I had zip ties cut off of my tool box flying SEA-GEG. They had the moxey to take the zip ties I had in the box for the return trip out and use them to reseal it. I had to get more for the trip home.

When I got back to SEA (on AS) I found that they had sent my tools on a earlier flight (QX) than the one I took (GEG-SEA is about hourly) I found the box with several thousand in equipment laying by itself on the QX belt with the zip ties cut off again.

Don't give 'em the opportunity
 

I said it before and I'll say it again.

Don't put anything of value in your checked baggage.
If you can't/shouldn't carry it on with you, don't bring it.
Look for alternatives. Can you buy it there?

Can you ship it separately? There are many ways to do this.
You can ship to hotels in advance of your arrival.
FedEx/UPS both do pick and will call.
Your shipment is/can be insured.

This way, items of value, equipment, tools, etc. that you might not be able to carry on, but will need at your destination, or need to get back home, will arrive safe and secure, unmolested by the TSA or baggage handlers.

Believe me, the cost is worth it.

I teach technical classes all over the country and this is how my "stuff" gets from place to place. Get an account with one of the shipping companies, get a stack of their shipping forms, and get the number for their pick up request. You should know the address/phone# of your destination, right (you've got a reservation don't you)? A phone call is usually all it takes to make the necessary arrangment.

I know this won't work for everyone, but it may help a few.
And that is what FT is all about.

I thought with the TSA locks, if one was cut off, the manufacturer is supposed to replace it free of charge???

http://www.thetravelinsider.info/roa...earchalert.htm

Problem being, 'exchange' typically requires having the old one to send back, and unless TSA politely drops it inside your bag... well... (insert appropriate pig, snowball, etc simile)

/.

We just had a TSA approved lock removed, along with the zipper handles to our bag. There was a TSA note inside saying that "TSA is not liable for damage to your locks". What about damage to the bag? The lock is gone.

There was nothing missing from the bag.

We are still on vacation, but we'll file a report with TSA when we get back.