Locking luggage
 

Did a search and found the latest discussion was late 2002, Lost of discussion, opinion, positions, but little "fact"

Traveling LAX to MEL and then within Australia. One of the bags is a Samsonite hard side that has built-in locks (dated) with a simple key. None of the rest of our luggage locks. We normally lock this bag as much to keep it from "poping open" as for security.

Are there rules to lock or not to lock your checked luggage given these facts?

I think nowadays if security wants to get into your luggage, they will. I had a lock cut off last year and now never bother to lock my luggage. I noticed when I traveled LGB-JFK-LGB in July, TSA put a little plastic "lock" on my bag. I guess after they open it, they secure it and know that someone has examined it? Maybe someone from TSA can answer?? They do have a website: http://www.tsa.gov/public/

I'm not sure but I think they have the right to unlock your luggage in front of you: in most of cases they ask you to open the luggage.
Neverthless, if you (they) lost your luggage it will be ask you to sign a paper, allowing security and custom clearing to take a look...

egtravel...thanks, we all should review this site it is full of info.

Locked luggage, two areas with a bit different wordage, one says:

Unlocking Checked Bags

TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bags unlocked. In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag then locks may have to be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes. If you are transporting a firearm please refer to the on "Transporting Firearms and Ammunition" section at the bottom of this page for directions on locking your bag.

If TSA screeners open your bag during the screening procedure they will close it with a tamper evident seal and place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact that TSA screeners opened your bag for inspection.