Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Canonite]

Quick question...I want to buy some luggage locks not because they're hugely tough, but most thefts are crimes of opportunity. Lock the bag and they'll look elsewhere.

Anyways...they sell a bunch of TSA-approved locks here, which means the TSA (in the States) has keys to them, so if they want to search your bag they don't have to cut your lock.

Do the Asian authorities have the same keys? Or if you're flying into Korea from Canada (via Beijing, most likely) and you have a lock then you run the risk of having it cut no matter which one you get?

Thanks,
T

[ttompatz]

[Canonite]

As always, thanks for your wicked reply, I appreciate it Going to get some combination locks...no losing keys

[SeoulNate]

Don't put combination locks on them if you are coming from the states. They will get cut off before the bags get out of the country and your stuff will certainly be searched.

My advice, if you must take something valuable with you, bring it on the plane. If someone really wants your bag, a lock, no matter how good it is, is not going going to stop them. All it takes is a pocket knife to get through the fabric or leather of almost any bag out there. All the lock is going to do is draw a big arrow for TSA and they WILL search your stuff.

[Canonite]

As I said in the first post, I'm coming from Canada most likely via Beijing, then Korea (Busan). I'm not entering the States at all.

Also, as I mentioned, I know these won't stop all thieves (I'll only have clothes and random inexpensive things in my luggage), but they'll stop the 99%, who simply unzip, grab whatever they can and dash...most thieves at airports don't carry a knife and start ripping bags apart.

[denverdeath]

one of the big differences from flying a few years ago and this year i found was the scanning of your checked bags while in your presence. this happened in both canada and korea(on my return). they asked a couple of extra questions in canada and had me open them in korea. the korea stage was when i went to kimpo from incheon bound for busan. they barely glanced at my declaration card at incheon and let me through without inspecting a thing. however, they had me open my checked bags and had me unwrap some stuff before letting me go through regular security at kimpo.

as for less desirables at airports, you are the first line of defense. then, whatever kind of lock(don't think it matters much - but if u wish to put some kryptonite chains all around it so superman cant get in, do it!). if you leave your bag unattended, with the flaps all open, and hundreds dropping out of it, yes, some people may be interested. usually, no one cares about you or your bags though.

[Canonite]

Thanks...I have nothing to hide from the authorities, nor will I have anything of real value (ie: electronics) in my checked bags. I'm totally fine with them inspecting stuff. I just think if I can toss a lock on it for $3 and make myself sleep that much better, then why not

[Lost500]

You have my deodrant & mac cheese in those bags!

Lock them, guard them - treat them like a child. Never let them out of your sight!

You got me worried now! I was expecting save arrival of mac & cheese.

Glad you made it pal but [Mod Edit] you ask some daft questions.

Respect

[DaHu]