When do you need to use TSA locks?
Jul 28, 2011 | 1:58 pm
#1
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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?
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?
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:03 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Cham CH
Posts: 1,644
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
), 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
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
), 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
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:06 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Windsor
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 947
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)
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)
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:12 pm
#4
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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.
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.
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:14 pm
#6
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Never bothered with the TSA locks, I just buy 'cheap' padlocks.
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:25 pm
#7
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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?
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?
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:27 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Cham CH
Posts: 1,644
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
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:30 pm
#9
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 19,801
My opinion is that the bad baggage handlers will never bother with an unlocked case
It's worked for me so far!Cheers,
Rick
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:39 pm
#12
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What a flippin' carry on. 
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.
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.
Jul 28, 2011 | 2:42 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Cham CH
Posts: 1,644
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.
Jul 28, 2011 | 3:09 pm
#14
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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.