Warning if taking clubs to USA

Hovisbap

Hovisbap

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Do not lock your hardcase!!

I was told this by a friend of mine who had his Longridge case locks forced open on a previous trip. I took his advice and just gaffer taped over the locks - when I opened the case on my return home I found a printed flyer from the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) saying that my golfclub case had been opened and searched, and stating that -

"If the TSA officer was unable to open your bag for inspection because it was locked, the officer may have been forced to break the locks on your bag. TSA sincerely regrets having to do this, however TSA is not liable for damage to your locks resulting from this necessary security precaution"

Sounds like criminal damage to me..............
 
They can't force open locks - that's what the x ray machines are for.

They can only "inspect" with you present.
 
Liverpoolphil said:
They can't force open locks - that's what the x ray machines are for.

They can only "inspect" with you present.
Click to expand...

Not true, they can and do force the locks of all types of luggage, it's happened to my wife's bags when travelling with work - they don't even replace or pay for the locks.

EDIT: They recommend that you use a certain type of lock that the airlines have the tools to open without breaking them
 
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Liverpoolphil said:
They can't force open locks - that's what the x ray machines are for.

They can only "inspect" with you present.
Click to expand...

Not true - that was a word for word copy of the printed literature that they left in my case, my friend had all 3 of his locks forced open.
 
Hovisbap said:
Do not lock your hardcase!!

I was told this by a friend of mine who had his Longridge case locks forced open on a previous trip. I took his advice and just gaffer taped over the locks - when I opened the case on my return home I found a printed flyer from the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) saying that my golfclub case had been opened and searched, and stating that -

"If the TSA officer was unable to open your bag for inspection because it was locked, the officer may have been forced to break the locks on your bag. TSA sincerely regrets having to do this, however TSA is not liable for damage to your locks resulting from this necessary security precaution"

Sounds like criminal damage to me..............
Click to expand...

Dont see the issue. All my cases incl suitcases are locked. They are scanned and if they suspect something suspicious they ask to have it opened when I put it through the scanner.

Further scans however might 'look' like its something else (14 long cylindrical items could look sus) so have to be opened, understandable and I agree with it 100%

unlocked golf carriers are notoriously opened and 1 item removed, allegedly, as its never 'discovered' until much much later and no comeback.........so I was told by someone who works in the airlines.

I'd rather people had bust locks than a bust plane!
 
Liverpoolphil said:
They can't force open locks - that's what the x ray machines are for.

They can only "inspect" with you present.
Click to expand...
They broke mine open when case was sent to wrong airport , they called and asked me to pick it up 200miles away .
When I refused to pick it up the customs broke the padlocks to inspect the contents. Then returned it by limo 2 days later, but wouldn't pay for locks.
 
Er.

What would you sooner have?

A bag that's been opened in the interests of Security?

or

Another Lockerbie?!

I've never had a problem with Security examining my gear!
 
Foxholer said:
Er.

What would you sooner have?

A bag that's been opened in the interests of Security?

or

Another Lockerbie?!

I've never had a problem with Security examining my gear!
Click to expand...

I'm not disagreeing with you on that, just saying don't lock your hard case :)
 
I never lock my luggage. If anyone wanted to nick anything, a case can be "opened" with a Stanley knife, or the whole case could be taken. Luggage locks generally are pretty poor and really offer little or no deterent. Also the luggage padlocks you buy at the airport or supermarkets are as useful as a chocolate fireguard.
 
Both times I've taken clubs through US I have actually left the key in the, rather pointless, padlock.

The only problem I've had was when the bag got stuck at the top of the chute. While I could actually see it, there was no-one to release it, so it was delayed by 1 flight!
 
TheJezster said:
Just use a TSA approved padlock. There are tons of them. It's a non issue.
Click to expand...

The TSA have been cutting off padlocks for the last couple of years, it's happened to me when taking my clubs to the States. The only benefit of putting a padlock on is to stop thiefs in this country.

BTW....how do the TSA approved padlocks work?
 
drive4show said:
The TSA have been cutting off padlocks for the last couple of years, it's happened to me when taking my clubs to the States. The only benefit of putting a padlock on is to stop thiefs in this country.

BTW....how do the TSA approved padlocks work?
Click to expand...

thry hsve s universal key ...
 
the TSA approved locks have an override key so the security can access them.

Padlocks are so easy to access most are pointless. All you need is a pop can and scissors, but the travel one just need a twist or as other said a stanley knife.

Best to just carry an inventory of your stuff in your hand luggage and if it has been opened or tampered with, check through and make a claim before you leave the airport, after that you don't have a claim
 
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