Originally Posted by
chollie
With all due respect, eyecue, two supervisors at PHX T2 have stated that TSA has the right to inspect any bag at any time without pax consent or knowledge. This was after TSOs opened my bag and removed my BP/ID for copying while my back was turned during my grope.
However...eyecue, is there any rule (I can't find anything on the website) that specifically prohibits the pax from securing his/her carry-on bag when going through the checkpoint?
(I assumed the TSO at ATL was making up nonsense when he told me he'd 'let me off this time' for having a lock inside my otherwise unlocked carry-on because, as he told me, they are only allowed for checked bags. You can buy them in the secure area, you can carry them for other reasons - to lock a locker at your destination when you haven't checked a bag, to lock a bag that you might check on the return trip, to lock your carry-on while on a longhaul if you intend to sleep).
I did say the word "supposed" when I said that they search your bag. This is to ward off complaints about things that are alleged to be stolen, broken or left out of the bag. They are taking a huge risk doing that to you without you being able to watch them.
In regards to locks on the bag, you can lock your bag any place and any time. There is nothing that says that you cannot.