Suitcase opened by someone

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I totally understand your frustration. I do, really.

But, my advice is unchanged. Congratulate yourself on begin a wise traveler, who did not pack any valuables in checked luggage. Buy a new ($10) TSA-approved lock---or, preferably, do without. And, MOVE ON.

Once again, I agree. OP is making a big deal out of a very little thing. No one is going to take responsibility. There is no proof of how this incident happened. Buy a new lock and move on. If this is such a big deal, don't check luggage; do carry-on only.

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm assuming that this is a hard-side suitcase and that the lock is part of the case itself? In that case, you have two choices; take it to a luggage repair shop and pay to have it repaired, or if there are two locks, just use the other lock.

If there is only one latch on the case and this is it, and the case will not stay latched, then you are pretty much out of luck; not because no one will own up to the damage, but because you left the airport without getting it settled. Any time luggage is damaged, you MUST report the damage and file your claim before leaving the airport.

Damage that makes a bag unusable is always the responsibility of the airline to redress, regardless of who or what was responsible for that damage. However, the claim limit rule applies, so if you failed to report it when you claimed your bag, then you'll need to pay for the repair yourself.