TSA Approved Locks
Aug 15, 2006 | 12:39 pm
#1
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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 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.
Aug 15, 2006 | 12:52 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2004
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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!
Aug 15, 2006 | 1:25 pm
#4
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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.
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.
Aug 15, 2006 | 1:45 pm
#5
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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.
Aug 15, 2006 | 1:56 pm
#6
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Originally Posted by Internaut
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.
Aug 15, 2006 | 3:59 pm
#8
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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 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.
Aug 15, 2006 | 5:08 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Jose, Ca HH Diamond, UA 1K
Posts: 487
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.
Aug 15, 2006 | 5:25 pm
#10
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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.
Aug 15, 2006 | 5:48 pm
#11
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Originally Posted by WillyNily
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 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.
Aug 15, 2006 | 5:51 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Originally Posted by WillyNily
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 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.
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
Aug 15, 2006 | 10:58 pm
#14
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Originally Posted by geoflyer
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
G
Available at Amazon and Cases2Go.
Victorinox also makes some according to this article.
Aug 16, 2006 | 12:58 am
#15
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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.