The Luggage Blog

The folks over at TwinCities had a great question from a reader regarding luggage locks.

“I bought a couple of TSA-approved padlocks. But we just returned from Rome to find the locks had been snipped off — along with most of the zipper pull. Leaving bags unlocked seems like an open invitation to any baggage handler with a little spare time, but locking invites the security people to ‘make their day.’ What is best today?”

They suggest that you use your best judgment to decide whether or not to use the locks, and mention that if you don’t use a lock, you shouldn’t store anything valuable in your checked luggage.  Even if you chose to lock your bag, you really should avoid checking valuables in case your bag is lost or damaged.

TSA spokeswoman Sterling Payne urges travelers to use a TSA approved lock because the officers are aware of which locks are approved. We’d like to point out that ANYONE can recognize which locks are approved since all of them are clearly marked.

If the TSA does damage your luggage you can file a claim here.

We’d also like to add that it’s never a bad idea to report any damage or loss to the Department of Transportation as well.

View TSA friendly locks on Luggage Online.

Photo by msmail.

The TSA just posted a video on their blog to clear up any confusion that still might be out there about checkpoint friendly laptop proceedures for those of us who don’t like to read.

And if you’re still looking for where to buy a checkpoint friendly bag, look no further.

With all of the buzz lately about TSA laptop cases, the question on everyone’s mind is “Where can I find a TSA friendly laptop bag?”  Look no further folks because here is one of the first TSA friendly laptop cases on the market.

CODi Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Case makes getting through security a breeze.  It has a folding twin compartments and side buckles to keep the two compartments secure for portability.  The hinged design allows travelers to grab the handle off of the conveyor belt, so there’s no need to try to “reassemble” your bag before you go.

If you’re still wondering what exactly makes it TSA friendly, read on for all you need to know about TSA friendly laptop bags.

[Read more →]

How about making your business travel a little easier?  I don’t know about you, but it sounds good to me.  The Director of TSA, Kip Hawley, has confirmed that “x-ray friendly” briefs are going to be accepted by TSA.  Two manufacturers, Pathfinder and Targus, already have bags close to ready and should be out for sale around August 2008.  These business cases range in styles from a backpack, non-wheeled briefs and a wheeled brief all at price points from $39-$200.  Quite a few other manufacturers are in the works of making their own versions.

Some might think it’s not worth paying for another briefcase, but I beg to differ.  If you’re in need of a new business case anyway and you travel a lot for business, why not just buy an x-ray friendly one!  In my opinion, I think anything that makes traveling easier today is beneficial to you.  All I know is that it’s bad enough that you need to separate all electronics, liquids, take off belts, metals, jackets, etc and much more, when your going through airport security, then have to put it all back on and together again. So, I wouldn’t mind purchasing an x-ray friendly bag.  Especially since the prices are going to be really reasonable too!  Even though these briefcases are not TSA “approved”, they are still considered TSA “friendly” and hopefully time will show that these bags will make business travel a bit easier.

To read more:

[USA Today] and [Gizmodo]