Originally Posted by
Often1
There is zero point in locking checked luggage. If TSA wants to open it, they will and if some other carrier / airport employee at the departure/arrival/connecting airport wants to, they're going to as well.
This is true, but do you also leave your house/car unlocked? One point of locking things is to discourage casual thievery. If someone really wants to get into your house/car/baggage/whatever, they will.
I lose about 3-4 locks a year and I blame the TSA. I recently complained to them about the the apparent inability of the agents to replace the lock on the bag and the response I got disclaimed all responsibility for luggage locks, further suggesting that the TSA recommends not locking luggage at all. I intend to write a complaint letter to my representatives about the utter disregard for our possessions. It probably won't accomplish anything, but I'll fell better.