TSA Approved Locks
 

I haven't seen any threads about this so here I go...

I've given up on them. Last year it took not even 6 months for the two that I had to get cut open by TSA. I complained once and was met with shrugged shoulders and a "sometimes we can't find the key" response.

I've had that happen, too. Given the GAO's recent report, keys aren't the only thing TSA can't find.

Yeah, they tend to break them, loose them, forget to put them back on, etc. I go thru about 2-3 a year, all depends how attentive the TSA agent is. Wonder if any of my locks have gone on the wrong bags? that would be something!

I've had one cut off, and my wife has had one ripped off, both times apparently by the TSA (since nothing was stolen from the bags--although the TSA does have thieves, the thievery seems more rampant amongst the baggage handlers).

One time, I am almost certain when it happened. The CTX bag guy at DCA told me, "You can't have your bag locked. You'll have to unlock that," and I responded, "Uh, that's a TSA-approved lock. YOU have a key to it, so that you can open it yourself as needed." He shrugged. When I picked up the bag at the destination, the lock had been cut off. :mad:

If the TSA opens your bag, they should leave a note to explain that your bag was opened and the contents inspected. At least that's what happened to my bag in ORD last October.

Yes, I have gotten the TSA slips in my bag even when the lock was cut off. Some people have reported that the TSA has even been "nice" enough to put the pieces of the lock into the bag afterwards. :(

I have had the lock cut even though it was just hanging on one zipper - not locking the two together. I forgot to take it off before I checked the bag. :mad:

I've never had a lock cut.

I have however had locks break off. The fix for this one was to get locks that use a cable.

So now I have locks with cables (no solid steel U). Next, I need to find TSA proof locks (with cables) because every so often, the TSA goons seem to love jamming the cable in the wrong way- this effectively breaks the lock as it can no longer be unlocked. Since (unlike solid locks) cable locks cannot be bent or twisted off, they're a major pain in the butt to get take off.

I'd guess it just goes to show; nothing is idiot proof to the sufficently determined idiot.

I don't think the locks really provide much protection. In the past i have rarely checked my bag, but when I did I usually just relied on the disposable plastic zip locks. They probably offer even less protection, but at least they make me feel better. I don't think i have ever had one of those go missing or appear to have been removed or tampered with.

I've been using these locks since they first appeared on the market and have never had one cut off. On most of my business trips, I check a suitcase stuffed with books for a conference, so it always gets opened and arrives with a TSA flyer telling me they did so.

hmmmm going to have to check on those. We typically use shrouded locks like these and these with case-hardened bodies, shackle shrouds and hardened boron alloy shackles to secure weapons and ammo inside their cases. So, the flimsy non-TSA lock on the outer bag does nothing to protect the contents, just there to make sure the zippers stay shut and provide a visual cue as to whether I need to check the bag for missing items right away.

Where did you find the TSA cable lock?? I found a non-TSA cable style lock, but all the TSA locks I find are the wimpy u-style. Although I recently found a locking strap that is TSA accesible.

G

Are there any suggestions for locking luggage for European flights? I usually use the plastic ziplocks in the States. Any issues with missing luggage from European flights?

Found 'em. Briggs & Riley makes some.
Available at Amazon and Cases2Go.

Victorinox also makes some according to this article.

My TSA locks have never been cut from my baggage, though I have received my bags with the lock just hanging there on the zip, obviously opened and then not locked properly.