TSA Locks for Baggage

[pxlbarrel]

A lock indicates there may be something worth stealing in the bag.

Cutting a lock also takes time so if a thief wants to ransack somebody's luggage, why not take the one that hasn't got a lock. A lock, these days, is not really an indicator that there's something to steal... especially these days when you're told not to lock your luggage. I'm pretty sure thieves don't go around thinking...I'll just wait around for a bag with locks on it so I can take stuff out.

 

[wezee]

I use TSA locks and have never had them cut off. I realize my luggage may get searched and my locks cut off, but I feel better knowing that it may hinder the common airport employee baggage thief. I realize these people can also cut off locks....put at least I'm making them take the extra time and go thru the extra effort to search thru my worthless junk. I also put them on....in case my luggage is delivered to the wrong room or someone pulls my luggage from the baggage return by mistake.....plus it keeps the zippers closed.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I use TSA locks and have never had them cut off. I realize my luggage may get searched and my locks cut off, but I feel better knowing that it may hinder the common airport employee baggage thief. I realize these people can also cut off locks....put at least I'm making them take the extra time and go thru the extra effort to search thru my worthless junk. I also put them on....in case my luggage is delivered to the wrong room or someone pulls my luggage from the baggage return by mistake.....plus it keeps the zippers closed.

Exactly my reasons! And if you have to store your bags with the hotel for a period of time, another good reason to have locks.

I'm under no illusion that if I put something valuable in my checked bags that it won't be stolen just because I lock the suitcase. I'm counting on the fact that a thief would rather unzip a suitcase that has no locks on it than take the time to cut mine off. It's not like I put valuables in there anyway. And if TSA cuts it open, oh well...I'm not worse off than I was before and if they do cut it off, the lock manufacturer is supposed to supply me with a new one (if I kept all the documentation with it.... which of couse, I didn't!)

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

We've never used locks on our luggage. Anything of value (camera, cash, medications, jewelry) are all in our carry on's. If someone really wants my clothes or toiletries, then they obviously need them more than I do.

 

[DVC-Don]

I use the TSA locks on checked bags and the few times they've been opened and searched (got the TSA letter inside the bag) the locks were opened with the TSA key and then locked back up again.

 

[snowbunny]

We never used to lock, but my DD travels often with an item that is apparently so interesting to the baggage handlers that they cannot resist taking it out - no TSA card most of the time but the contents had obviously been handled.

After we added the TSA-approved lock last year, yes it had still still opened sometimes, but each time the TSA card was inside.

 

[dvcdisney]

Just trying to get some more votes.

Thanks.

 

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

No I don't

 

[linzbear]

Nope. I use zip ties. They deter people from going into my bags, they keep TSA from destroying a lock that probably cost more than the 1 cent I spent on the zip tie, and I can't possibly lose the key

 

[Starshine]

Another cable tie (zip strip) user here!

Like everyone else said, it's mainly to make sure the zippers stay shut, but I also like knowing that if someone's been in my luggage I'll be able to see it right away since the tie will be gone.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I like the zip tie idea-definitely going to use that the next trip.

 

[Poohbear123]

We've never used locks on our luggage. Anything of value (camera, cash, medications, jewelry) are all in our carry on's. If someone really wants my clothes or toiletries, then they obviously need them more than I do.

Me neither, and the reason the zippers zip open is because the bag is STUFFED! I don't "STUFF" my bags, and the zipper stays closed!

 

[tjmw2727]

Me neither, and the reason the zippers zip open is because the bag is STUFFED! I don't "STUFF" my bags, and the zipper stays closed!

I don't stuff my luggage either but I still want to make sure my case stays closed. The zippers just seem to slide esp on one of my better cases so I use key rings to keep them closed. Everything of value stays home or goes in my carryon.

The TSA seems to have no problem opening them, putting in the note and replacing them when they deem necessary.

TJ

 

[dvcdisney]

Thanks everyone.

The main purpose for me was to have something reusable and keep the zippers shut. There have been a few times that I noticed that some of the luggages in the convey belts are open and a few items hanging out.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

I do use TSA approved locks, but not because I am worked about anything being stolen. I just want to make sure the zippers stay shut.

Duds

Ditto!

 

[CarolA]

If the TSA can open them, assume everyone else at the airport can too!~

 

[pxlbarrel]

If the TSA can open them, assume everyone else at the airport can too!~

Well, they can certainly open the suitcases that aren't locked so you're not worse off with them.

There's no right or wrong answer to this question.

 

[ChrisandDon'sMommy]

No, but I guess, I should consider doing so.

 

[CarolA]

Well, they can certainly open the suitcases that aren't locked so you're not worse off with them.

There's no right or wrong answer to this question.

Actually I think that these locks draw attention to your suitcase as in "look at me, I have something they care about in here, you might want it"

I have never locked a suitcase and never had anything taken, but I also don't put anything in there anyone would want.....

I think they provide a "false" sense of security!

 

[ChrisandDon'sMommy]

Actually I think that these locks draw attention to your suitcase as in "look at me, I have something they care about in here, you might want it"

I have never locked a suitcase and never had anything taken, but I also don't put anything in there anyone would want.....

I think they provide a "false" sense of security!

I agree with you.

Do they give them out for free at the airport or something? I don't think I've ever seen them.