Luggage security for the modern traveller

It's a bit difficult to know these days whether to lock your luggage when you're flying. On the one hand, United States security rules require that luggage be capable of being undone for a manual search, otherwise, there's a risk of its being forcibly opened. On the other hand, the trial of Australian Schapelle Corby highlights the risk of dishonest baggage handlers tampering with unlocked luggage.

One option which is proving increasingly popular is to have your bag shrink-wrapped so it's obvious if someone has tampered with it.

Auckland International Airport's baggage-services shop (09 256 8769) provides this service for about $8 a bag.

Another option is a lock which can be opened by airport security staff using an override device but which signals that this has happened.

City Locksmiths in Newmarket (www.citylocks.co.nz or (09) 524 0718) have imported the SearchAlert, which has been approved by the US Transportation Security Administration. It enables travellers to padlock their luggage using a normal re-settable combination lock.

If security x-rays cause the authorities to want a closer look at the contents they can use a secured access device to open the lock. But when that happens the lock's security window changes from green to red so you know it has been opened.

City Locksmith managing director Rae Mortimer says the lock allows travellers to have the best of both worlds. "It means your luggage is safely locked and protected from thieves, but it also avoids the risk of security authorities having to cut the locks off if they see something suspicious."

Mortimer says access to the secured-access devices which will open the locks is strictly controlled.

"But in any case the security window means the owner will know whether a bag has been opened by a TSA agent or violated by an unknown person."

Interest in the locks has jumped since the Corby case, he says, "because there's no doubt if she had one of these locks fitted to her boogie board case there would have been no question of anyone being able to tamper with it.

"I believe the need for such locks can only increase as the US security rules are applied by other countries including New Zealand."