I got mine at Target. Don't remember exactly how much, but it was less than $10. The combination ones are more expensive than the ones with keys.

I got mine from Brookstone on-line ($19.95 for two combo locks). Brookstone has been good at replacing them from a customer service standpoint when the TSA cuts them. I'm not sure how other vendors are.

I've had mixed results with the locks -- they've been cut more times than I'd like (LAS, LEX, DTW, etc), but at the same time I've had some success with them.

However, more often than not I come across the following scenario:

TSA: Is your bag unlocked?
Me: No, it is locked with a TSA certified locked.
TSA: Sir, you'll need to unlock it
Me: It is a TSA certified lock, you're supposed to have a master key for it.
(repeat above two or three times, sometimes get a TSA supervisor)
TSA: Oh.. ok. :rolleyes:

Usually they figure it out, but other times they don't and it gets cut.

I feel it's more important than ever to lock luggage, especially when traveling overseas to (and through) specific countries. First there is theft to deal with, but of more importance is introduction of items to ones luggage. There have been many documented cases of items (i.e. drugs) being introduced into luggage by baggage handlers as a part of drug smuggling operations.

Currently there is a high profile case of an Australian in Bali, Indonesia. In this case four kilos of marajuana were introduced to her luggage as part of an (alleged) Australian domestic drug tafficking operation - the marajuana was not removed and this lady was caught by Customs upon arrival in Indonesia where the importation of illicit drugs may result in the death penalty.

Having been in the states for the past week, I don't know what the status of this particular case is. As a result of this, vendors at major airports in Australia have introduced shrink wrapping of luggage (even better than locks) for $8 AUD per suitcase. I've seen the shrinkwrapping available in many other airports and I feel it is a great method to protect your suitcase from theft or introduction of items. Short of shrinkwrapping, which I don't believe we'll see available in US airports anytime soon, is locking your luggage.

I travel to and through nations in SE Asia where the death penalty exists for the importation of illegal drugs; as a result, I feel it's extremely important checked luggage is secure.

Best,

SDF_Traveler