Originally Posted by
tfar
The important thing is to get the TSA locks that have a safety alert. That is a red collar or dot that shows up on the lock when it has been opened with the TSA key. This way you know they have been in there as soon as you pick up the bag.
This alone is an important feature in preventing theft by TSA. Ordinary TSA locks without the safety alert only facilitate theft by TSA. They open your bag with their keys in the name of security, go through them and then take whatever they like. Obviously, they will not place a TSA ticket in your bag when it has been thusly pilfered.
I recommend colorful zip ties. Don't use black. They have black spares with which they will replace your zip ties. Use a gaudy neon color. They will most likely not have the color on hand. The zip tie acts like a seal that must be broken.
You can also put tape around the entire length of the zipper. That makes it too much hassle for quick thieves and is very obvious if it's missing.
Till
tfar ^your comments reflect my so far very limited - but always consistently bad - experience with the TSA. Each time I flew TATL out of the same US airport. I used TSA locks on my bags. Results as follows:-
Trip #1 - Bag #1
TSA lock replaced on the bag in the correct place. But the combination had been changed. I had to cut off the lock to open my bag.
Trip #1 - Bag #2
TSA lock removed from the main compartment and replaced (with wrong combination now) on the side pocket zipper leaving the bag unprotected. This lock had to be cut off too.
Trip #1 - Bag #3
I didn't put any lock on this bag. Bag of a more casual duffle bag type. Contents were not touched and all arrived safely.
Bags #1 and Bag #2 were delayed 24 hours. When they arrived, contents had been mixed between the 2 bags and all the best stuff stolen.
Trip #2 - Bag #1
TSA lock replaced on the same part of the bag. Lock had to be cut off again, as the TSA had changed the combination.
Trip # 2 - Bag # 2
TSA lock completely missing.
Nothing stolen this time. Bags arrived on time.
Trip #3 - Bag #1
TSA lock replaced on same part of the bag, but combination changed to lock had to be cut off again.
Trip #3 - Bag #2
TSA lock replaced on same part of the bag, but combination changed to lock had to be cut off again.
Trip # 3 - Bag #3
No lock placed on this bag which was a casual duffle bag type. Luggage arrived on time and apparently nothing stolen.
So far almost 100% replacement needed of all TSA locks ! And the luggage that had no lock at all (especially not a TSA lock) seemed never to have been disturbed or stolen from in every case.
Conclusion? TSA locks? Don't bother. You are better with no lock at all.