TSA locks are not safer than any other locks.

The idea behind them was to allow you to have some locks on your bag as a mild deterrent (move on to an unlocked bag) because, as you remember, at one point we weren't allowed to lock the luggage at all or risk to have the locks destroyed. So basically TSA locks are ordinary locks that won't get destroyed (at least normally not) if the TSA wants to open them.

I found that when using normal TSA locks the frequency of inspection increased over normal no-TSA locks.

It just makes it easier for them. There were also cases when the bag was opened and rummaged through but no note left. So you want to find a solution that might somehow inhibit them and indicate that it was opened so that you can check right away when you get back the bag, and file a claim if stuff is missing. A TSA lock with SEARCH ALERT feature will help as an indicator. Mine are Brookstone brand and have always indicated they'd been opened. The member whose lock didn't throw the alert might just have had a broken lock.

The zip tie is a really good idea. Use colored ones. TSA can easily replace black ones. It is a really good idea to not keep same color extras for the return trip in the same bag. I actually hadn't thought of that. Thanks. You can open the zip tie with a SwissTec Utili-key which has always gone undetected. Nail clippers and nail scissors work also and are allowed in carry-on luggage. In despair I have even used a lighter to melt it off. Worked but did hurt when the molten plastic dripped on my clumsy fingers.

There are some other products that are useful:

http://www.tampertab.com/

It can be signed and opened without tools.

A somewhat cheaper and equally good solution are the tamper seal zip ties that have a serial number and can be opened also without instruments:
http://www.tamperseal.com/luggage-se...42a282309b921b

As far as specialized products go there is also a baggage strap by Pac-safe that has a TSA Alert indicator and that cannot be loosened once it is locked. Most other straps can be loosened when locked.

The last solution I can propose is to use neon duct tape all around the closure of your case. It does look like sh*t but has some good pros:
- Easy to use
- Not easy for them to replace if you choose a funky color
- Easy to see if someone's has tampered with it
- Slightly more pain for them to remove then locks and zip ties
- Easy to spot your bag on the belt

Here is a good thread on theft prevention in checked luggage:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...revention.html


The OP's experience is just indicative of the uselessness of TSA as a security measure and its organizational inefficiency. OTOH I wonder why he didn't simply open the locks for the TSO instead of waiting for a key unless that was done expressly to make their job harder and take one for the team, in which case I applaud his attitude.

Till