TSA lock for trips to USA

[dede]

Are TSA locks needed for anywhere apart from the good ol' US of A?

 

[straitman]

Are TSA locks needed for anywhere apart from the good ol' US of A?

Not that I am aware of. I think they are simply a LOTFAP inititive:!:

 

[drewbles]

And a complete waste of cash IMHO.

I've used them for my trips to the LOTFAP and once they opened it. I knew because they'd cut the lock off with bolt cutters.

I asked a (Friendly?!) TSA Agent on my next outbound and they said "Oh did you have TSA003 lock?" I said yes (i had 3 locks which all had TSA003 on them) and was informed "Oh we always lose the keys to that one. it's the most common lock but we lose 'em so we have to cut it off. you can apply to have your luggage repair costs reimbursed if you wish just go to the website".

They didn't even cut the lock, they'd actually cut the zip (the kind where the two zips join and have a loop to put the lock through). Was brand new luggage but as I was leaving the LOTFAP in 2 days, I never bothered.

I'd suggest just using plastic cable ties if you have access to something at the other end to remove them. Easy to identify if someone's been in your bag, and no bag damage.

 

[Maca44]

If you have costly things in your luggage and it is very important to you then make sure you have effective luggage security. Locks don’t work and can be tamper easily. For more info check out here ***.

I think the moderators might have something to say about advertising in this forum, even if it does relate to travel. Also, a lot of money to spend when the TSA will simply cut it off the bag, and they have the right to do so.

 

[drewbles]

I think the moderators might have something to say about advertising in this forum, even if it does relate to travel. Also, a lot of money to spend when the TSA will simply cut it off the bag, and they have the right to do so.

They do indeed. My TSA lock was opened on my last leg of my US run from SFO-LAX-MEL last week. The lock indicator went red, and they put a nice polite little note in there (printed) stating why it was opened and who to contact with questions. The note also said they had the right to break a lock to get in if they so needed to. It had a time/date stamp and an ID and signature for ID'ing the person. I have no problems submitting to the countries requirements, if it makes them think that air travel is somehow safer (and my luggage arrives contents in tact and not missing).

 

[Always flying]

Hi All

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents worth.

I just returned from a trip to the USA i go there about 10 times a year for work, i have always used TSA locks and have never had a problem, and they have opened my bags 3 times......!

On this occation they clipped my lock, not sure why maybe just a lazy TSA guy, however the company that i brought the locks from offer a 100% returns policy, so i emailed them just to try it out, and even though i brought the locks 18 months ago they sent me replacement locks for FREE, i could not believe it.

So in my case i am glad i brought the Locks guys..

Happy travelling

Gary

 

[Flashback]

Hi All

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents worth.

I just returned from a trip to the USA i go there about 10 times a year for work, i have always used TSA locks and have never had a problem, and they have opened my bags 3 times......!

On this occation they clipped my lock, not sure why maybe just a lazy TSA guy, however the company that i brought the locks from offer a 100% returns policy, so i emailed them just to try it out, and even though i brought the locks 18 months ago they sent me replacement locks for FREE, i could not believe it.

So in my case i am glad i brought the Locks guys..

Happy travelling

Gary

Good news! Welcome to AFF

 

[Chicken]

I am very surprised that so many people use soft fabric luggages. The ZIPs are not strong, and I always think that the fabric will rip after a few trips. And of course, the ZIPs just get cut now, either by TSA or baggage handlers, as mentioned so many times.

I have always used Samsonite hard cases, where they use big plastic locks which actually holds the 2 sides of the luggage together. Sure, you can break it eventually, but it cannot be cut, cannot be damaged, cannot be poked open with a pen. You either use a TSA key, or you need to use a proper saw to saw it, and this will take more than 60 seconds.

I would have thought that this would make your luggage a lot higher up in the food chain, so to speak.

 

[Walter_Plinge]

I read an article last year in a US publication -- it showed a picture of dozens of locks and handles that had got caught in baggage handling machinery and snapped off.

 

[ads]

I read an article last year in a US publication -- it showed a picture of dozens of locks and handles that had got caught in baggage handling machinery and snapped off.

This website:
tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/damagedlocks.shtm

 

[james4321]

It happens !!

Just in case we thought the risk of airport staff getting into checked in luggage might have passed - here's a reminder that it hasn't.

TWO cleaners at London's Luton Airport were jailed after being caught on camera stealing valuables from passengers' luggage.

Read more: Luton Airport cleaners jailed | News.com.au
​

Since she is back in the news again just now - I wonder what Ms Corby would think about this story !!!!!!

 

[Always flying]

Its funny reading these stories and hints and tips.

We all have our thoughts on these things, but i have worked in airports for many years and in particulary in the baggage security area.

you should lock your bags, trust me, you should lock your bags, and if possible use a TSA approved lock from a store or business that will cover the replacment if the lock is cut off. at present the TSA approved locks are needed in the USA and the UK, but im sure it will not be long before other countries adopt a simular system.

In the airports behind the curtains we see many bags bursting open and thier contents leaking into the systems we have in place, you should also get something to help with this, i have seen some great products over the years for this.

I myself having seen all this things secure my case in a particular way and i never have any issues and have never lose any luggage even afetr it was mis handled one, which happens more than you know.

Take care