Anyone tried Travel Sentry locks?
 

I purchased the one shown here . Wonder whether the TSA knows how to open them? ;)

I will be using them on sunday for my LAX - ICN - BOM trip.

There's been a variety of reports about them, some people having good experiences, others not so good because the person with the keys wasn't available, or that group of people didn't have a key, etc.

I'd say they are hit or miss still, but probably better then putting your own lock on you know they will have to rip off if they need to open the bag.

I use a combination type - so far, no problems. I also use a "belt" around my checked bags in case security can't find a key & cuts the lock. The belt gives me a false sense of security that my bag won't arrive with the lid a flopping.

I have a combo type but the TSA is supposed to open it with a key. So far, I have not had a problem and my bags have been opened. The lock I purchased changes a little color window when someone opens it, that's my false sense of security, I'll know if someone opens it.

I've been using them since they came out early last year without a problem. For the first six months or so I had to explain what they were and that I could leave them on, but now everyone recognizes them. I'm not concerned about TSA opening my luggage--it's all the other people who have access to an unlocked suitcase.

Why in the world would you think a minimum-wage TSA employee is likely to be more honest than an airline luggage handler?

good day,

why in the world do you apparently have a hard time thinking minimum-wage employees anywhere can be honest?

yes, we have all heard about both baggage handlers and tsa baggage checkers who are dishonest and have been caught pilfering on tape. but, so far that is only a minority percentage.

how many "executives" and "professional managers" have we heard about "juggling the books", yet we do not go around pointing the finger at all the white collar workers in the usa.

have a nice life.

What bothers me about people's using these locks is that it seems, if someone with substandard morals were to get ahold of the master "key," wouldn't these locks become prime targets?

I realize this is based on two assumptions:
1) A thief (or group of thieves) is organized enough to obtain a key (not a spur of the moment petty thief)
2) These locks become prevalent enough to make it worthwhile to obtain the key

I'm not sure the second assumption is a reality at this point, so it probably doesn't matter. The locks are still better than nothing, I suppose.

I just have a problem with sending luggage through unlocked and got tired of using zip ties then finding a knife to open the darn things as I can't take my knife anymore with me.

Wherever there is a thief, I would think an unlocked bag would be a better target then a locked bag and any luggage lock could easily be broken off so nothing is perfect. It's a small sense of security for me given the number of people that have access to the bags prior to reaching screening and getting on the plane, then all the connections and such. Due to all my normal connections, I can go a day and a half without seeing my luggage on my flights, so I got the locks that change colors when a master key has been used to open it, so I know if anyone has opened the lock besides me.

Of course, I've lost items out of luggage even before the 9/11 changes, once burned etc....

I bought the same locks in the bright lime color at REI a while back. I've used them a number of times on checked luggage for domestic trips. No problems.

I did have problems in the past with combination locks, they tend to get ripped off the zipper loops, rendering the case unlockable. I think it's because they are bulky and get caught in the luggage handling apparatus.

I always carry spare keys (locked one inside a case in Munich one time and had to take the suitcase to a locksmith to get the lock cut off), and spare locks. I usually take my little packet of cable ties and use those for international trips.

Thanks, I will try to.

I didn't say that ANYONE was dishonest; you did that. I compared two groups and asked why we should assume a different dishonesty rate in each.

However, if you are curious about my views, let me state: I believe only a small minority of executives, professional managers, luggage handlers, and minimum wage TSA employees are dishonest. Does that help?

Good day!

I think that there are dishonest people in every walk of life, every job position, not just minimum wage airport workers.

I believe that one difference is that people not in the middle of a public baggage checking area have much less opportunity to take something out of a suitcase and stash it to bring home then the workers under the airport do. Not saying it doesn't happen, but don't think one group is any less honest then the other group.

As to not having something to open the wire ties with, just stash a knife in the outter pocket of the bag, or if there aren't any, then attach a nail clipper to the wire ties and use that when you get to where you are going, or duct take it ot the bag or something.

I use cable ties - those tough plastic thingys that zip in one direction only. I get them by the 100's at Radio Shack.

I do not cinch them down hard, but leave a bit of a loop. A ball point pen inserted and twisted many times will break them. It takes a bit of force, but it works.

Best wishes,

Teacher49

The TSA workers are out in the open in many airports, where people can watch them.

When my luggage didn't make a connecting flight and I barely did, I was glad my luggage was locked when more people (the delivery service) had access to it.

I use cable ties too but as I tend to use heavier duty ties the ball point pen may not work. My previous posting on the subject gives details of what I use to cut the ties with. Bit quicker than a ballpoint pen :)