Do I really need.....

[lildreamer101]

TSA locks for my checked baggage? I'm just carrying clothes in my checked baggage? Do they cut locks?

Is this an invitation to search unnecessarily?

 

[sonnyjane]

TSA locks for my checked baggage? I'm just carrying clothes in my checked baggage? Do they cut locks? Is this an invitation to search unnecessarily?

In a word? No. You don't need them. Never used them, never had an issue.

 

[minneylovesmicky]

We are coming from australia, we have the TSA locks on all zippers on our bags, whilst travelling within Australia, we have normal locks on our bags.

I don't trust anyone, anyone can un zip your bag and pop anything in there.

One classic case that comes to mind - Schapelle Corby...regardless of who did or didn't do what, I still use lots of locks.

 

[cmpeter]

I travel for work quite a bit and always check my bag. It's never occurred to me to put a lock on my luggage. I don't put valuables in my checked bag...just clothes and toiletries.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I use TSA locks, and twice in the past year my bags were searched and my locks disappeared. I now figure that they are there for 'other' people not to get in my luggage. Once they go through inspection there is no guarantee that the locks will stay.

If you do not use TSA approved locks here, they'll definitely cut them off if they want to go through your luggage.

 

[xlxo]

TSA locks are needed for non-zippered luggage. With zippered luggage, they open with a pen....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpIJVWXsBBI

I hate zippered luggage....

Valuables like cameras, laptops, electronics are in my carry-on.... I put the cables and chargers in the checked luggage.

 

[emily94]

You don't need them per say but I always use them. TSA doesn't cut locks - at the bottom of the lock, you'll see a key hole. The TSA has a master key that would open it if need be! (no cutting required)

I would be more worried about airline/airplane workers going through my bag if I didn't put a lock on it... I have heard (no experience) that if something goes missing and you don't use a lock, insurance companies may question your claim.

You can get locks pretty cheap at Target, Walmart, etc.

 

[Brissymum]

One classic case that comes to mind - Schapelle Corby...regardless of who did or didn't do what, I still use lots of locks.

We are from Australia too, and ALWAYS use locks... we just got back from the USA today and so far 4 out if 10 of our suitcases have TSA notices in them....I've never had a lock cut off, and they always come back locked.

I even have one on my carry on bag. You have to sleep on a 13hr flight at some point, and I don't want to worry about your personal items.

 

[nikkislaght]

every time I fly I use them... TSA approved.. and yes I have had my luggage checked.. and yes the locks have been put back on..

saying that .. anything worth any value to me goes in my carry on...

I like the idea that if Im leaving my bags at a hotel before I can get to my room,, there is at least one more barrier for them to go through... but I am not so naive to know that if someone wants in my bag.. they will get in..

Have a great trip

 

[DahliaRW]

I have never locked my luggage. But, I also never put anything valuable in checked baggage. If someone steals my underwear they must really need them, kwim? But I've never had anything go missing, in all my years of flying, which has been a lot in the last 20 or so years. Since the implementation of baggage fees, I do mostly travel with carry ons now, but we do often take the "free baggage check" when they offer it at the gate.

 

[lildreamer101]

I do have normal locks just not TSA locks, so everything should be fine?

I don't pack any valuables in my checked bag, only in my carrying. Well, not really valuable just my ID and money. But that's it.

 

[minneylovesmicky]

For my mind, it isn't about having valuables in your bag, I never ever put anything valuable in there.

It is about what OTHERS can put IN your bag without your knowledge.

 

[DahliaRW]

For my mind, it isn't about having valuables in your bag, I never ever put anything valuable in there.

It is about what OTHERS can put IN your bag without your knowledge.

Never had that happen either. But I will say, if someone wants to sneak something into luggage, it's not all that hard for anyone to access a TSA key that will open any TSA lock, kwim? It's not like the locks are all that secure in and of themselves.