I think nowadays if security wants to get into your luggage, they will. I had a lock cut off last year and now never bother to lock my luggage. I noticed when I traveled LGB-JFK-LGB in July, TSA put a little plastic "lock" on my bag. I guess after they open it, they secure it and know that someone has examined it? Maybe someone from TSA can answer?? They do have a website: http://www.tsa.gov/public/