What do you think about TSA locks for luggage?

[fairytalelover]

I keep hearing about TSA locks and how it is a good idea to put them on our luggage when travelling. Does anyone have any more info about these locks? Why are they so popular? Do they work? Have you used them? Do you like them? etc. etc.....

 

[MarkRG]

I have read on here that they get cut off too.

Been using zip ties since 9/11 and have never had a problem.

 

[spoon2003]

another vote for zip/cable tie.

 

[my3kids]

I love the locks. If they get cut off, the company will replace it for free. Mine has an indicator to show if it was opened in transit or not. When I went to WDW last month the security screener asked if they werre locked, and picked up the lock. Saw it was TSA and said no problem. I've never one opened in route.

One question about the cable ties as I bought a bag today for some zipper pockets that can't be loced....if TSA cuts them off do they replace the tie with one of their own so it still goes through secured?

 

[vossjemi]

I have TSA locks. Worked great!

 

[la37]

What is a TSA lock?

 

[fairytalelover]

another vote for zip/cable tie.

With Cable ties, cant a person just cut them with scissors and go through your stuff and then put another one on so you wouldnt know the difference?? At least with the TSA locks, it shows if it has been tampered with. Or am I wrong??

 

[RAD]

What is a TSA lock?

http://www.ebags.com/search/index.cfm?fuseaction=EndecaSearch&N=0&D=tsa+locks&Ntt=tsa+locks

For examples. Their locks that the TSA has special keys to so they can unlock them if they want to inspect the baggage.

 

[fairytalelover]

What is a TSA lock?

Here are a few sites I just found about the locks:


http://store.newadventures.com/luglocstrap.html

http://www.thesavvytraveller.com/tools/travel_sentry/1home.htm

http://www.tamperseal.com/product_i...s&cPath=26&products_id=35&os/?ad=gog_tsalocks

 

[cntkg1]

I also have the TSA locks and plan to use them this October. Another poster made the suggestion of buying colored ties (at Home Depot). Airports only have the white ones. That way if your colored tie is gone and a white one is on it, you'll know that someone was in it.

Nancy

 

[fairytalelover]

I also have the TSA locks and plan to use them this October. Another poster made the suggestion of buying colored ties (at Home Depot). Airports only have the white ones. That way if your colored tie is gone and a white one is on it, you'll know that someone was in it.

Nancy

It seems like the TSA locks are better than the ties.

 

[my3kids]

I got my TSA locks at Wal-Mart. The TSA ones are not with the luggage and the luggage locks. They are with the door knobs.... whatever!

The TSA ones have a green diamond shape embossed on the lock to signify it is one accepted by the TSA.

 

[fairytalelover]

The TSA ones are not with the luggage and the luggage locks. They are with the door knobs.... whatever!

.

Huh???????

 

[anlashokna]

My first flight to Orlando the bag went unlocked and I was rather ticked at the rooted through clothing when I got my bag back So the next time I flew to DC. Bought the TSA locks at Kohls. It went untouched both ways

Intend to use them this time. If they want to get in them they have the key for them.

What is a TSA lock? Normally has a little diamond shape on it and says TSA by the lock mechanism.

I just figure it keeps the honest employees honest. Scary at what have disappeared from bags in transit. Airlines finally paid out for it too after constant denial.

 

[Honu]

We use colored ties. TSA cut a zipper loop on my swiss army bag when they couldn't get the TSA lock open. Since there is no way to check that the release button TSA uses is working, we only use cable ties now. Delta told me that the zipper loop is much easier and quicker to cut than the lock, so TSA often does that. It cost me $50 to have the bag repaired, no reimbursement from TSA or Delta. We do take locks to use when leaving the bags with hotel bell services though.

 

[fairytalelover]

Where is the best and least expensive place to buy TSA locks?

 

[fairytalelover]

We use colored ties. TSA cut a zipper loop on my swiss army bag when they couldn't get the TSA lock open. Since there is no way to check that the release button TSA uses is working, we only use cable ties now. Delta told me that the zipper loop is much easier and quicker to cut than the lock, so TSA often does that. It cost me $50 to have the bag repaired, no reimbursement from TSA or Delta. We do take locks to use when leaving the bags with hotel bell services though.

That's not right. The TSA locks have been endorsed by the TSA so they should abide by the process and open them with their special codes and if it doesnt work, at least just break the lock so people can get them replaced for free, rather than ruin somebody's luggage which usually costs a lot.

 

[4formickey]

I got my tsa locks from ebags, they are bright pink and helps you find your bag at claims. If tsa go in your bags they will leave a flyer letting you know that they did open your bags.

 

[my3kids]

I just got more today at Wal-Mart. They are about $6.50 each, I think. I looked at the ones available online, but had needed them quickly the first time and was surprised to be able to find them locally. On these you set your own combination. They came in a couple of different "strengths." I got the ones that look a little sturdier than the non TSA locks that are available with the luggage(yes, fairytalelover, they are with the door knobs!) but not the ones that look like they would keep a really determined thief away.

 

[TooPure4u]

I have a claim in with Spirit as we speak......I had no locks on my luggage because I hear they will cut them anyway but when I arrived home from my cruise....I found that someone at Orlando Airport had taken 8 bottles of victoria secret perfumes I had in a plastic casing and 2 brand new articles of clothing, still tagged. Whoever did it was an idiot because they took the perfume out of the plastic casing and left the casing in my suitcase. Had they taken the casing as well, then I may have questioned myself as to if I left it somewhere or not. Next time I will def opt for locks.....