TSA approved locks???

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

I just bought 5 TSA approved locks for our luggage at a luggage store and was told by the man working there that he is 100% sure that TSA security will not cut these locks because since they are approved by TSA they have special keys that only these guys have, if they need to search your bags. So my question is, has anyone ever used these type of locks? Are they worth the money? I know they just recently did a huge investagation on SeaTac(here is Seattle) airport security and caught airport security stealing things from people's bags they were even stealing $10.00 body sprays and clothing from bags I just don't want that to happen to us, so I wanted to put locks on our bags. What's your opinnion on this?????

 

[garate55]

Well if you don't get the TSA locks and they do, for some reason, have to search your bags, they will cut the locks.
So if you don't want to ruin $30 locks then you would be ok with the TSA locks.
My opinion, if I did buy the TSA locks I would also buy a cheap lock to put on there, if it will fit, so they will cut that lock and you know they have been in your stuff.

Should be 100% guarantee that if they do cut your lock for some reason you can complain and get a new lock or at least money to buy new ones.
There are two styles you can buy and TSA has the master key to both types.

 

[NostalgicDad]

I use them but only with a grain of salt. If someone wants something in my bag then nothing's going to prevent that from happening. I just see the TSA locks as being an extra step that might deter someone not too interested.

If they do go through your bag and open the lock to do so, they are supposed to put a note inside informing you of that. I've never had that happen and would actually be surprised to see a note. Maybe someone else can speak to that, though.

 

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

Well if you don't get the TSA locks and they do, for some reason, have to search your bags, they will cut the locks.
So if you don't want to ruin $30 locks then you would be ok with the TSA locks.
My opinion, if I did buy the TSA locks I would also buy a cheap lock to put on there, if it will fit, so they will cut that lock and you know they have been in your stuff.

Should be 100% guarantee that if they do cut your lock for some reason you can complain and get a new lock or at least money to buy new ones.
There are two styles you can buy and TSA has the master key to both types.

I did buy the TSA locks. I guess I'm a little confused about what your saying. It sounds like to me that you thought maybe I said I was going to put just regular old locks on my luggage and not the TSA ones.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

We used the TSA locks when we went to Europe last summer -- there were no problems for us.

 

[disneynutt1225]

I've used the locks on every trip I've taken for the past 8 years or so. I've had the note left in my luggage once or twice in that time. I use them because I've seen one too many pieces of luggage open up while being tossed around on the baggage belts.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Use the ZIPTIES this way you will know if someone has been in your bags. TSA will (and normally does have them to replace). Just remember to put a nailclipper to cut and extras for the trip home in a pocket not Tied.

The thing is not all TSAs have the Keys to the TSA locks so they will just cut them .

Another thing is the reason they don't have the Keys is because the baggage handlers doing the stealing have them. The other thing is a Lock really only holds the zipper together and is not really a deterant. They have IcePicks that they just stick anywhere in the Zipper to open it and the lock just makes it easier to force it back closed.

 

[brenda1966]

First suggestion: don't put anything of value in your checked luggage!

Assume that it will be searched and you won't be surprised if it is. I use the TSA locks simply to keep my bag closed. I also use twist ties, the kind that come with your garbage bags. I don't see either as preventing theft, just preventing my bag from accidentally opening.

And, yes, I have had my bags searched and a note was left inside. I'm amazed they fit all my dirty clothes back in. LOL. I don't envy that job.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

They also have TSA locks that have an "open" tab, that if a TSA key is used, it will change from green to red, to let you know tht someone used a TSA key to open that lock.

 

[Leofoenget]

I did buy the TSA locks. I guess I'm a little confused about what your saying. It sounds like to me that you thought maybe I said I was going to put just regular old locks on my luggage and not the TSA ones.

Lets put it this way, If you use anything OTHER than TSA locks they will be cut open because they will assume you are hiding somehting. My vote on the locks is, don't bother with them and don't put anythign in your checked bag you are not willing to lose. Carry on any and all valuables. Who ever said TSA was honest and "would never take anything??" they have all KEYS to the bags. Its like saying to them sure take my stuff!

 

[garate55]

I knew you had bought the locks, but I didn't know about the notes they put inside. All TSA members that have the capabilities to search bags SHOULD have the key to a TSA lock, if they don't, they should not be cutting the locks or searching bags. I would put them on and keep all valuables out of those bags as suggested by everyone else.

 

[Danauk]

We always lock our cases when we fly using the TSA locks. Travelling from the UK our travel insurence states that you have to lock your case. Every time we have flown from the USA to the UK at least one of our cases has been opened, but the lock have always been OK to use afterwards. We know which cases have been opened as they always put a note inside telling us that the case has been opened.