Dear Don,

Until the start of this year, most of us always locked our baggage prior to checking it for a flight -- and with good reason. However, beginning on January 1, 2003, travelers were advised by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to leave checked bags unlocked so security screeners could open them, if necessary, without causing damage. Checked baggage is screened for explosives, and bags that set off alarms. Often, things as trivial as books can be cause for a bag to be opened. As a result, many fliers are improvising by purchasing one-time use locks to deter rifling of bags and packing contents in plastic bags to discourage screeners from touching personal items such as underwear or cosmetics. As an alternative to locks, the TSA says it will eventually provide tamper-evident seals at the airport for you to use to secure your bags. Until that time, TSA recommends that you purchase standard plastic "cable ties" which can be found at local hardware stores. The recommended cable tie is the 4 to 5 inch variety since they are the easiest to remove and can be used to close almost every bag with zippers. If TSA screeners open your bag during the screening process, they close it with a security seal. In addition, they will place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact the TSA screeners opened your bags for inspection.

To help assure travelers' concerns about sending unlocked baggage into areas out of their view, the TSA says it's planning to install video cameras in baggage-screening areas. Still, there is much debate going on between airlines and TSA on exactly who is responsible for any theft inside luggage. Because of TSA procedures, many insurance policies will no longer cover pilferage of individual items during air travel - they will only cover when an entire piece of luggage is missing after a flight. If you are buying insurance, read the fine print carefully. If, upon arrival, you are missing anything from a bag that the TSA has inspected, you must file a claim. The TSA says it will assess any claims made to them on an individual basis, same for airlines. It goes without saying; these gray areas regarding theft could leave travelers in a no-win situation.

Because of the aforementioned lack of assurances, AnitaVacation recommends that travelers avoid placing any high-cost or irreplaceable items in checked baggage. If you can, bring them in your carry-on luggage. If you cannot, ship the items via FedEx, UPS, Airborne, or other 100% guaranteed insured method.

For more information on TSA procedures, please visit their website at: http://www.tsa.gov.

I hope I've been helpful.

Anita Dunham-Potter

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