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Getting to Bonaire: Question concerning luggage
Bonaire Talk: Getting to Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999-2005: Archives - 2005-01-01 to 2005-05-01: Question concerning luggage
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jen Gray (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Monday, December 27, 2004 - 8:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Has anyone had any trouble with not locking their luggage per the TSA requirements? I am a little concerned about our scuba gear. Thanks!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Johnson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #141) on Monday, December 27, 2004 - 10:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

At present, you typically have two decent alternatives:
a) Purchase and use a TSA approved lock. The TSA have keys to these things so they should not need to cut them off your bag. See: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1634.xml They sometimes do get cut off (and at least one manufacturer was offering free replacements and TSA was promising more training).
b) Use zip ties (preferably ones that are a funky color and can't be undone). At least it will be clear if someone was in your bag...

My best advice is to carry your super high priority gear (i.e., dive computer and perhaps reg) as carry on. You also might check out your insurance coverage (i.e., home owners, special scuba gear insurance, etc.)

All of that said, I have done option b for sometime now without any problems. OTOH, I am a sample size of one...

Finally, be aware that there are special requirements for pony bottles. Last fall they needed to be hand carried (per TSA). Someone else had the experience they needed to be checked. Here is what TSA is saying now: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1190.xml

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #418) on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 8:57 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I would add to make sure your luggage doesn't scream "dive gear in here." We carry our regs on and put everything else in non-descript luggage and then secure the zippers with cable ties. You will know if TSA went through your bags because they put a note in your bag to alert you.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chuck H (BonaireTalker - Post #21) on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 10:37 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just returned from a trip with lots of luggage problems related to luggage delays as well as arguments regarding weight restrictions. Luggage was searched by TSA and a note was placed inside. No sense in using a lock these days. Just a little tie of some sort on a regular suit case of some sort.

I recommend that you carry on computer and regs if possible as it saves on the weight of other bags. We always carry a mask and will now carry a bathing suite and wet suit.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lorraine Bayford (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #165) on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 10:53 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We used to carry our gear in regular luggage but have had damage to it a couple of times. On one trip, the case was completely split open and all my stuff came spilling out on the luggage carousel and found out the next day when we went to do a dive that my reg was broken. On another trip I had brand new locks cut off and they damaged the case(don't do that again). Since then,we purchased a BIG Pelican case that has been opened several times(we use zip ties that they can cut off) but on one trip, after leaving their calling card, they pinched my BCD in the lid (did not puncture it) but that's not the point. They are not very careful and the bag is all upside down and a mess when we get it. Very frustrating!!! I wish they would do it the old way, have YOU open the case when you check in, have them inspect it and then YOU can close it again with their approval. For me to get to Bonaire and back, that is eight flights so my risk is high for them to open and inspect several times. If anyone has any other suggestions, I would be happy to hear them as well.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Johnson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #143) on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 12:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan:
I agree -- nothing worse than luggage that has SCUBA related logos on it. I have used a big StahlSac bag and have had no problems. It is plain black and built to last (and the regulator bag slides right over the handle). It is large enough to carry all of my dive gear (which includes a pony bottle, two regs, multiple lights, etc.).

Lorraine:
I agree Pelicans are very hardy cases. OTOH, they tend to scream out "camera gear inside" and are pretty heavy. A much less durable (and much less expensive) alternative is a plastic cooler on wheels or a rubbermaid storage container. I have used both to take things to Bonaire and -- as it is typically only making a one way trip -- makes a nice gift to someone living on Bonaire. The key is to secure the lid -- for Rubbermaid I needed zip ties and for the cooler, duct tape.

(Message edited by bonairetrip on December 28, 2004)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Riggs (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 12:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have gone as far as to write....TSA - PLS RESEAL ... on my bags as I put an electric plastic tie on the zipper....and extra ones inside incase TSA does not have any (as they are suppose to) to reseal the bag.

Def stay away from bags with dive logos.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John van het Veld (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 1:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Copied from their website: http://www.magellans.com/store/Comfort___Security___Locks__Alarms___Safety_DevicesSL927?Args=

Travel Sentry™ Four-Dial Combo Lock (pr)

It's OK to lock your bags again - these are Travel Sentry™ - Certified Locks! The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now allows you to secure your checked baggage with these special locks. If airport security needs to inspect your bags, they can access the contents with secured tools that do not damage the locks, then quickly send them on their way. Our quality brass four-dial (you set to any combo) locks feature easy to read dials. Set of two. (2¾" tall; 6 oz/pr)
Magellan’s “Just In Case”Guarantee: There is always a remote possibility that Airport Security may fail to recognize that this lock is a Certified Travel Sentry™ Lock, and cut it off (instead of using their Travel Sentry™ tools) if there is a need to inspect the contents of your bag. If this occurs, Magellan’s will replace your damaged lock with a new one at no cost (shipping included).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jen Gray (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - 6:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thank you for all your suggestions. I will look into the new locks.

Jen

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Kaye (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Monday, January 10, 2005 - 10:43 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We use distinctive cable ties (now using pink, I believe) to secure our luggage. The one time TSA opened one of our bags, they resecured it with their special seal. One tip: put a cheap nail clipper in the outside pocket of one of your bags, so you can open your bags easily upon arrival. (TSA's seal can be opened by hand, which destroys it - much fancier than cheap cable ties.)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Baum (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2206) on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 1:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

David... I've had nail clippers taken from me though..

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1964) on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 6:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

From checked baggage, Kelly???

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #433) on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 6:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

If the nail clippers are in an outside pocket of your checkthrough you should be OK, though we have not had trouble with them in our carry-ons. Shortly after the no lock policy went into effect we were travelling to San Francisco for business, checked into a downtown hotel late at night and realized that we had no way to cut the cable ties (our other trips with cable ties had been to Bonaire where we were staying in an apartment so no trouble finding a kitchen knife!). Soon got over feeling foolish for having to go back to the front desk when we were assured they had lots of extra scissors because it happened so often! Now the cheap nail clippers live in the outside pocket!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Kaye (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 6:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kelly, sorry I was unclear - I meant that you put the clippers in the outside pocket of a CHECKED bag. I haven't lost one from there.

Even in carry-on, nail clippers are now supposed to be okay. A security guard once snapped the pointy file off a pair of my wife's clippers that she was carrying on board, but I'm not sure that it's a necessary alteration now.

David

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Kaye (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 6:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Gee, I'll have to learn to type faster. The two messages before my last one slipped in while I was writing it.

David

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #696) on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 6:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We returned from Bonaire last week....the security in Bonaire took April's hair spray, fingernail clippers and eyebrow tweezers from her carry-on bag

she had no problem with these items on the trip from the US with security checks in the US and Aruba

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #434) on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 7:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Either we all should have well groomed nails from carrying our clippers in the outside pockets of our checked bags or else we are all really gross with long nails and ungroomed eyebrows!! Sorry April I don't use hairspray even at home!

 


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