TSA-approved locks: Use them or not?
 

I am going to travel to the USA with checked baggage for the first time since 9/11 and I wonder what opinions are about TSA-approved locks are. How often does the TSA actually open and search your bags?

The major disadvantage of a TSA-approved lock seems to be that if items get stolen from your baggage and the lock indicates the TSA opened it, the airline will probably point the finger at the TSA and refuse any compensation. As I understand it, it is nearly impossible to claim damage from the TSA.

Plus I am quite certain that professional baggage thieves have picks that will unlock every TSA-approved lock. The mechanism doesn't look very sophisticated, all you need is to dissect a few locks and make the corresponding keys.

The only advantage seems to be that you can reuse the lock after the TSA opens it.

Am I correct here? If I lock the baggage with a cheap combination lock without a TSA backdoor, will the TSA cut off the lock and will my baggage still arrive on time?

How often does the TSA actually open checked bags?

Thanks for any information!

It would probably be a good idea to buy several of them to replace the ones the TSA cuts off anyway.

The TSA approved locks that I've seen all seem to offer very weak protection.

If there are TSA approved locks with reasonable strength, I'd be grateful for a pointer.

I simply use color-coded zip-ties. They're easy to cut, less easy to replace than common white ones, and keep honest people honest, which is about all you can expect from a luggage lock.

I used zip ties for the first time when I went internationally. The TSA cut the zip tie, checked the bag, inserted their little calling card and then put their own zip tie back on. I'm beginning to think that zip ties are the way to go.

I use TSA locks from Brookstone and Target and in the 20 or so flights my bag has only been searched once and my locks were never cut off.

I definitely recommend the zip ties over the TSA locks. I tried the TSA locks a few times and found that my bags ALWAYS got opened and searched when I locked them with TSA locks. (I guess the screeners thought I must have had something really nice in there if I bothered to lock.)

With the zip ties, I've never had them searched.

Now, with the zip ties, it's important to have something with which to cut OFF the ties when you arrive at your destination! (and it must be accessible from the outside of the bag!) In the post-9/11 world, it's not a smart idea to go around an airport asking for a pair of sharp scissors in order to open your bag and dig out the jacket you will need before going outside!



Of course, the best option: don't check any bags at all!

Remember, small scissors are permitted in your carry-ons now! :)

oneofthosepeopleyoulovetohate and other TSO's

are these considered acceptable, they would cut zip ties quite easily:)

http://www.lindstromtools.com/tools_cutters_80.htm

I have lost 3 TSA approved locks (Victorinox) when TSA opened my bags. Obviously they are attractive and may have been appropriated for better use

That is true. Many of the TSA approved locks are cheap, but with a little searching you can find some decent ones. You usually get what you're willing to pay for.

The locks I am using now came from eBay and eBags. I have a set made by Eagle that are fairly sturdy. I am very pleased with them. I also have a set from by Masterlock. They are decent but not great. I can't remember the brand of the locks I bought from eBags but they are also very good.

There is little advantage in having a good TSA approved lock if some idiot decides to cut it anyway. The main advantage is restricting baggage handers, airline employees, etc from having easy access to your bag. TSA are the only ones (supposedly) with a key. There should be no problem if the baggage screeners are honest and actually doing their jobs. Then again, we are far from such a "perfect" world.

I have yet to receive a cut lock but I've retrieved bags with the TSA approved locks missing. :mad:

Island, the item you posted the link to would be considered a tool, so it would be OK in your carry-on provided the overall length was 7" or less.

Scissors are OK if the blades are less than 4" long, measured from the fulcrum. (There is no overall length requirement pertaining to scissors.)

:cool:Thanks, they are less than 5 inches long and the blades are about 1/2 inch. Is there a more detailed permitted tool list somewhere? This is out of work related curiosity, I make jewelry, and have tools, including ones that I have made or modified, that are irreplaceable.

Cockpitvisit - I think you are being unfair to the TSA with your comment "...it is nearly impossible to claim damage from the TSA".

In my experience this is patently false. I myself have submitted two claims during these past years without a problem. The difficulty I am having is collecting on the claims.

Stay the curse!

I ran into this problem once, and solved it with a pencil. Slip the pencil through the loop (no need to snug the tie all the way down when securing the bag) and spin the pencil until the plastic yields and breaks. FYI, slipping two pencils (or pens or similar) through the loop, and then holding one stationary when you spin the other, will reduce the stress on the bag attachment points.

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. :)

(first off I am not familiar with forums so I don't know how to do the quotes, links, etc.)

Anyway, go to tsa.gov and on the right side of the page is "permitted and prohibited items" scroll down and you'll see a brochure that summarizes most things. Alcohol is on the first page..No more than 5 liters per person and high alcohol like Bacardi 151 is not allowed.

As for hairspray, go to faa.gov and look under "travelers" at the top-right.
On the left side, click "Flying safe" Look under "Hazerdous Materials Carried by Passengers and CrewMembers."
Basically it says don't bring more than 16 oz. for toiletries. There are cans of hairspray that are much larger.

As for the books and papers....nothing personal to lawyers..I was only using an example...But in reality, they are hard to see thru. What are ya' gonna do? The TSA doesn't have time to look at the text..don't worry. Those things are better carried on anyway. They can't be replaced and aren't covered under baggage liabilty.

the TSA?
 

ROFLMAO!!!

translation?:confused:

au contraire
 

It means Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A** Off

>>The TSA doesn't have time to look at the text..don't worry.

Depends on who's doing the search and how dishonest, incompetent and/or unhurried they are.

Last December TSA-PHX got into my TSA-locked duffle, ripped open a sealed but unaddressed Priority Mail envelope, left its contents scattered throughout the bag damaged (among other things). Dot was red (indicating TSA-key use) and they left the love note. This envelope was a millimeter or less thick, contained nothing but paper: no way did it alarm the XRM.

I use indicator TSA locks and unusual-coloured zip ties both, depending on what I must check that trip and which luggage I'm using. Sometimes they do a neat search and replace the zip ties with white or black ones, other times they leave exterior pockets unzipped, compression straps loose or gone, etc.

To OP: nothing's dependable. Use what you like, and hope for the best. If you can manage with only carry-on, better still. Gute Reise!

I am certainly not defending all of TSA..I have seen sloppy searches, but I have also seen attempts to contact customers.

You're really kidding yourself if you think using a TSA lock entails an iota of accountability on the part of screeners.

As you must know by now, that is considered SSI.

Yes, we've discussed the problem about master keys many times in this forum. But bag theft is much easier than that:

Tumi locks stolen twice
 

In the past year, twice I had Tumi TSA-approved locks stolen on the outbound. International flights from SFO, once via JFK, once via MIA. It didn't seem like the bags were opened, just the locks removed.

I did write to TSA both times and got a 'not our fault' letter back.

Sylvia

Actually, I did have the TSA page me because of the locks on my bags. I was transporting 2 firearms and ammo in two different bags. Yes, I declared them to the TA and then locked the red card inside the case. Problem is TSA wanted to eyeball the firearms because the CTX automatically identified the gun and flagged the bag it was in. The bag (case) in question was a Pelican 1550 secured by two combination Master Locks. Inside the guns were in their original manufacturers' case each secured with keyed Master Locks which is also the lock I used to secure the small Pelican holding the ammo in the other bag. Each gun also had a trigger lock. Since there was no way for them to get into the gun case, they paged me to return to the ticket counter.

Don't you know the TSO wanted me to open the cases so that he could take everything into the back for screening? :eek: Yeah, that didn't happen! I gave him the option to either inspect the items right then and there or call an airport cop and explain why he needed unfettered access to firearms AND ammunition in a "secure" section of the airport. He wasn't budging so I flagged down an airport cop and explained the situation. He gave the TSO a death stare and then told me he would personally walk everything into the back, oversee the screening and then lock the cases as they should be. He even gave me his card and badge number to boot if there were any issues upon arrival. ^ Everything arrived safe, sound and secrued.

Now that's stickin' to your guns, jonesing.