TSA cut our ZIPPER PULL RING, not our lock!

[dudspizza]

So, DW had her bag searched by TSA on our trip home from MCO today. We did everything right. We used a TSA approved lock and we knew that it could possibly be cut if they didn't have the proper key. No biggie, but instead, the idiot TSA agent decided to cut the zipper pull instead. So, a brand new suitcase can no longer be locked because the LAZY TSA agent couldn't find the keys or see where to cut the dang lock!

Whoever the agent was, they give all TSA agents a bad name....

Duds

 

[cruisingkat]

We had a broken zipper pull once - thought it was from a TSA agent. Luckily it was on the trip home. When we took the luggage in to be repaired (it was a very good travelpro piece), the luggage shop told us that it wasn't the TSA, but it looked like the pull had gotten caught in the luggage conveyor system and broke. They told me that they saw a lot of that.

 

[dudspizza]

We had a broken zipper pull once - thought it was from a TSA agent. Luckily it was on the trip home. When we took the luggage in to be repaired (it was a very good travelpro piece), the luggage shop told us that it wasn't the TSA, but it looked like the pull had gotten caught in the luggage conveyor system and broke. They told me that they saw a lot of that.

did your bag have a note in it from the TSA saying they had inspected the bag?

 

[cruisingkat]

It did have a note inside that the bag was inspected and there was even a zip tie on top of the note.

 

[disney david]

Follow this link to see what tsa says about bags being damaged by them.

TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes

 

[disney david]

Follow this link to file a claim

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/customer/claims/index.shtm

 

[chris31997]

I would voice a complaint to TSA and explain everything but not expect anything back from them. You know the all knowing and all perfect government that can do nothing wrong But putting something in writing might help other travelers and create a record.

 

[goofy4tink]

And this is why I never lock a checked bag. There is absolutely nothing in those bags that anyone would want. And nothing that I can't replace. I just hate the thought of something being damaged on my bags...those are expensive and I don't want them ruined. So, no locking for me.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Buy Briggs & Riley, regardless of how it happened, just bring the luggage to the nearest repair facility and it's fixed without question.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I don't get the locking the bad thing? Travel 10 times a year or more and never lock a bad.

 

[n2mm]

And this is why I never lock a checked bag. There is absolutely nothing in those bags that anyone would want. And nothing that I can't replace. I just hate the thought of something being damaged on my bags...those are expensive and I don't want them ruined. So, no locking for me.

Add me to your list. I've never locked a bag.

 

[sharona]

Add me to your list. I've never locked a bag.

ditto

If they want our clothes and shoes that badly, a lock will not stop them. I do like to use the zip tie idea just to keep the zippers closed if the bag gets knocked around or caught on something. Usually if they cut the ties to check the bag they will re-lock w/ another zip. Plus the colored ties are easy to spot at baggage claim.

Everything valuable goes in the carry-on. Even that doesn't always work out. We were forced to gate check our carry-ons once on the way home from MIA due to a jam packed plane. Had to scramble to get my expensive camera out of the carry-on bag and into my "purse"/tote bag. Was so worried about the camera that I forgot that I had put my jewelry case in the zipper pocket of the carry-on. Fortunately, nothing was missing.

OP - sorry your bag got damaged - that stinks. Hope the trip itself was great!

 

[carol-lamb]

That is why I never lock my bag. My luggage came with TSA approved locks and I have never even taken them out of the wrapping. Didn't want to take a chance in having them cut off the lock or damage my suitcase. My suitcase has been inspected by TSA a few times.

 

[Lewisc]

It's possible two different events occurred. The TSA examined your bag and your zipper pull got cut by the baggage handling system.

A new bag. It's possible the store will take it back. Assume it broke in handling. Ask if it's too much to expect the suitcase will last even one trip.

Was it you who asked how long we thought a bag would last? The cheap bags bought at places like WalMart, Target, Kohls are lucky to last one trip.

Sometimes the suitcase mfg will repair wear and tear items for free. You could replace the zipper pull.

 

[dudspizza]

DW called TSA last night and asked them to call her back. A very nice TSA man called her this morning and had her email him pictures of the bag. He also asked for the bag tag number so they could track the bag. He said that all TSA inspections are VIDEO TAPED and that they can track which agent inspected the bag to see if the agent indeed cut the bag or if it happened somewhere else.... He said that if TSA did indeed cut the bag and not the lock that it should not have happened...

He is referring it to MCO TSA and we'll see where it goes........ if it was damaged during the baggage process, fine..... but if it was a lazy TSA agent that should never happen....

Duds

 

[NotUrsula]

Just FYI, zipper pulls snap off all the time in the sorting machinery, especially if you position the pulls in the center of the long side of the bag or at the corner of the bag. There are two ways that they commonly break, either by getting caught in the squeeze rollers or by getting dropped directly on the pulls (when they are on the corner).

If you have a metal padlock on the pulls the likelihood of them breaking off due to mechanical stress is increased, because usually the metal of the lock is stronger than the metal of the zipper pull; if pressure is brought to bear, the zipper pull is more likely to fracture than the lock.

A good shoe-repair shop that does luggage work should be able to repair the zipper with a new pull for $10 or less. I've had it done several times. I've also got some bags that I haven't bothered to formally repair -- if the slider still works and the pull portion is the only part missing, then I just slide on a small metal keyring instead.

 

[joelkfla]

DW called TSA last night and asked them to call her back. A very nice TSA man called her this morning and had her email him pictures of the bag. He also asked for the bag tag number so they could track the bag. He said that all TSA inspections are VIDEO TAPED and that they can track which agent inspected the bag to see if the agent indeed cut the bag or if it happened somewhere else.... He said that if TSA did indeed cut the bag and not the lock that it should not have happened...

HOORAY for TSA! Sounds like you're getting better customer service from a much-maligned govt. agency than one would expect from many commercial companies.

 

[DebbieB]

I used to use the TSA locks. I don't bother anymore. Nothing in there worth stealing anyway and if someone does want to get into it, they will.

 

[dudspizza]

Just FYI, zipper pulls snap off all the time in the sorting machinery, especially if you position the pulls in the center of the long side of the bag or at the corner of the bag. There are two ways that they commonly break, either by getting caught in the squeeze rollers or by getting dropped directly on the pulls (when they are on the corner).

If you have a metal padlock on the pulls the likelihood of them breaking off due to mechanical stress is increased, because usually the metal of the lock is stronger than the metal of the zipper pull; if pressure is brought to bear, the zipper pull is more likely to fracture than the lock.

A good shoe-repair shop that does luggage work should be able to repair the zipper with a new pull for $10 or less. I've had it done several times. I've also got some bags that I haven't bothered to formally repair -- if the slider still works and the pull portion is the only part missing, then I just slide on a small metal keyring instead.

I honestly hope that is what happened. I can handle wear and tear on a bag.

It is just suspect because the ring that you slide the lock thru has been cut off, or so it appears. I just doesn't look right.

I will look into getting it repaired and suggest zip ties to DW next time we fly.

 

[JennSaint]

And this is why I never lock a checked bag. There is absolutely nothing in those bags that anyone would want. And nothing that I can't replace. I just hate the thought of something being damaged on my bags...those are expensive and I don't want them ruined. So, no locking for me.

I agree I never put locks on our bags either.