Questions about padlocks:

I've never put anything more valuable than clothes and cheap toiletries in my checked bag (even before 9/11), but I'd rather not get home to find a love letter and feel like I have to burn and bury everything I packed.

That having been said, if I put a TSA padlock on my checked bag, does that reduce the chance of a inspection, whether random or triggered by a TS"O" seeing something explosive or worth stealing on the X-ray? I'd think it might, as the TS"O" would have to go to a few seconds of extra effort, while more vulnerable suitcases are sitting around nearby. Kind of analogous to parking next to an unlocked car.

Also, regarding non-TSA combination padlocks on backpacks through the X-ray: does this reduce the chance of the TS"O"s "randomly" stalling you for a grope so they can liberate the valuables out of your backpack? I realize that I could cut into my backpack with a Leatherman, but a padlock would obviously stop surreptitious slipping and, once again, move them to an easier target.

Thanks!

It does not reduce the chance of a TSA inspection. If they see something suspicious on the xray, it will be opened, lock or not.

I seriously reduced the complete stirring and disruption of my bag by putting "suspicious" items right on top. My steel toed shoes, metal cased flashlight, wooden extension poles, metal probes and other interesting items are in a single shoe bag right on top, the first thing seen when opening the bag. Right next to it is my shaving kit and computer accessory kit, spare cables and such, plus a mini bottle or two. Well maybe three or four.

As for the love letters, I almost never get them. I do get the little holographic sticker on my bag tag fairly often.

I may get burned next week, but nothing has ever gone missing from my checked bags. At 40-50 RT's per year, I am probably fortunate. The bag has gone missing. Just not contents.

I have some metal tacks that I put in my luggage that spell out "leprosy medication" I have never had my bags searched.