When do you need to use TSA locks?
 

I'm pretty clueless about the security rules when flying in or out of the US.
If you are departing the US on a flight do you need to use TSA locks or is your luggage checked before you check it in? Similarly do checked bags on US domestic flights need TSA locks?

You can lock your bags before check-in. If the TSA want to check your bags immediately, they have the keys to hand.

If you want to lock your bags when they will be (potentially) in TSA hands - i.e. any flight arriving or departing US, then you need to use TSA locks.

Alternatives are:
- don't lock the bag
- lock with non-TSA locks and hope they don't check your bag (as they will break the lock to get in)
- use some disposal fastening (have forgotten the word...bit like an enormous tight-tie :confused::rolleyes:), that the TSA can cut, and put a spare one on top of the contents and hope they re-secure the bag.

Personally, I use TSA locks worldwide, saves me remembering which keys to take around.

Have a fun trip :)

Never bothered with the TSA locks, I just buy 'cheap' padlocks.

If the TSA want to check my bag (which has happened, but very rarely) they just use boltcutters on the lock and then secure it with one of those plastic cable-tie type things. Always carry a few spare padlocks with me just in case (like if I've done some US domestic flights)

You can buy a bag of 100 cable ties for about £1 in any hardware store, although the last time the TSA cut through them they didn't replace with one of theirs (like they did years back...)

On the basis that i'm forever losing either the key or the padlock, I now tend to just use cable ties all the time.

cable tie....that's the chappies! Thank goodness someone can remember the words in my language :D

The TSA locks aren't that expensive. I got them in Walmart for £4 approx! Might save money on repeatedly buying locks! ;)

Many thanks but I'm still confused.

If I fly on a US internal domestic flight.....I still need TSA locks/cable ties?

If I'm departing on a International flight......I don't need to use TSA locks/cable ties?

Internal - use TSA locks/ties

Departing international - use TSA locks/ties

Arriving from international, connecting domestic - use TSA locks/ties

In all these situations, TSA may inspect luggage

:)

Just don't bother locking it. From what I've read, the TSA will often just cut off the lock anyway, whether it's TSA or otherwise.

My opinion is that the bad baggage handlers will never bother with an unlocked case :) It's worked for me so far!

Cheers,
Rick

What do they do if the suitcase has a built in, twisty round number lock thingy me bob?

Force it open...

What a flippin' carry on. :td:

The wife won't travel without locked bags especially as we'll be connecting through GRU on the way back.
Suppose I'll need to purchase some new locks then.....harumph.


Thank ye all. :)

A built-in combination lock? (ha, thank goodness there are some things my brain can remember then!)...if opened by TSA, you'll be buying a new suitcase for the next trip :(

However some suitcases with built in combination locks are TSA-openable-without-violence. Look on the suitcase lock for a squadged hexagon in red/white and a keyhole.

I always use a TSA lock on my bags when traveling and do so after the TSA first opened my bag by chopping off the lock. They managed to cut the end of the zip as well which was annoying.

Or they could try 000 or 123 before taking the AK47 to it:)!

Yes, built in combination lock was what I was looking for, though I did work out that it was cable ties on the other post!