always a good idea to put a piece of paper with your contact information inside the bag. That way the airline will have no excuse for not reuniting you with your bag, even if all the outside tags and wraps were to somehow disappear.
The brightly-colored handle wraps cost $14.85 for a set of three.
Some travelers tie colored string around their bag handles to help spot them, which no doubt would be cheaper. These handle wraps look less “touristy” and also offer the added benefit of having your contact information readily available if your bags go astray.
In my experience, they’re among the best luggage accessories you can find.
Posted by JohnG in Business Gear, General Gear on June 22nd, 2009
