On a trip about 8 years ago we packed a luggage lock in our checked luggage. TSA removed it-no note and this may have been prior to a note being required when luggage is opened for inspection. This is a lock that has a cable to secure several pieces of luggage-combination was programmed to match our other locks. I can find nothing on TSA rules that says this type of lock is a no-no. Has anyone used these recently? We had the experience on a train from Edinburgh to London where there was no room whatsoever on the rack above the seats for anything other than coats, totes,etc. There fore the luggage was placed at the end of a car and we could not keep an eye on it. We had experienced theft of clothes in the early part of the trip and at this point were very security conscious about our belongings. So, should we take a chance and buy a new lock for our spring train travel? A thief could possibly cut through the cable but I would feel better running the cable through all four pieces of luggage and securing it to the rack-would be a deterrent at least.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33784 posts
Which country, Susan? If something were discovered chained to a part of the train by a Train Manager or Conductor in England it would have to be removed immediately and if the owner was not found immediately it would probably trigger a "Security Alert". Items removed during a security alert may be destroyed. The UK is particularly sensitive about suspicious items. 9 people were charged today with preparing a Christmas outrage which included attacking several prime targets including the stock exchange and the US Embassy. Please don't put train staff in an embarrassing situation.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
We have used a luggage lock (it's a bicycle chain/lock device) on train trips in Europe in 2004 and recently in September. We packed it in our carry-on luggage. Had no problems, however, as Nigel pointed out new security measures seem to arise on a weekly basis. It certainly gave us peace of mind.
Posted by
Freedonia
16246 posts
I always travel with a retractable cable lock. No one has ever given it a second notice. Something like this: I use one made by Eagle Creek which is no longer made.
Posted by
edmonton
91 posts
You are confusing airport/TSA stuff with train travel in Europe. A better way would be to pack your cable-lock combination inside the luggage you check in for the flight and then retrieve it in Europe for train use (if your luggage arrives!) Once on a train, if you can't find an empty spot on your rack for your stuff 1: you have too big or too much luggage; 2: you haven't looked for similar space nearby; 3: you haven't considered the space available between seats (back to back); 4: You're out of luck and you must put your bags at either end of your wagon. It happens. However, even in the latter case there's no need to chain your bags to the train. People who sometimes rearrange suitcases there to add their own would make a mess of the whole thing. You mention theft of clothes - from inside a bag? Was it locked? If not, why not? Best for you is to chain two bags through their handle on a rack withing sight. (We do that when we go to the bar-restaurant car.) And if you are really worried about luggage you can't see, go to your wagon's rack at every stop, to check that no one walks away with your stuff. Good luck!
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
" feel better running the cable through all four pieces of luggage " Consider taking only two pieces & have twice the fun.