Originally Posted by
Howard Long
FWIW on those occasions that I check a bag, I use a small loosely attached coloured cable tie on the zippers where the TSA (or other) padlock would usually go. I keep a small stash of them with each bag.
This readily identifies whether the bag may have been tampered with when it arrives, and the bag can easily be opened by an agent. I can easily open it at the other end with a nail clipper. I consider it just enough deterrent to discourage a nefarious intrusion, as cable ties aren't easily removable by hand.
I just used pieces of copper wire or split rings that can be reused. The wire is like a heavy duty bread bag tie. Except TSA would not put them back on. I filed a claim for replacements. At first TSA denied my claim they had be be able access my bag. A lawyer friend after reading the denial said I should file a federal tort claim (they would represent me pro-bono) as it would be comical and cost the TSA as they would summarily lose. Instead I sent it to my congressional representative for their assistance. A few weeks later the TSA "reviewed" my claim and decided to pay me.