TSA and broken locks

[rv_bass]

I just returned from the west coast and TSA agents intentionally broke the locks off of two of my G&G cases, one of which was brand new.  Has anyone encountered this and is there any way to get reimbursed?  Thanks.

[edwardofhuncote]

 


That's all I got right this minute, Rob... man, I'm sorry to hear about this. Hopefully your instruments weren't harmed?

Broke off the locking latches? Can they be replaced, or is the case itself damaged too?

[hankster]

Bad news, but not surprising. I presume the cases were locked. If they were locked with a lock that’s not TSA approved - that is to say, not a lock that answers to a TSA master key - they’ll break the lock, and they have the authority to do it. They have the right to inspect the luggage - and if they can’t open the locks, they’ll break ‘em.

I’ve had my guitar cases opened on every trip to the US in the last 5 years. They always leave a note telling me they’ve done it. But I no longer travel to the US with a valuable instrument and I don’t lock the cases. Not that a lock is much of a deterrent to a thief - I figure they’d just take the whole case.

Anyway that’s the story. Sorry about your cases.

[tx196059]

Wow Rob, looks like you learned the hard way. When I travel, I always ship the instrument insured first, then have it held for pick up. I have purchased nice basses overseas to, and it is best to box it with the case unlocked. If customs gets in there, they always seal it back up with their security tape. Plus shipping international to Houston for me, does not have a CITES qualification, so Post Office or DHL send through Chicago or Cincinnati (respectively), so no hassles when flying. Sorry to hear about your experience. The less exposure to TSA is best.

[rv_bass]

Thanks for the comments and insight.  I usually ship, but did not have that opportunity this time. That’s the first and last time I’ll ever bring an instrument on a plane, that’s for sure. 

[tx196059]

Agreed!! But most important, how are those beautiful basses?

[rv_bass]

The basses are fine, thankfully.

[keith_h]

Good to hear nothing was damaged. I think the TSA sometimes breaks luggage locks out of spite. I always lock my cases. Not out of concern about someone getting on but to prevent accidental opening.

I haven't flown with any instruments since the lock requirements but before that I always gate checked my basses if I could not get them into carry on. Gate checking lets the security check be done in your presence and minimizes the time it is in luggage handlers hands. Another thing to consider if you are going to fly with the basses a lot is to get road cases with TSA approved locks. 

[JimmyJ]

That is a drag, sorry you had that bad experience but glad the instrument is ok.


The cases I use need to be locked or the latches are in danger of popping open.  Below is how I've dealt with the issue recently.  I haven't had any problems, they've relocked the case, and I have about 15 TSA notices under the bass so that when they lift it up they can have a laugh.

Jimmy J

[glocke]

That is a drag, sorry you had that bad experience but glad the instrument is ok.


The cases I use need to be locked or the latches are in danger of popping open.  Below is how I've dealt with the issue recently.  I haven't had any problems, they've relocked the case, and I have about 15 TSA notices under the bass so that when they lift it up they can have a laugh.

Jimmy J

not sure whats going on here..you have the key taped under that I presume?

[gearhed289]

Last time I flew with a bass (one year ago,, Chicago to San Diego), I left the latches unlocked and wrapped gaff tape around the case over both latches to keep them from snapping open accidentally. On the return trip, I could tell the tape had been peeled back and then put back, which was fine by me. No damage done.

In other news, American Airlines just wrecked a friend's dobro guitar. 

[JimmyJ]

Yes, key under the tape.  So far (knock on burl walnut) this has worked for me. 
This is another reason to have good all-risk insurance on our instruments.

Jimmy J

[lbpesq]

For an older case without TSA locks, you can get straps with TSA locks to secure the case and leave the case locks unlocked.

Bill, tgo

[edwin]

For an older case without TSA locks, you can get straps with TSA locks to secure the case and leave the case locks unlocked.

Bill, tgo

Good to know. Where do you get them?

[lbpesq]

Luggage straps with TSA locks.   Here's a bunch of them.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=tsa+lock+luggage+strap&sprefix=Tsa+lock+luggage%2Caps%2C204&crid=1XN6B8BUF7FTD

Bill, tgo