This is already being discussed in Newstand, but I want to bring about a serious discussion of TSA policies, in particular not being able to lock luggage. As you may have already read, Singapore just executed an Australian for drug trafficking after he was caught with Herion while transfering planes at Singapore's Changi Airport.
However, it is a known fact that drug traffickers will sometimes use peoples luggage to transport their drugs.
Originally Posted by From CNN about Singapore Airport Herion Bust
The execution had sparked protest in Australia. Nguyen, 25, was arrested in December 2002 at Singapore's Changi Airport after police found him carrying almost a pound of heroin. He said he was trying to pay off his brother's debt to a loan shark.
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/as...ion/index.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499078
The above is a link to the CNN article, the second is a link to newsstand.
Now, let's assume that a 'professional' drug smuggler had inserted drugs into your UNLOCKED checked luggage and you were making a flight via one of the many SE Asian transportation hubs (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, etc). If you were the passenger whose bags were used, you could be facing the death penalty.
What if US baggage handlers were transporting Marajuana from Kentucky to California using someones luggage. The #1 Kentucky cash crop is put into someones luggage at CVG and a baggage handler removes it at LAX. Say a bag is routed CVG-LAX-(SIN/KUL/BKK)-PER and the drugs are not removed at LAX. An innocent person could easily end up facing a long prison term at a place such as the Bangkok Hilton or could be executed.
Remember the Shappelle Corby case? I don't know 100%, but it's possible she was a victim of an Australian domestic drug trafficking operation where her luggage was used to transport Marajuana but it was not removed. She is now in prison in Indonesia; sadly, one of the judges which gave her the ~ 15 years is also the judge that gave a Bali terrorist bomber 1 year.
I believe this execution in Singapore brings to light serious issues about not being able to secure your checked luggage in the United States. I often travel via SE Asia when traveling between the US and Australia and vice-versa; others do likewise.
Bottom Line: Luggage is not only locked to prevent items from being stolen, but to prevent items from being introduced!
SDF_Traveler