TSA locks and baggage screeners?????

[daffidyll]

Can anyone explain how this process works? I read somewhere on here about screeners go through your bags and leave a note that they did so. Is that only when you use the special locks that they can open? What do they do if you don't have that type of lock? Do they just break your locks? Or do they wait and have you open the lock for them and do a baggage check like when we go through customs after international flights? I'm really not sure I like the idea of anyone going through my bags without me there. Not that I don't trust them but okay, I guess I don't. Do they do this often and with all bags? Is it better to have the TSA locks or not????

 

[bumbershoot]

They will just break your lock if they can't open it.

I don't use locks at all anymore.

Especially since you're coming from overseas; if you have a TSA approved lock, what happens if the Australian baggage checkers need to check your luggage? Wouldn't they have to break it, since the TSA (thankfully) doesn't control the world?

 

[NostalgicDad]

I've used TSA locks in the US for quite some time now. There has never been a note in my bag so my assumption is, no one has opened my bag. Of course, they could do whatever they want and I would never know it since they have a key. But, I haven't noticed any evidence that they've searched my bag either. Personally, I wouldn't say it's any better to use a TSA lock but, for me, it hasn't hurt.

 

[daffidyll]

I don't know what they do over here actually.....maybe it has changed since I last travelled 2 years ago but I've never known them to open our bags without us present, maybe that's because I've mostly dealt with international travel and only one connecting flight to do that. Nobody has ever said anything about my regular locks but then we also usually go through customs where you will possibly get checked but we are there to unlock the locks for them.

 

[jacky b]

They don't always check the bags physically, most airports have the xray machines. But I also use the TSA approved locks and haven't had any problems.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

I would recommend not using a lock at all. I guess I don't see the point in it anymore. TSA will more than likely need to get into your bag. They almost always check a few bags, if not all of our bags when we fly.

I don't understand why people put locks on their bags. Who are they trying to protect their stuff from? I'm not judging...I just seriously don't get it.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I've gotten the note twice, both on the same trip! I didn't use a lock either, didn't see the point if they were going through my bag anyway.

 

[daffidyll]

I would recommend not using a lock at all. I guess I don't see the point in it anymore. TSA will more than likely need to get into your bag. They almost always check a few bags, if not all of our bags when we fly.

I don't understand why people put locks on their bags. Who are they trying to protect their stuff from? I'm not judging...I just seriously don't get it.

Well, I can't speak for anyone else who uses a lock but I am a notorious overpacker who packs until it can barely be closed so originally the main reason I started using them was just to make sure the bags didn't come open when being thrown and tumbled about....(somehow thought it would just make sure they didn't unzip themselves HA HA). Second reason is, you know how they always ask that question at check-in of "did you pack your bag yourself?" Well, I always figured if I had a lock on it that would help prevent anyone from slipping something in that they shouldn't.....long story on that one but there was a big deal over here about a girl travelling to Bali who is now spending the next 20 some years in prison for something she may or may not have put in her bag. Some say she did, some say her brother did and some say the baggage handlers did.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Well, I can't speak for anyone else who uses a lock but I am a notorious overpacker who packs until it can barely be closed so originally the main reason I started using them was just to make sure the bags didn't come open when being thrown and tumbled about....(somehow thought it would just make sure they didn't unzip themselves HA HA). Second reason is, you know how they always ask that question at check-in of "did you pack your bag yourself?" Well, I always figured if I had a lock on it that would help prevent anyone from slipping something in that they shouldn't.....long story on that one but there was a big deal over here about a girl travelling to Bali who is now spending the next 20 some years in prison for something she may or may not have put in her bag. Some say she did, some say her brother did and some say the baggage handlers did.

Interesting. I don't know if I've ever been asked if I packed my own bag. I have been asked if my bags have been in my posession the entire time though.

 

[daffidyll]

Interesting. I don't know if I've ever been asked if I packed my own bag. I have been asked if my bags have been in my posession the entire time though.

Sorry, that's what I meant....whatever it is they ask that makes it sound like they are asking you to confirm that you are aware of everything that is in your bag.

 

[melbarkwith]

When we flew from Melbourne to LAX, we just used ordinary baggage locks. We were told that if the TSA wanted to check our bags, the locks would be broken. I actually packed a couple of spare luggage locks just in case, but no one looked. We actually went through customs, declared food, and still no-one wanted to look.

I think I remember reading that it was okay to do that clear bag wrap thingy at the airport (looks like glad wrap to me!), but I'm not sure.
Mel

 

[permanentlyengaged]

I've found the little note from the TSA practically every time I've flown since 9/11. Last month, a traveling companion was certain that her bag had been opened but there was no note. There's absolutely nothing you can do to safeguard your checked possessions. I always make a point to carry on anything and everything of value or that might be easily "procured" by either TSA or airline baggage handlers. All jewelry, camera, IPOD, CDs, nifty neato travel alarm w/soothing sounds, expensive colognes — it all goes in the carry on. I only check stuff I figure no one would want (like clothes and shoes).

 

[pixiewings71]

This is why I do carry on only......of course I've never flown internationally so that makes a difference. Can you maybe ship your stuff to the hotel and back? I do international shipments all the time, I know Fed Ex and UPS are very reliable and not too pricey.

 

[Brady's Mom]

When we flew to Anaheim last Sept. TSA checked our bags and I felt so violated. I mean, this was my stuff and they touched it and who knows where their hands have been or what they might have liked in there?? I always carry on anything of value, but still! It was not a happy feeling.

 

[VWCat]

they opened my suitcase(no lock),and an aussie couple on our shuttle had an approved lock but they broke it open anyways.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

When we flew to Anaheim last Sept. TSA checked our bags and I felt so violated. I mean, this was my stuff and they touched it and who knows where their hands have been or what they might have liked in there?? I always carry on anything of value, but still! It was not a happy feeling.

are you being serious or sarcastic? i can't really tell.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't understand why people put locks on their bags. Who are they trying to protect their stuff from? I'm not judging...I just seriously don't get it.

Baggage handlers who wish to add to their household with someone else's stuff.

 

[Mrs. Bee]

Baggage handlers who wish to add to their household with someone else's stuff.

interesting.

 

[Brady's Mom]

are you being serious or sarcastic? i can't really tell.

Totally, totally serious. Felt a little violated at having someone go through my stuff. Sort of like some stranger snooping through my drawers at home. ICK!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I bought TSA locks - but before I had them I used zip ties. I put them loosely through the lock to keep the zippers closed.

My friend has had her TSA locks cut. If they want in, they will get in.