Those TSA Locks...
Nov 29, 2005 | 8:25 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: North Carolina / BrentWood, CA
Programs: USAir Preferred, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 157
Those TSA Locks...
After having many locks cut off and placed oh so nicely in my suitcases, I've been considering those newer TSA locks that they are also suppose to have the key to. Anyone have any experience or opinion on them pretty please?
Nov 29, 2005 | 8:30 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: PDX, MSP and MCI
Programs: WN AList; Delta Nada; Hilton DIamond; Marriot Gold
Posts: 400
In the last 2 months, I've lost 2 of 4 TSA approved locks. Some of the TSA screeners are too lazy and/or sloppy to put the lock back on. If you do loose approved locks, you can submit a claim to the TSA.
Nov 29, 2005 | 10:51 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K & 1MM/AA ExecPlat & 1MM/HH Diamond/Marriott Titanium
Posts: 3,069
Originally Posted by goaliemn
I've had a set since day one. I use them all the time. I've had them opened and relocked numerous times.. never an issue.
Nov 29, 2005 | 2:40 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL Diamond, B6 Mosaic, AS MPV Gold, UA Gold MM, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 16,679
I use mine all the time and have never had an issue. At first a few airline employees questioned them but now it seems I don't have that problem except at a few podunk airports where they are unusually hyper about security.
Nov 29, 2005 | 3:12 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Shore Massachusetts
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Lifetime Gold (current Platinum), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 280
I've had a set since day one. I use them all the time. I've had them opened and relocked numerous times.. never an issue.
Nov 29, 2005 | 3:50 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: YOW
Programs: AC Elite (waddya mean it's expired?), HHonours Gold, bunch of other stuff
Posts: 859
My last trip through Philadelphia they even managed to open one of those Samsonite brass 4-wheel combination lock. There must be a master code, which is a little unsettling. Found the case locked back up and a nice note from the TSA inside.
Nov 29, 2005 | 4:56 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: UA
Posts: 1,771
Originally Posted by typhoon
Does anyone fly with their suitcases unlocked?
(I do all the time)
(I do all the time)
Nov 29, 2005 | 9:37 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,449
I've had the TSA cut off or not replace an approved lock, so they aren't always competent with them.
I also do occasionally fly with unlocked cases - it depends where I'm flying & the contents. It is a lot easier just to carry everything on if you don't have too much stuff.
I also do occasionally fly with unlocked cases - it depends where I'm flying & the contents. It is a lot easier just to carry everything on if you don't have too much stuff.
Nov 29, 2005 | 9:55 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: BNA
Posts: 2,076
So far I'm 2 for 2 losing approved locks to the worthless b@st@rds at the TSA. If they are going to take it off, can't they put it back on after they steal one of my shirts/ ties/ magazines? I thought that was the whole point.
And I always lock my bags. I figure I put things in there for a reason and don't want anyone taking them.
And I always lock my bags. I figure I put things in there for a reason and don't want anyone taking them.
Nov 30, 2005 | 8:34 am
#12
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,067
I was given TSA locks last Christmas. On my return, the lock and zipper tabs were gone. I filed a complaint with the TSA and got reimbursed. The next trip, the luggage inspection was done in front of me; the guy reached into the drawer for their keys and said "No keys here, would you open it?". Since then I've decided not to count on these locks being of any use.
Nov 30, 2005 | 9:11 am
#13
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: YOW
Programs: AC Elite (waddya mean it's expired?), HHonours Gold, bunch of other stuff
Posts: 859
Originally Posted by rove312
I was given TSA locks last Christmas. On my return, the lock and zipper tabs were gone. I filed a complaint with the TSA and got reimbursed. The next trip, the luggage inspection was done in front of me; the guy reached into the drawer for their keys and said "No keys here, would you open it?". Since then I've decided not to count on these locks being of any use.
Nov 30, 2005 | 9:37 am
#14
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: PDX
Programs: TSA Refusenik charter member
Posts: 16,126
Originally Posted by AC110
If the key goes missing from the drawer, and that one evidently did, who's accountable for it?
Reason enough not to go along with the "approved lock" charade.
Nov 30, 2005 | 4:54 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,543
Two trips with them so far. The first trip two disappeared, the bags do not appear to have been opened. (There was a lot of strapping on them also and the ends of the straps were done up the way I do it. I seriously doubt TSA would have done it the same.) It took nearly 6 months before I had a check in had but I did get one.