Kind of sums up security -- checked baggage
Aug 10, 2009 | 6:34 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 47
Kind of sums up security -- checked baggage
I flew out of Pittsburgh today. If I let the ticket counter know I have tools and equipment in my checked luggage they will direct me to the TSA checkpoint where I can witness them inspect my baggage.
The inspector put my bag on his table and asked me if it was locked. I told him it had TSA approved locks on it.
Then he asked (wait for it!)... "Do you have the key?" He explained that the person with the keys was not present at the moment.
I replied: "How many non-TSA people have TSA keys?"
His answer: "Oh, quite a few."
I replied: "That doesn't say much for your security program."
He replied with a sheepish grin and a blush and didn't say anything more.
He called for someone to bring the keys.
The inspector put my bag on his table and asked me if it was locked. I told him it had TSA approved locks on it.
Then he asked (wait for it!)... "Do you have the key?" He explained that the person with the keys was not present at the moment.
I replied: "How many non-TSA people have TSA keys?"
His answer: "Oh, quite a few."
I replied: "That doesn't say much for your security program."
He replied with a sheepish grin and a blush and didn't say anything more.
He called for someone to bring the keys.
Aug 10, 2009 | 6:51 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 30,987
I flew out of Pittsburgh today. If I let the ticket counter know I have tools and equipment in my checked luggage they will direct me to the TSA checkpoint where I can witness them inspect my baggage.
The inspector put my bag on his table and asked me if it was locked. I told him it had TSA approved locks on it.
Then he asked (wait for it!)... "Do you have the key?" He explained that the person with the keys was not present at the moment.
I replied: "How many non-TSA people have TSA keys?"
His answer: "Oh, quite a few."
I replied: "That doesn't say much for your security program."
He replied with a sheepish grin and a blush and didn't say anything more.
He called for someone to bring the keys.
The inspector put my bag on his table and asked me if it was locked. I told him it had TSA approved locks on it.
Then he asked (wait for it!)... "Do you have the key?" He explained that the person with the keys was not present at the moment.
I replied: "How many non-TSA people have TSA keys?"
His answer: "Oh, quite a few."
I replied: "That doesn't say much for your security program."
He replied with a sheepish grin and a blush and didn't say anything more.
He called for someone to bring the keys.
Aug 10, 2009 | 7:30 pm
#5
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Aug 10, 2009 | 8:32 pm
#6
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Aug 10, 2009 | 11:03 pm
#7
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Aug 10, 2009 | 11:24 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 127
I use zipties.
It stops the casual thief and you know if someone (TSA or otherwise) has tampered with your bag. The only downside is they're a devil to get off with anything that you can carry in your carry-on luggage.
PS - Cut the Ziptie's tail off and tie it tight or risk it getting court in the luggage belt!
It stops the casual thief and you know if someone (TSA or otherwise) has tampered with your bag. The only downside is they're a devil to get off with anything that you can carry in your carry-on luggage.
PS - Cut the Ziptie's tail off and tie it tight or risk it getting court in the luggage belt!
Aug 11, 2009 | 5:30 am
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
Given that virtually every other country can open suitcases without the need for magic locks and that TSA locks can be opened by a 6 year old, the only conclusion is that someone in the lock industry - ahem - "convinced" someone in government that they were a good idea
Aug 11, 2009 | 8:14 am
#11
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Posts: 30,987
I use zipties.
It stops the casual thief and you know if someone (TSA or otherwise) has tampered with your bag. The only downside is they're a devil to get off with anything that you can carry in your carry-on luggage.
PS - Cut the Ziptie's tail off and tie it tight or risk it getting court in the luggage belt!
It stops the casual thief and you know if someone (TSA or otherwise) has tampered with your bag. The only downside is they're a devil to get off with anything that you can carry in your carry-on luggage.
PS - Cut the Ziptie's tail off and tie it tight or risk it getting court in the luggage belt!
Aug 11, 2009 | 8:19 am
#12
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Aug 11, 2009 | 9:16 am
#13
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Aug 11, 2009 | 9:44 am
#15
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I like to use pairs of zip ties in different colors -- hard to fake a replacement if anyone's been in the suitcase.
Best defense, of course, is not to check luggage.