Why you should have TSA approved locks on your luggage

You may have noticed what looks like a keyhole on the combination lock of your Luggage with a diamond type symbol next to it.  If you have this then your Suitcase already has a TSA approved lock fitted.

TSA Fixed Combination Lock on Lightweight Antler Aire Suitcase

If you're travelling to the USA then Baggage with TSA locks are a must. The US TSA authorities may wish to inspect your luggage as it arrives from your plane as part of the American security arrangements.  With a TSA Approved Lock fitted they're able to use the special key that only they have to unlock your Suitcase, inspect and then re-lock your Bag so that it can carry on its way.

TSA Approved Combination Padlock

Without a TSA Lock on your Luggage they will still wish to inspect but they'll have to force and almost certainly break the lock to gain access - this will come as a rather nasty surprise when you collect your bag from Baggage Reclaim.

TSA Approved Key Padlock

So if your Holiday Luggage doesn't already have TSA Approved locks fitted and you're planning to travel to the States buy your New Low Price TSA Suitcases now from Luggage UK.

Order from Luggage UK before 3pm on weekday and as well as our Sale Prices, most UK destinations will enjoy Free Next Working Day Delivery of their order.

How did they think they could get away with it?

What were they thinking about?

Last week the American TSA authorities incredibly discovered 17 plastic vacuum sealed bags of marijuana in 2 carry on suitcases at Oakland Airport in the USA.  As the cases were obviously full there was no attempt at disguise.

Presumably those responsible did not believe that the airport security checks were likely to be effective?

To read more click here.

For luggage for your next American adventure click here.

  

Dog discovered in suitcase in New York

We've previously reported on the many handguns, grenades, knives and other offensive weapons found by the american TSA authorities during their routine checks of passengers luggage, but their latest find is perhaps even more surprising.

As well as 51 loaded firearms being discovered across the USA, a TSA Officer at New York's La Guardia Airport responded to a checked baggage alarm  and was surprised to find a Chihuahua dog inside the suitcase!

It turns out that the dog had crawled into its owner's suitcase while it was being packed - the TSA worked with the airline to identify the owner who was obviously delighted to be reunited with their pet.

So far this year TSA officers have discovered firearms in checkpoints at 41 out of 50 states - glad to know that their security works so well!

To read more of this week's TSA report click here

For luggage for your next American adventure click here

Visit the USA's National Parks

Do you know that the US National Park Service (NPS) that was established in 1916 now manages more than 400 parks and places, many of which are likely to be instantly recognisable to you through their natural beauty, historical significance, or their having been used as the backdrop to many films and TV programs.

If you're planning to visit the USA you may wish to consider building your stay around a visit to one of more of these treasures.

The First National Monument designated was the dramatic Devils Tower in Wyoming.  You may recognise it from the 1970's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' when it was used in the climactic scenes.

Apart from the incredible rock formations the tower is regarded as sacred by the local plains indian tribes including the Blackfeet, Crow, Cheyenne and Arapaho.

The monument is open 24/7 every day apart from Christmas Day & New Year's Day, with the visitor centre open between 9am and 4pm daily.

To read the parks latest newsletter click here.

An attraction in the vicinity of Devils Tower is the world famous Mount Rushmore National Park in South Dakota.  

Marvel at the huge sculptures of the heads of four American Presidents carved out of the Black Hills. See if you can recognise Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln & Roosevelt.

There is no charge to visit the memorial, but there are car parking charges. The grounds are open 247 apart from Christmas Day & New Year's Day.

To read more about the memorial click here.

For luggage for your American adventure click here.

Look at for suggestions for further National Parks to visit.





  

US spending $20m on airport kiosks

The American Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently announced an investment of $20m to install 340 additional Automated Passenger Control Kiosks at 13 US airports.

These kiosks are only for the use of US and Canadian citizens and will reduce office interaction time by 45% to approximately 30 seconds per passenger.

While this is obviously very good news for those returning to the USA, it also helps waiting times for those arriving in the States by reducing the queues for the immigration officers.

This initiative is part of a strategy to enable the US to welcome 100 million visitors by 2021.

For more from the DHS click here.

For luggage for your trip to the USA click here.

Top reasons to visit Arizona USA

Thinking about holidaying in the USA?  Where to go?

The snowy ski slopes? The popular Florida theme parks? The hustle and bustle of the big cities? The arid deserts? The lakes? The beautiful scenery?  You're certainly spoilt for choice!

How about visiting Arizona?

A state of contrasts, Arizona incorporates outstanding stark beauty, family attractions, shopping and a big dose of native American culture. 

The Hopi village of Oraibi is the oldest known native American settlement being built in 1100, and discovered in 1540.  

The original London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu City Arizona last century.

Well known attractions include the Hoover Dam in the Black canyon between Arizona and Nevada on US93, the Grand Canyon with its incredible views, and Indian Reservations with such evocative names as Apache, Navajo and Hopi. Who could fail to be enchanted by Tombstone - the site of the gunfight at the OK Coral?

Arizona's weather can encompass many extremes: Summer temperatures can rise to 100 deg F, and winters can produce snow 6 feet deep.  Gale force winds can blow at any time, and flash flooding can be expected after heavy rains.

For more information on Arizona tourism click here.

For luggage for your American adventure click here.

Monument Valley Arizona

Grand Canyon

Huge blizzard causes US flight disruption

The US north-eastern coast is preparing for the arrival of a huge blizzard that is already causing travel disruption in the area.

So far over 1800 flights within, into or out of the United States have been cancelled today, and over 1600 flights have been cancellled tomorrow.

For the up to date position click here.

Let's hope that things don't get worse and are able to recover quickly.

Why Your Suitcase Should Have a TSA Lock Fitted

Ever wondered what happens if you fly to the States and your checked in suitcase is not fitted with TSA locks?

The American authorities scrutinise all luggage passing through its borders, and in some cases open your suitcase for a more thorough look.

If your case has a TSA lock fitted there won't be a problem - the authorities have (and only they have) a master key that allows them to open the lock and to relock it when they are finished.

If your suitcase only has a conventional lock that you have applied then you will be in trouble. The inspector will use whatever force is necessary to open your luggage and this is likely to render the lock unrepairable and possibly also inflict some structural damage on your case.

When you collect your bags from the carousel you may well find that your case has been taped or strapped together as your non-TSA lock no longer works.

The TSA authorities will also have put a leaflet inside explaining that compensation is not payable for the damage, and it is probable that your travel insurance will also exclude such a claim.

The TSA website explains the need for your bags to have approved locks and you should find that your airline makes you aware of the requirement - don't ignore the advice, it could be costly.

Don't Joke about a Bomb in your Luggage

Don't joke about security when you're flying (or any other time for that matter!)

Apart from the obvious distress and concern that it may cause officials and other passengers it could also end up hitting you in your pocket.

A foolish joke cost a Venezuelan doctor nearly $90,000 when travelling through Miami airport.

Joking that he had a bomb in his luggage, officials responded by closing down 2 concourses resulting in delays and inconvenience to passengers and airlines.

Most of the fine will be paid to airlines affected during the incident.

For more on this story click here

£99 one way fares to the USA!

Fancy flying one way to Washington or Boston USA for only £99 (before booking fee)?

Well low-cost Icelandic airline WOW is offering this fare on selected dates early in 2015.  Opportunities at this price are very limited, with the 'general' one way fare around £190 before charges.

Flights go from Gatwick to Reykjavik, and then on to your destination.

The Washington service starts on 4 June 2015, and the to Boston on 27 March.

As you'd expect for a no-frills carrier almost everything is extra on top of the basic fare but you're able to choose what you need.

For more details visit WOW by clicking here

TSA approved luggage lock information

Travelling to the States this summer?

Most importantly you should ensure that your luggage is fitted with TSA locks.  The US TSA opens and inspects all luggage entering the country.   If your case does not have a fixed TSA approved lock or a TSA approved padlock fitted, the TSA authorities will break of the lock to inspect the contents of your luggage - if you do have a TSA approved lock, they will use the special key that only they have to open the lock, inspect contents and relock your baggage.

As with all flights now from the UK you must also ensure that any portable electronic devices are capable of being powered up when going through security - if not you won't be allowed on board with them.  Also don't forget your chargers!

Recently some of the American airlines have imposed lower cabin luggage maximum sizes than the IATA regulation, and lower than those we are used to in the UK - do double check the situation before arriving at the airport.

Our site at Luggage UK clearly shows on each product those items supplied with a TSA approved lock.  For help or advice please call us on 01444 417111 or you can email us at any time.