全球主要的箱包和旅行配件製造商都已經在他們的箱包產品上採用了旅安商標（Travel Sentry®），以符合TSA的要求。
航空公司的檢錄員也已經過培訓並識別該旅安商標，瞭解帶有該商標的旅行箱是可以上鎖的。
如果需要的話，TSA安檢員有著特殊的工具可以打開該箱包進行開箱檢查。
帶有旅安商標的產品在全球範圍的很多零售店均有銷售，包括一些世界最大的零售商。您也可以在網上採購到該產品。
點擊尋找商場可以幫助您在您的附近找到旅安認證的產品
03. How can I set the combination on my lock?
市面上有著1000多種不同的TSA鎖，並不是所有的鎖的工作原理都是一樣的。但是大部分鎖設置密碼的步驟是一樣的。
這裡列出一些給密碼鎖設置或重置密碼的竅門。
請確認鎖的密碼輪排列於“正確”的位置上。這個“正確”的位置通常有垂直的圓點或“視窗”作為標記。密碼鎖的初始密碼通常“預設”為0-0-0或0-0-0-0。
當給掛鎖重設密碼時，您可以嘗試各種方向壓下鎖鉤，使鎖出於重設密碼的狀態（通常是從上鎖方向轉90度或180度）。有些鎖要求先按下鎖鉤，然後將其轉到重設密碼的位置――沒有將鎖鉤完全轉到位往往是密碼設置錯誤最大的原因。
當給鋼絲鎖或織帶鎖重設密碼時，一定要確認您已經將重設按鈕或柄按到底了方可改動密碼。
當然可以。目前只有美國TSA會通知乘客，如果他們的行李箱在需要被檢驗時卻上鎖了，將會被強行開箱檢驗，除非他們用的是旅安認證的鎖。如果您經常出國，您也可以用旅安鎖鎖您的任何行李，以保護您的財產和保證您放鬆的心態。
當您離開美國時，TSA安檢員可以檢查您的包並重新上鎖。無論您在何處旅行，您都可以使用旅安鎖來保護您的財物。
當您乘飛機進入美國，並轉乘美國國內航班，您首先會經過海關檢查。當你通過海關時，您的行李也會接受再次檢查並轉到您的下一航班上。TSA會在此時掃描您的行李，如果您的行李有旅安鎖，他們就可以打開鎖，檢查後再重新上鎖，並送回您的航班。
如果該鎖是被TSA撬開的，它會被放回您的行李，並隨附一張該行李的檢驗通知。如果您發現您的包內有此通知並且您的旅安鎖被撬壞了，請立即與賣這個鎖給您的公司聯繫，您將獲得免費更換。
如果您確認該鎖不是被TSA損壞的，那麼您需要立即向您的航空公司投訴。有些鎖是由於航空公司的粗暴搬運或在傳送帶上被損壞的。這種投訴是有期限限制的，所以請馬上進行。
如果您忘記了密碼，很不幸，並沒有簡單的方法可以開鎖或者給鎖重設密碼。或許一些行李箱修理工或職業鎖匠會知道怎麼解決這個問題。在美國您可以在 美國行李箱商會的網站上尋求幫助，查詢離您最近的行李箱專賣店。
如果您忘記了密碼，很不幸，並沒有簡單的方法可以開鎖或者給鎖重設密碼。或許一些行李箱修理工或職業鎖匠會知道怎麼解決這個問題。在美國您可以在 美國行李箱商會的網站上尋求幫助，查詢離您最近的行李箱專賣店。
鎖在旅行過程中損壞，可能有兩種原因造成的：
行李箱傳送系統（傳送帶或其它自動系統）和人工搬運都可能損壞您的行李箱和鎖。航空公司將承擔超出“正常磨損”範圍的損失。請立即向您的航空公司投訴。
TSA安檢員每天都要檢查兩百多萬件行李。使用旅安公司提供的工具來打開旅安鎖要比將鎖剪斷來得快並容易得多。但是，雖然極少碰到但是有時候也會有個把旅安鎖可能有損壞或遇到某種故障，TSA安檢員也只能將鎖剪斷。如果碰到這種情況，TSA將不會對損壞您的鎖負責。
在您的行李內尋找一下TSA的行李檢查通知。如果您的鎖被損壞了，並且有一張TSA的通知在行李內，請與您購買的品牌聯繫。在這種情況下，大多數加盟旅安系統的品牌商都會給您更換新鎖。
如果並沒有TSA的通知，那就有可能是航空公司搬運造成的損壞。請立即向您的航空公司投訴。
可能有兩種原因導致您的鎖的丟失：
通過與TSA的合作，旅安公司發現鎖的丟失大多都是因為航空公司的搬運造成的。當行李被裝上傳送帶時，或者當自動傳送系統的推送行李時的離心力，都有可能把鎖扯掉。通常最易斷的部位是鎖連接在包上的拉鍊頭，並不是鎖自身的原因。旅安公司建議購買行李箱時挑選加強的拉鍊頭，以降低搬運過程中造成損壞的可能性。如果是航空公司搬運造成的原因，請立即向您的航空公司投訴。
也有一些原因是TSA安檢員為了開箱檢查造成的。在您的行李內尋找一下TSA的行李檢查通知。如果有這份通知，並且您的鎖已丟失，請聯繫您購買該產品的品牌。大多數加盟旅安系統的品牌商都會給您提供新鎖。Brand
Less than 1% of the four million pieces of airline baggage checked every day are "lost." The bad news is that this means that up to 40,000 bags may be mishandled daily. The good news is that most of these will be located and returned to their owners within 24-36 hours.
What can you expect your airline to do for you?
FIND – The last airline you traveled with on your itinerary is responsible to locate your baggage. If you arrive at your destination, and your checked baggage does not, go immediately to the airline baggage services office in the arrivals area and file a claim with your airline.
DELIVER – If the airline was responsible for losing your bag the airline will usually deliver it to you at their expense.
INTERIM EXPENSES – Also known as "First Needs" or "Out of Pocket" expenses. Very few airlines will offer to cover the costs of items you need while your baggage is lost. Usually you have to ask. You are more likely to be compensated if you flew in First or Business Class, or are an elite member of the airline's frequent flier program. If you are arriving at your "home" airport most airlines will refuse interim expenses.
Why do bags go missing?
Well over half of all baggage which is reported as "lost" is actually baggage which did not make the transfer between connecting flights. Most of these bags are delivered on later flights. Some airlines and some airports are much better at managing this problem than others.
Other reasons baggage goes missing include:
The bar code baggage tag could not be read by the automated airline baggage handling system and the baggage was delayed due to "manual" handling. Often more than15% of these tags can not be read by the automated "readers".
The baggage missed the originating flight because the passenger checked-in late, the baggage was delayed in security screening (often because a non-TSA lock was used), or the airline accidentally left the bag behind.
A small percentage of bags go missing when taken in error by another passenger at the baggage claim area. Protect yourself. Put distinctive markings, tags, ribbons or tape on your bag. Make yours look different.
Damaged baggage is an unfortunate fact of travel. The airlines typically view baggage as a container meant to protect your belongings during travel. This is why they take no responsibility for "normal wear and tear" to baggage; similar to the post office who takes no responsibility for soiled or torn packages.
Here is what most airlines consider "normal wear and tear"
Broken wheels or feet
Lost pull straps
Minor cuts and scratches
Damage resulting from over packing
Damage to retractable baggage handles
Fragile or perishable items damaged during transport
Items unsuitably packed or unsuitable for transportation
Damage resulting from Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspections
That still leaves a number of cases where damage is beyond wear and tear, is not normal, and is a direct result of poor handling by the airline. As always, it is best to report this damage to the airline immediately (before you leave the airport) and always within 24 hours.
What can you expect your airline to do for you?
DAMAGE – If the airline accepts responsibility for damaging your bag the airline will usually take responsibility for repairing it for you. Often this is done at a central repair facility so you may be without your bag for some time while repairs are made.
REPLACEMENT – Often it is easier and cheaper for the airline to simply replace your bag. You may need to negotiate with the airline to avoid being given a "generic" replacement bag from their supplier. You can try to offer to buy an identical replacement bag and pay the difference yourself for the "better" bag so long as the airline contributes to the replacement cost.
How to avoid baggage damage?
The first rule is to buy good baggage appropriate to your needs. See Help with choosing the right baggage below.
The second rule is to not over pack. Heavy baggage is not easy to handle and is more likely to get dropped and abused. Heavy contents put an extra strain on the handle, the frame and even the locks.
The third rule is to either not pack liquids (which is difficult because you can not carry these on) or at least to pack these liquids with two points in mind:
Liquids can break open. First wrap any liquids in materials which can help protect these containers from shock and which can help absorb the liquid if the container does break or leak. Next, wrap all of this in at least one layer of heavy plastic (like a trash or rubbish bag) and tie it closed in a knot – do not rely on a drawstring.
Liquids can leak. Because of the difference in air pressure at altitude versus ground level there is relatively greater pressure inside a container of liquid during flight. This may cause anything but the most tightly closed and sealed containers to leak. First make sure that the lid or cap is secured tightly before you pack. Next, follow the precautions outlined above to contain the leak should it happen.
When you turn your baggage over to an airline you might be surprised to know how many different people have access to your baggage during handling.
Between check-in and the aircraft, baggage goes through security screening. While it is possible that items can "go missing" at this stage, the fact is that the screening areas are usually well supervised. Many are under video surveillance (for the protection of the screening officers and the TSA) and the time each bag is with TSA is usually a matter of minutes if not seconds.
After security screening, baggage goes to the "make-up" area for your flight. Here baggage is now under the airline's control and is loaded into containers or on carts which then are moved to the airplane. Here there are often opportunities for baggage handlers to get inside baggage without being seen.
Baggage is again vulnerable when it is, loaded into the aircraft where workers have access to the baggage inside the cargo hold or "belly" of the aircraft.
This entire process is repeated during connections and at arrival at the final destination.
It is important to note that today baggage handling has been outsourced to third party contractors at many airports and many airport workers are not airline employees with little loyalty to the airline you are flying.
Many people handle your baggage and there are many unsupervised opportunities to steal. If this happens, you most likely will not even notice it until you unpack your baggage – long after you have left the airport. Remember that you need to contact your airline immediately and certainly within 24 hours of arriving, to make your claim.
What can you expect your airline to do for you?
PILFERAGE – The airline probably will not even take the time to look for the missing item. The airline will also deny liability if the item has any significant value or was perishable. The airline will ask you to prove the original value of the item and if they accept responsibility will likely offer you less than you paid for the item because of depreciation (which means that things lose value with use and with age).
The airline baggage claims process generally work like this:
Regardless of the type of claim (lost, damaged or pilferage) the airlines require that problems be reported as soon as possible. In practice this means before leaving the airport. Technically, most airlines' "Contract of Carriage" requires this initial claim to be filed within 24 hours of flight arrival for domestic flights and within 7 days for international flights.
The purpose of the claim is initially to try and fix the problem; to find a lost bag or a missing item for example. When it is clear that the missing bag or items have not been found, or that a bag requires repair, the claim form serves a second purpose – to provide information for settling the claim.
Claims forms usually ask for a lot of detailed information including where specific items were purchased, the original price and when purchased. Claims Agents use this information to calculate a settlement offer. They will exclude the value of items which are valuable, perishable or fragile as these are not covered in the "Contract of Carriage". The Claims Agent will also usually depreciate the value of an item based on its age and use. This means that a claim for items totaling over $1,000 when new could be valued at a fraction of that based on the nature of the items and their age.
These claims forms should be submitted as soon as possible but usually not later than 21 days after travel. Late claims can be denied by the airline.
An airline might ask for additional information – if so, do not delay in replying as this also could be grounds for denying your claim.
Typical airline baggage claims are settled within one to three months time.
The TSA has its own Claims Management Office at TSA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia (near Washington, DC). Access the TSA Claims Management Office website for specific information and forms.
Currently the TSA Claims process requires completing forms and submitting these by mail along with supporting receipts and documents. The TSA Claims site includes:
overview of the TSA claims process
forms required to file a claim
answers to a number of TSA specific FAQs
track the status of an existing claims with TSA online
There are trends and fashions in baggage just as there are in clothing. Thirty years ago almost all baggage was hard-side. Since then the trend has been to soft-side or zippered baggage (up to 70% of baggage was zippered baggage in 2003). Today, with lighter materials and new construction, hard-side baggage is making a comeback. What are the benefits of each?
Hard side
Pro – Hard side gives better protection against theft (they are harder to break open), protection against crushing the contents and the best protection against water (baggage is frequently left in the rain at airports and a hard side bag will offer much more protection than a soft side or material based bag).
Con – because the sides are not flexible hard side bags are harder to "stuff" those extra purchases into. When the bag is full it is full. There is not much margin for error.
Comments:
there are many new hard side bags with a comparable "empty" weight to soft side bags. So the weight issue is no longer such a big factor in choosing between the two types.
A typical airline baggage container (those aluminum boxes you see being loaded on the airplane) holds about 35 bags. Bags average between 20 and 40 pounds or 10 to 20 kilos each. If your bag is loaded first it could have more than 200 pounds or 100 kilos of baggage on top of it for the whole flight. That fact, plus the overall protection against theft and rain damage, means that more experienced international travelers use hard side bags.
Soft Side
Pro – if you like to carry-on your baggage chances are you will have a better chance with most soft side models. If it is too big or the flight is too full it is still tough enough to go into the belly of the aircraft as checked baggage. It also helps that soft side baggage can expand more than hard side baggage when you pick up one too many purchases on a trip.
Con – Soft side bags are more vulnerable to theft – they are easier to get into than hard side baggage. And because most soft side baggage is made from material that "breathes" it can also absorb water if left outside in the rain which often happens with airline baggage.
Comments:
soft side baggage tends to be less expensive than hard side baggage
soft side baggage offers more flexibility in what can be packed because it can usually expand to take that little bit more.
For short trips and carry-on soft side baggage may be a good choice.
The airlines worldwide are changing their free baggage allowances. More and more airlines are starting to charge for every piece of checked baggage and most airlines now strictly limit what can be checked, even if an extra fee is paid.
Because each airline sets its own rules on baggage it is important to check directly with your airline to confirm your baggage allowance. This allowance can be different depending on class of service (First, Business or Economy), destination, aircraft and even time of year. See Travel Resources for a list of links to airline websites.
Just as weight limits are changing, so too are size limits now being enforced. Again, check with your airline to be sure.
