Luggage Locks

[tycon07]

I need advise on what kind of luggage locks to buy. I know they have to be TSA-approved now and I don't know where to buy them and get the best deal. Please help!!!

 

[bicker]

We got ours at Target, in the luggage section.

 

[DennisP]

Walmart -- 2 in a package

 

[safetymom]

Don't bother with locks. If you need to use something to keep the zippers together use a cable tie.

If the TSA can't get it open your luggage may be damaged.

 

[spotowner]

Use the locks. Its worth the risk, use a TSA approve lock. They are available almost any store that has luggage. If you use the zip strips you'll need some sort of scissors or knife to remove them. Who needs the headache of opening the bags in screening or worse have the checked bag be pulled out with any chance image that a screener might see. And having to remember another 2 items to pack for your planning the locks are worth the price.

Don't bother with locks. If you need to use something to keep the zippers together use a cable tie.

If the TSA can't get it open your luggage may be damaged.

 

[safetymom]

I have been to many small airports that probably don't have the master key for the TSA locks. It isn't that hard to put a pair of fingernail clippers in the outside pocket of your suitcase.

I also think and so do many others that using a lock advertises the fact that you have something of value in your suitcase. Using the TSA lock isn't going to stop them from checking your luggage.

I don't know about you but I don't want my suitcase damaged because they were in a hurry to get the lock off.

 

[ams71]

We just got back on the 12th of June and we used the TSA approved locks on all of our luggage. TSA was able to open and inspect our luggage at our regional airport and at MCO with no problem, at least our locks were not damaged. Additionally, we checked our luggage in Port Canaveral b/c we did the land/sea package.

Target has them in the luggage section and the lock section (more selection in the lock section). The lock sections has locks made by Master and seem more complicated to open. They sell from 5.99 to 7.99, just depending on whether you want a key or combination lock.

For me the locks represented, more of a safety net against the baggage handlers.

 

[jenndisney]

We used the locks and TSA removed them. I am not happy about it and have had to fill out all sorts of forms to get an answer as to why they did it. We paid $10 for each one, (had to order off the internet because we did not have any here in western Kansas). We got to MCO and all our locks were gone. They did not follow proceedure and leave us the notice of inspection form in our bags. We can not tell if anything was stolen, but not happy about it.

The locks are a good idea, if TSA does what they are suppose to do. I have read on many different message boards that they are disappearing. So, get the locks, but DO NOT put any valuables in your luggage. It is still not a safeguard.

 

[CarolA]

All the locks do is tell the potential thief that There is something in here you might want. If you think THOSE locks are stopping a thief in the baggage handlers you are crazy. First if they are that easy to get into by the TSA, why wouldn't the baggage handlers be able to get into them? Second, good locks didn't stop the baggage handlers before why will these?

 

[Letsbgoofy]

I vote for the zip ties. If you leave a spare on top of your packed items, they will usually even put it on after they check your bag. I don't pack valuables either way, but I don't want my luggage coming open and spilling all over - cuase we know how carefully they handle your baggage right?

 

[MMCD]

I had posted earlier asking if we are suppose to lock our luggages or not since I haven't flown since 911. I received a lot of suggestions about the TSA locks.

I decided to go with twist ties like the ones on the bread. Also some of my luggages have shoe string ties with a plastic tabs at the end. I was able to loop the string ties with each other.

I'm still on vacation and flown 1 of my 5 plane trips. The only thing I am missing is my swiss army knife that I had put in one of my kids tennis shoes that was wrapped in a plastic. I did not unpack the bag so I am don't know if my string ties were opened or not.

The other thing I am missing are 2 2/$1 rain panchos. BUT I don't remember which bag I had packed it in or truly recall if I did pack it. So here I am on vacation and it's raining outside with my rain panchos missing.

I looked at the locks but I was afraid that TSA would not put them back on if they had to open my bag. Therefore I decided just to go with twist ties.

MMCD

 

[j's m]

Our luggage is many years old and the tiny locks are really more to hold the two zipper pieces together and keep the suitcase from opening, rather than proctect from theft. We've flown every year since 9/11 and haven't had anybody cut/damage the locks. I'd sure hate to buy new locks and then have them wreck them.

 

[cajunfan]

I have used the TSA approved locks twice on trips to WDW. One time my luggage was opened and inspected with no problems. THe otherr time, no inspection. Both times, I had no problem with the locks and TSA. When I bought my locks, they came with a guarntee that if they were damaged by TSA, they woould be replaced. (not sure if they still do this) I bought mine from AAA and from ebags. (They did not have them at Target and Walmart at the time I purchased mine) I plan on using them again on my trip this summer.

Lynn