Originally Posted by
StanSimmons
In my situation, (US-US travel, hard side luggage, strong (Grade 5, hardened steel) lock TSA can't easily cut, name/number etched above the lock) where the bag has already passed primary screening (CTX), if one of the TSA personnel decide they need to see in the bag, what are they trained to do? Remember that FAR 1544.293 does not allow any external marking of a case holding firearms.
Typically is they are unable to open the bag they will ask the carrier to page the passenger back to the counter. Failing that, the bag will not fly. You may, but your bag wont. It gets turned over to the carrier foir disposition.
Originally Posted by
sheneh
Perhaps not in your airport but the screener behind homelandsecurity.com reported never seeing a TSA lock key in four years at LAX. I know I have lost several new ones purchased from reputable places. It didn't occur to me before they were cut I just thought screeners were too lazy to put them back on.
Undoubtedly that happens occasionally. Other times we are so busy that we forget. I can’t speak for LAX, I don’t work there, but I have been there once or twice and know that it’s a very busy place.
Originally Posted by
jkhuggins
Is this "merely" a local policy, or is this standard practice at all airports? (Insert usual rant about "consistency" here ...)
Coundn't tell ya, I only work at one airport.
Originally Posted by
Caradoc
Agreed.
But who needs stealth when they're claiming the authority to do it "in an abundance of caution?"
The TSA and its employees will come up with another lame excuse for any behavior they choose to exhibit.
All we can do it continue to make it harder for them.
Make it as hard as you like. Either the bag fly's or it does not. Your choice. If we need to get into it and can't then you might want to have a good department store in mind before climbing on board your aircraft.