TSA Approved locks on DCL

[jgalecpa]

Anybody have anytrouble using the new TSA approved locks when boarding or on board flights?

Jim

 

[irvingp]

Anybody have anytrouble using the new TSA approved locks when boarding or on board flights?

Jim

Sure have. Used them ever since they were approved. No problems.

 

[jgalecpa]

Great. Thanks.

They are going to be stocking stuffers for us all in a couple of weeks, and then going with us!

Appreciate the quick feedback.

Jim

 

[Tenorsinging]

No problem here either...used them on the flight and on the Magic last month...no problemo's

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

We use them all the time with no problem. On one trip; when checking in our lugage at the airport the person behind the counter told us they recommend no locks on bags. We lifted one up and showed him they were TSA locks; he said those were no problem.

How ever my wife does know one person where she did have hers cut off and bags searched. Never heard of it happening again by anyone else.

 

[aprilgail2]

Mine was cut off and searched on the cruise...and not only was the lock cut off but they cut the loopy part of the suitcase to do it so they totally ruined my luggage!

 

[DrCavin]

I don't use locks, but on a recent business trip the other person in my group had "TSA approved" locks on his luggage. They were fine on the flight out, but were cut-off on the return flight.

My thought is if they want whatever is in there, they are going to get it so I dont even bother with locks.b

 

[4formickey]

the tsa does not cut off tsa approve locks,thats why they are tsa approve. Those locks are being cut by some else or they my be fake tsa locks.Make sure you buy a brand that you can trust.

 

[MarkRG]

I have known people that have had those TSA locks cut off too. And they were brand name ones.

I've never used them, and will continue to not do so, just use zip ties and keep a toenail clipper in a carryon to cut them off later, and extras for the repack.

 

[sigillaria]

What is a TSA lock and what are the name brand ones? Where do you get them?
Are they the same as zip locks?

 

[pyramid2000]

I found a website explaining these locks, but I don't want to post it unless I am allowed. It is on a site called the travel insider. Part of the review:

This is a simple combination lock that securely keeps your suitcase closed, deters casual pilfering, and also shows you if the lock has been opened by a TSA key. These locks might help you prove a claim for damaged/stolen items if such a misfortune occurs.

TSA Issues

These days all checked bags are screened by the TSA, typically by going through a huge mini-van sized 3D X-ray type machine. If the machine thinks it might have seen something suspicious (and the machines have a high rate of 'false positives'), then someone has to open the bag and search through it to resolve the issue.

For this reason, the TSA have formerly been requiring all bags to be unlocked. And, if they came across a bag that had been locked, they'd have to destroy the lock so as to open the suitcase.

They have now agreed to allow suitcases to be built with special locks, and/or add-on special locks to be used with any suitcases - these locks have a dual keying system. One 'key' (either a physical key or a combination lock) belongs to the owner, and this key or combination has many different variations, so that your key is unlikely to unlock the next guy's suitcase as well as your own. But the second key is a 'master' key that only the TSA has (in theory!) and this master key can open all locks in that series. This means the TSA can now easily unlock and relock your suitcase if it needs to inspect it.

If the TSA does open your suitcase, it will insert a piece of paper that tells you they have done this. In theory, if someone else opens your suitcase, they will not insert one of the TSA slips (although it would seem to be the easiest thing for a gang of professional luggage thieves to simply photocopy off a bunch of the TSA notices!).

If, when you get your bag back at the end of your flight, and the lock's indicator is red, you should immediately open it - at the airport. Check to see if anything is missing. If something is missing, and there is no TSA slip, go and see your airline's baggage claim desk. If something is missing and there is a TSA slip, go and see the TSA, or, if you're in a foreign airport, again see your airline's baggage claim people. Your ability to successfully claim for stolen items is greatly increased by the fact that you are making the claim as soon as you received your bag, and by the fact you can point to your lock and show that the telltale indicator is red, indicating someone has opened it.

It also says you should be able to get them for about $20 a pair (at least in 2003) and will be replaced by the manufacturer if it is cut off by security.

 

[jgalecpa]

Here is a link to the TSA website:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=0900051980119c07

With info about the tsa approved locks.

My locks have the "diamond" logo on the left.

To find them, just google or froogle TSA approved locks and loads of vendors pop up.

I believe I got mine through amazona and paid about $15 for a pair.

Jim

 

[Flagger]

I use plastic zip ties on my luggage and keep a nail clipper in the outside pocket. I got a bag of a 200 for $1.59 at Home Depot.

A determined thief can get through any lock and it could be a longshoreman at the pier, someone on the staff, baggage workers at the airport or even another passenger.

 

[aprilgail2]

Here is a link to the TSA website:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=0900051980119c07

With info about the tsa approved locks.

My locks have the "diamond" logo on the left.

To find them, just google or froogle TSA approved locks and loads of vendors pop up.

I believe I got mine through amazona and paid about $15 for a pair.

Jim

Mine had the flame logo on the right and they still cut the bag to get them off.