Does TSA not leave a note in opened checked baggage anymore?
Dec 5, 2016, 1:04 pm
#1
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Does TSA not leave a note in opened checked baggage anymore?
I checked a bag yesterday that had a bottle of scotch in it. I locked the bag using an old (pre-TSA) luggage lock I've had forever. WHen I got the bag back, I saw that the lock had been cut but there was no "We searched your bag" note from the TSA. Nothing was missing.
Does the TSA not leave a note anymore?
Does the TSA not leave a note anymore?
Dec 5, 2016, 3:09 pm
#2
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It seems to be a recurring issue.
Dec 5, 2016, 3:38 pm
#3
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Since 2005, when I started traveling through the US with the TSA, my checked bags have been opened at least a dozen times. At least 5 TSA approved locks cut. Damage to items in baggage that was impossible to have been due to handling.
I have seen a note once.
TSA might be "required" to leave a note if they search a checked bag, but the amount of times they actually do is minuscule.
I have seen a note once.
TSA might be "required" to leave a note if they search a checked bag, but the amount of times they actually do is minuscule.
Dec 5, 2016, 5:33 pm
#4
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I checked a bag yesterday that had a bottle of scotch in it. I locked the bag using an old (pre-TSA) luggage lock I've had forever. WHen I got the bag back, I saw that the lock had been cut but there was no "We searched your bag" note from the TSA. Nothing was missing.
Does the TSA not leave a note anymore?
Does the TSA not leave a note anymore?
Could the lock have been cut without the bag having been opened? That's also another possible explanation.
Dec 5, 2016, 5:58 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2015
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I used to see that note every once and while but haven't seen it in several years. I do not lock my bags, but I have also not seen anything to suggest they've been searched through. Nothing has ever been broken or stolen.
Dec 6, 2016, 7:58 am
#11
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I know my bag was searched on a trip last month, but I can't tell if they left a note in the front pocket (they didn't put a note in the main area of the suitcase) because they put a lock that isn't mine on that pocket. Thankfully I had nothing but extra ziploc bags in that pocket but it's now unusable because I haven't figured out how to get that lock off. Any one know how to get a TSA lock off a bag without a key - without breaking the suitcase?
Dec 6, 2016, 8:31 am
#12
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I know my bag was searched on a trip last month, but I can't tell if they left a note in the front pocket (they didn't put a note in the main area of the suitcase) because they put a lock that isn't mine on that pocket. Thankfully I had nothing but extra ziploc bags in that pocket but it's now unusable because I haven't figured out how to get that lock off. Any one know how to get a TSA lock off a bag without a key - without breaking the suitcase?
Dec 6, 2016, 9:45 am
#13
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The typical luggage lock can be cut with a hacksaw easily enough. No need to rent a bolt cutter.
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Last edited by TWA884; Dec 6, 2016 at 10:25 am Reason: Policy debate/comment, not Practical Travel Safety/Security information/advice
Dec 7, 2016, 3:19 pm
#15
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The typical zipper suitcase can be largely opened by just using a pen or letter opener, even if the zipper pulls are locked together. That doesn't seem to be the approach the TSA takes when unable to unlock the lock on a bag -- whether by measure of TSA search notices in bags or otherwise. Expensive locks for TSA-searched bags -- with or without the notices -- are subject to being destroyed by the TSA. Just a practical thing to keep in mind when purchasing luggage and luggage accessories.