Any cases you may have that incorporate locks need to be approved by the TSA in order to be checked into an airline. Learn here how to incorporate these locks.
Regardless of what you are transporting or shipping in your custom cases, you should make sure that the locks are TSA-approved. Almost 2/3 of people drop off baggage and cases before boarding their flights, and depending on the size of the cases you bring to trade shows, you might be one of them. If you don’t incorporate TSA-approved locks into your case design, they will find a way in, even if it means cutting off the lock or irreparably damaging your custom case.
Allow the TSA Access Through the Key
One of the simplest ways to give the TSA access is by using locks that the TSA can open. These locks can easily be incorporated into your custom case and are typically branded as Safe Skies or Travel Sentry. Both are labeled clearly so that the TSA agents know that they can open them with a special key only they have. In addition, the TSA agent will re-lock the lock, saving you the worry over anything going missing or getting damaged.
TSA-Approved Locks
Beyond giving the TSA the key, you can incorporate TSA-approved locks into your case. Packaging Strategies Incorporated offers combination-style locks that can be used as part of almost any custom case. We also can incorporate latches that include TSA-approved locks into the case itself. This way, you don’t need to worry about clunky combination locks, the padlock getting misplaced or cut off, or the keys getting lost.
If All Else Fails, Don’t Check the Bag
If at all possible, try to avoid checking the custom case your packaging is in if you are concerned about the sensitive instruments inside being damaged or destroyed. Most airlines restrict carry-on luggage to 22” x 14” x 9”, so if you can get your case smaller than that, you could potentially carry it on board. You can also try shipping the package (only after doing some package testing, obviously) to your destination if you are truly concerned about being able to safely transport it to its destination.
Packaging Strategies Incorporated for All of Your Package Testing Needs
Packaging Strategies Incorporated specializes in making custom packaging for whatever product you sell. Whether you need custom shipping containers or custom shipping packaging, we have the expertise and years of experience to deliver a quality product at a price you’ll love every time. We are exceptionally skilled at creating unique and innovative solutions for all industries. For more information about what we can do for your business, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 547-7877. For more packaging tips and ideas, follow us on Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+.