[2006] TSA Luggage Locks?

[fnewman]

Has anyone used the new TSA-approved luggage locks? Are they worth using? Can they be used going out of the country (i.e. Mexico)? Our son had items stolen from his luggage and thought this may help. Any feedback's appreciated!

I'm not going to say it hasn't happened as you describe, but remember there are other people in the baggage handling process who have access to your luggage. The only time I have had items stolen from my luggage was when traveling to third-world countries; I would bet on someone other than TSA most of the time. Same problem -differnt culprits.

 

[geoffb]

I'll add a vote for cable ties. The bright colors make it easier to identify our bags on the carousel and if TSA cuts them off they replace them with a plastic TSA seal.

 

[JanB]

A bit more expensive than the generic electric style ties, but I purchase from www.Magellans.com and purchase the red numbered plastic locks. My thought is if TSA cuts it off they'll leave a note, but seeing a "number" on it might deter a thief to move on. They're about $7 for 20. I also use the yellow retriever/id tags in multiple languages that hold my itinerary in case luggage is lost. After having golf clubs lost for 4 days in Hawaii, I'm very careful about putting itineraries on both the outside and inside of all my checked luggage. I also put our name, home city and telephone number, but never our address.

 

[mjs]

I have hard suitcases with TSA locks built in to the suitcase. I have not had any problems so far.

 

[voyager1]

Not necessarily TSA theft...

Although it is not impossible that a TSA inspector stole from the luggage, it gis far more likely that subsequent baggage handlers were responsible. TSA screeners undergo a very stringent background and security check and are also in very well monitored working areas. Conversely, no less than 6 other people handle each bag after it leaves the TSA area and few of them have had more than a cursory (if any) security check. Baggage theft was common before the TSA was formed and, sadly, will continue long after the TSA disappears.

The tip regarding not overfilling a suitcase is a very good idea. The turnaround time from arrival of your bag in a screening area to the departure of your bag is very brief and overflowing contents are more to fall out unnoticed.

The turnover rate for TSA screeners is quite high, due to a number of factors, but they should be properly trained in the handling of approved locks. As we all know incompetence can be found in most workplaces.

I don't work for the TSA, but I have several friends who do and have developed a better tolerance for checkin procedures after hearing their stories.

 

[CharlesS]

TSA Locks Revisited

Has anyone used the new TSA-approved luggage locks? Are they worth using?

Earlier this year there did not appear to be a consensus on TSA Locks. In view of recent changes requiring more stuff to be placed in checked luggage, I am wondering if people are still of the same opinions or if anything has happended to make TSA locks more or less valuable.

Charles

 

[Ann-Marie]

The only input I will add it that I purchased TSA approved locks for about $10.00 a piece. The airlines (2 different ones), bent the heck out of them. The second one needed to be bent back with a pair of pliers. God only knows how sturdy that lock is now.

 

[Kay H]

I always use tsa locks on my checked luggage. Once found a note inside that they opened my luggage, but the lock was secure. Seems most problems are with foreign travel.

 

[davhu1]

another vote for cable tie. had two locks cut by TSA on separate trips.

 

[UWSurfer]

We ship electronic equipment for work now and again both as air freight and as checked baggaged and have had several TSA locks cut off. I've never been sure why, and our equipment so far has always arrived but it's pretty silly that we invest in a system that doesn't appear to be utilized.

 

[model4tees]

If you have costly things in your luggage and it is very important to you then make sure you have effective luggage security. Locks don’t work and can be tamper easily.
A point to note if you’re checking in luggage is that many of the travel accessories that are sold as luggage security items (locks, cable ties, security seals, etc) do not actually work to protect your luggage. You’d think for the money spent on these things it would take time to break into a bag, but it’s as simple as several seconds with a paperclip or even a pen. And people wonder why there is a problem with luggage theft.