Originally Posted by rar indeed
The last (and only time in my memory) I've checked a bag it was hand searched and a "Cleared by TSA" sticker was applied to it. Not sure if this is SOP for any scanned bag, though.
That used to be used to indicate the bag had been searched, but they stopped doing it because it also indicated to everyone downline (e.g. airline ramp crew) that the bag had been searched. The baggage handlers would know that the TSA could be blamed if anything went missing. Thus, the TSA switched to the inside-the-bag notes because it doesn't signal anyone who hasn't opened the bag that the TSA has been in it.
Date and time stamps on the note also allow the video tape (if there is one) to be pulled in case of a theft claim.
Originally Posted by mlj555
\In my experience, a duffle bag is more likeley to be searched than a larger suitcase. Maybe it is just easier because it is smaller and they can reach their quota searched faster.
At airports with in-line baggage screening, generally the machine flags suspicious bags and an operator decides whether to search it or not based on what he sees on his screen.
Originally Posted by woodway
If the TSA wants to search it, they are just going to break your lock (unless it's one of the TSA approved ones).
Yes, but if the TSA doesn't break your lock, this might help keep other sticky fingers out.
Originally Posted by Spiff
As long as the untrustworthy TSA will open my luggage outside of my presense, I will not check bags.
It's just as easy for TSA thieves to take something out as it is for TSA terrorists/criminals to put something in.
At good airports the TSA bag room is recorded in a casino-like manner. If anything goes missing, they can just roll the tape. At the airport I know of, this tends to exonerate the TSA.