Originally Posted by
Mellonc
I've always wondered about this topic also. I'm going to Cabo (Mexico) soon and was wondering if I should just use the zip ties like you suggested. Just so I understand correctly, 1) if TSA breaks my zip tie they will be doing it for official purposes thus, they'll put whatever new zip tie they have and place a notification inside. but 2) if, however, a thief cuts off my zip tie, there will be no notification inside. And as such, I'd report to the baggage office.
Is that how it works? I'm just a bit nervous about going to Mexico (I have to check b/c I've got big stuff to carry this time) Thank you.
Every TSA-approved lock I have ever had has been missing when I received my luggage (including once when it was attached to the zipper pull, but I hadn't actually locked the bag). Well over half the time, there was no notification paper inside.
I've only had a zip-tie removed once. I actually had a plastic folder on the top inside the bag with a copy of my flight itinerary plus a note to TSA asking for the zip-tie to be replaced if the bag was opened, along with a spare zip tie. The zip-tie was gone and not replaced. (Of course, a TSA apologist will point out that a baggage handler could have removed the zip-tie, but TSOs have xray 'vision', so they generally have a pretty good idea why they're opening a bag and what they hope to find/steal).
Personally, I think
some TSOs do assume that a locked bag means something worth stealing. In my case, it's usually not something that will interest them, but it is something necessary for my travels (goretex shell, bike helmet and shoes, hiking boots, trekking poles, etc.)