Forget the TSA lock
 

In the last 7 years, I have only had my locks cut once. Given that you don't know who has those keys, I recommend using the strongest non-TSA combination lock you can find. Pack a spare set to use on the way back in case they are cut. And don't be confused by the airline workers who imply that your bag must be unlocked... you have the right to use whatever lock you wish.

Avoid packing a thick pile of books together which may appear as a dense object on an x-ray and make them want to open the bag. Bags are not supposed to be opened unless there is an unresolved issue with the x-ray (YMMV).

We use both TSA locks and zip ties- the only time we have had a TSA lock cut off- was when some dingbat- took my bag by mistake- even though my bag tag, not only had my name- but photo business card tag on it- and thought TSA put a lock on it for her- her grandson cut it off- opened the bag- and discovered- we did not wear the right size - so had to wag it back to the airport- to exchange for hers-

She did write a of explaination- but no $$ to pay for new lock-

Airlines was great- had the bag delivered to my hotel- no harm-

so- looks like- stuff just happens when you travel- rlb

An argument for TSA locks:
If anything is stolen and you have to go after TSA for it, having a TSA lock puts liability much more squarely on their shoulders and makes it much harder for them to blame baggage handlers and other folks.

I'm not saying others can't actually open the locks or that things work that way, I'm just saying you might have an easier time recovering from TSA if you have a lock on your bag.

I've only "lost" a TSA lock once or twice in the last 5 years. Given that my luggage is soft-sided and that I rarely carry anything in it that's of any real value I figure that the TSA lock should stop casual prowling. Otherwise, if someone wants in, they will get in...

RFTraveler :(

Waste of money as they will be stolen or cut off as recounted on this thread and others.

Don't put anything valuable in your checked luggage.

I vote for zip ties - and clip them open with nail clippers. Mostly it tells you if someone has been into your bag, and keeps it from "spontaneously" opening.

i use them all the time, not for protection against thieves, but to make sure my bags don't unzip and open during handling.

in the dozens of times i have used them domestically and internationally, they have NEVER been opened.

a travel companion used a non-TSA-approved lock once and it was chopped off. i don't think that they miss a chance to do that very often.

I'd go with cable/zip ties personally. Coloured ones show for sure if someone has been in or not.

I'm not sure how anyone could use a TSA-approved lock and be sure nobody had been in their bags because that's kind of the point of the locks... unlockable by the "right" people.

I've on many occasions had my TSA locks indicate that they were opened but there was no note inside.

Given that one can't be sure not sure who has TSA lock keys, using zip ties sounds like the way to go. Question now is: Does the TSA always replace zip ties?

I work for an airline and I can give you the little I know fom my experience. If you are flying out of a smaller airport or a carrier with limited service at that airport, your checked luggage is more likely to be looked thru simply because a person will be evaluating the x-ray picture. When you fly with an airline with more service, the bags go thru an x-ray that a computer determines if it gets kicked out to a TSA screener.

If you put your own locks on your bag, your bags are more likely to be delayed as the TSA may try to get ahold of you to avoid cutting the locks off. This is good customer service but often the customer is in the food court, doesn't hear the page and then they decide it is close to departure, so they cut the lock off, only to find the plane has left.
Zip ties or TSA locks are the best not the others.

Don't check, huge cans of hair spray, static guard (no matter what size), spray paint, lysol, wd-40, lighters, matches etc. Too much liquor is also a no-no. Read the TSA website.

AisleSitter is right, don't put lots of paper together, books etc. If you are a lawyer checking a briefcase...it is going to get opened.

No, they don't always replace zip ties.

Rarely, if ever I'd say.

The lack of a note is one thing that really bugs me. I had my locks cut off a few times, and on another occasion, the indicator was red so someone had opened the bag. The TSA didn't leave their little calling card, so when I tried to submit a claim I was told since I didn't have the note I had no proof it was the TSA.

I only recently started using zip ties, but mine were replaced. I wonder if its the airport you're flying from that determines if the zip ties are replaced, ie- I flew from PHX, the ties were replaced. So does PHX always replace zip ties vs I dunno, LAS never replace zip ties.

Good to know.

As a matter of policy? I don't think so. Maybe others can dig up links in the forum to corroborate this.

I've just reacquainted myself with the prohibitted/permitted items list. No where is there mention of limits to aerosol hair spray or liquor in checked luggage. @:-)

They have no business opening a briefcase full of books and papers! :mad: Absolute stupidity.

My point exactly. I don't expect TSA locks to make my bags bombproof. They just assign some tiny degree of accountability. If nothing else it would remove any remaining doubts in my mind that screeners are the likely culprits if/when a theft occurs from checked bags.

On the other hand, this also creates a strong argument for cable ties. I might consider using them in the future.

At the end of the day the best defense is to never pack valuables in checked luggage. Beyond that it seems to be a matter of personal choice as to what kind of security devices are employed. :)