I originally posted:
Forget about TSA locks. The problem is the TSA itself.
The TSA at JFK are notorious for pinching new stuff (clothing, anything with original labels or boxing) from checked luggage. The police are powerless, even though they know it's happening, and so are the airlines. Ultimately the OP will have to go down the route of filing a report with the TSA itself, and it will lead absolutely nowhere.
A hard lesson to learn (I've been there): don't check anything new at JFK.
Originally Posted by
bealine
If that is true, then it's very disturbing and lets the TSA down all over America!
I have travelled extensively in the USA - never through JFK though - and have had nothing but courtesy and respect from the TSA staff. Airline staff on standby travel are
always selectees for special screening (due to last minute booking changes or last minute onload) so I have had rather a lot of experience of my baggage being opened and examined and arriving at hotels to find a TSA "love letter" on the top of each suitcase! Never once have I had anything missing, which says a lot to me about the honesty and integrity of their staff.
As I say, I haven't ever been through JFK, and I see no need for me to do so as if I want New York City, Newark Liberty affords far better transportation links for us (via the scenic helicopter link for which Continental Airlines employees enjoy a special fare concession!
) If it really is the case that things go missing at JFK, then I hope it is being reported because, even if the police appear to be doing nothing, they can't ignore a pile of complaints...........can they?
No, it's not the TSA generally, most of whom seem to be fine. It's the guys at JFK alone who are the crooks. And the police, the airlines and even the TSA themselves are certainly ignoring a pile of complaints.
I say again,
don't check anything new at JFK. Ever.