Locking your sporttube?

[persee]

Ok. Getting ready for our first plane travel with skis and we just got the skis loaded into our sporttube. They fit (even though mine can slide around a bit since DH's are 21cm longer than mine - 177 vs 156) which is good. Now we're trying to figure out how we can lock the sporttube for safe travels. We have several of those combination TSA locks but they aren't quite long enough to get through the holes and lock. So those of you who have previously flown with your sporttube how did you do it? I hate to travel without a lock on any bag which is leaving my side. I know the TSA locks can be opened by people in baggage, so it's not perfect, but it's just an extra degree of security that I like to take.

So any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Severine]

Sportube sells a cable TSA lock for just under $20.

That said, I elected not to get the lock. My feeling? If someone is going to steal my skis at the airport, they're going to take the whole Sportube, not go through the trouble of removing the skis first. And since airport security prefers no locks, I'm just planning on using the locking pin that came with it for my flight next month.

Just my humble opinion...

 

[num]

I used my SporTube without a lock (just used the pin that comes with it) and when I went to pick it up at baggage claim, the pin was gone, rendering me unable to roll the SporTube properly and making it much more of a hassle. I'd recommend getting the SporTube TSA lock, here's a link.

 

[Marigee]

I have never had any trouble when just using the locking pin. When I went to Solitude I used a TSA approved lock for my Sportube. When I went to pick it up, the lock was gone. Fortunately the tube hadn't opened up and my skis were fine. I used the locking pin on my next trip.

 

[num]

My "pin was gone" story was from my Solitude trip as well. Maybe there are just some shady TSA characters at SLC airport nabbing SporTube accessories

 

[SueNJ]

I bought a cable lock like the one on the SporTube site. I didn't trust it with just the pin.

 

[Severine]

I was planning on picking up a pair of replacement locking pins, just in case. (They're sold in pairs.) Looks like that may be a good idea.

I can't vouch for how well they work, but when you look at Sportubes on amazon.com, you do get recommendations for other brands of TSA cable locks that are a little more inexpensive.

 

[Ski Spirit]

I also ended up travelling with just the pin in the sportube (because I couldn't get any of the locks that I had to fit). It worked ok although at one point, I lost the pin somehow. So I also have extra pins with me and have gotten the Sportube lock to try out for my next trip.........

 

[MaineSkiLady]

My experience has been that ski and snowboard bags almost always seem to get opened and inspected, FWIW. At least ours, and DS---based on the number of TSA locks that have either gone missing or wound up with the tell-tale "opened" color - and the obvious card inside. Almost doesn't seem worth the trouble to start locking, given the number of locks I've seen disappear entirely....

 

[sibhusky]

What the heck??? The TSA is too inconsiderate to put a locking pin back?

Our SportTube came with a lock (no TSA back then) that disappeared at home somehow. It was really tough to find another lock that worked. Thanks for that SportTube link.

 

[persee]

Eh... I doubt it was the tsa that didn't put the pin back in... I'd bet baggage handlers knocked it off and couldn't be bothered. At least with a lock they have to consciously and with forethought remove the lock so there should be some recognition of the need to put it back on. Also to remove the lock they theoretically ahve to have TSA training/certification... so a little more awareness/cluefullness I'd hope!

Now time ot call places to see if they sell the sporttube lock

 

[persee]

So I figured I should report back on the results of travelling with the sporttube. We have the bigger (2 pair of ski) model. This worked very well for our travels and now has collected 3 new stickers! (I will have to post a picture and find that thread later! ) Very Very glad we used this rather than a soft bag for our skis on the airline.

So as for locking we actually drilled an extra hole in the sporttube so we could use the second hole (that's not occupied by the pin) with a TSA lock. We bought a cable-like one. This worked perfectly and from the looks of it appears as if our sporttube was never opened. DH came up with the idea and it was great. So you may want to consider this (so you can use your pin and a lock) for next time you travel.

 

[Severine]

I had considered that. Glad to hear someone tested it out. :D

 

[Quiver Queen]

We've used the pin and TSA locks c variable success--the pin has worked well so far, the TSA cable locks work fine, but the major thing is that the U-shaped solid hasp locks will break (we've had probably 5 break) in transit, even the expensive ones.

Another thing we've learned is to always watch TSA inspect our tubes, since they've opened them every single trip so far, and insist we inspect the lock or pin after they're done with their inspection. We're nice & friendly about it, not acting impatient or in a hurry, kidding about our neuroses, and TSA has been very accommodating. Since we've done this, no more open tubes when we arrive.

Also, we use packing cubes (the nylon/ripstop/cardura zip pouches in various sizes) when we put clothing and smallish items in the tubes so it's easy for TSA to put the tube back together when they're done--they really appreciate it.