What do you think about TSA locks for luggage?

[fairytalelover]

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.

I dont understand about the doorknobs What do door knobs have to do with luggage locks?

 

[anlashokna]

I wonder if there are any class action suits concerning damaged bags. I tell you if they damaged my bag deliberately because they couldn't open THEIR endorsed locks, the ones they tell you to use, they would be paying replacement for the bag. I have a nice set of Samsonite too! And any legal fees incurred to force the issue! That ticks me off they would damage a bag.

Geez... I inventory the bag prior to leaving home..guess I'll photo it now too with the Digi camera. Just to cover all bases. This is why I hate flying anymore, the aggravation!

 

[SleepyatDVC]

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

Everyone has left over nail polish in a "what was I thinking" color. Perfect use for those zip ties. Tighten the zip tie, cut off the excess, dap a little of the horrid nail color on the "hump" being careful not to get it on the luggage and let dry.

White/clear zip ties are cheaper and colored zip ties are available at home depot to everyone. Only you were blind enough to buy that ugly nail color! Lol!

 

[tvguy]

I don't see any advantage in either the TSA locks or Zip ties. Yes, you will know if someone has opened the suitcase, but that doesn't prevent theft.
They are a false sense of secuirty.
I just keep everything valuable in my carry on, put a luggage strap on my bag to prevent it from popping open, and leave it unlocked. I then lock my suitcases upon arrival. Of course even the built in locks on the suitcases are easy to open.......so it's just better not to put any valuables in the suitcase.

 

[bdpa]

This may be a really really DUMB question... but how do you cut the ties off once you get to your destination? They won't let you take scissors or a knife on the plane and you can't put it in your checked bags because it will be locked!! How do you do it????????????

 

[vossjemi]

Here is the actual list of approved TSA locks.
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1634.xml

 

[DisneyElf]

I got the green ones from Ebay -- 8 locks were only $20.00 incl S&H.

I was complimented by the TSA staff at JFK the first time I used them.

 

[scrapperjill]

We used the zip ties on our trip to orlando this past Sept...of course or bags were "randomly" picked to be searched and checked...at our local airport...they had to cut the zip ties off...but DID NOT have any to replace them with. I had packed extras for the trip home...but had to dig them out and use them then. I would have thought if they cut them off they woud at least put new ones back on...Lucky for us when they check your bags (at our small airport) it's right there at the baggage drop off...so you watch everything...

As for how to cut the zip ties off when you get to where your going...you'll need to put a pair of nail clippers in an outside pocket (of a checked piece of luggage) that is either left unlocked/unzip tied.

 

[DJT]

Target also sells the TSA approved locks.

 

[caitycaity]

I dont understand about the doorknobs What do door knobs have to do with luggage locks?

they are saying that at walmart the tsa locks are in the section with the doorknobs, not the other luggage locks.

 

[lsteadman]

Accepted and Recognized Locks

The list below identifies locks that are “accepted and recognized” by TSA, which means that TSA screeners can open and re-lock these bags for security screening instead of cutting the lock. TSA screeners have tools for all TSA accepted and recognized locks that enable them to open the lock without damaging it if a physical inspection is required.

Some of the locks listed below are specific brands. Other names on the lists are manufacturers that produce a wide variety of locks, only some of which are accepted and recognized by TSA. We recommend that you check the packaging to ensure that it has language similar to "accepted and recognized" by TSA if you plan on using the lock for air travel. Most locks on the market are not TSA-recognized. This list will be updated periodically to provide the latest list of brands that are TSA accepted and recognized.

Brand Name:

Aegis Brands Travel Sentry locks
American Tourister Accessories
Atlantic Luggage
Austin House Travel Essentials
Baggage Travel Locks by Capstone Industries
Briggs & Riley Luggage
Brinks Travel Sentry locks
Brookstone Easy Check
Delsey Luggage
Eagle Creek Travel Safe
EasyGo Travel Sentry locks
eBags Travel Sentry locks
Franzus Travel Smart
Kenneth Cole Luggage
Lewis N Clark Travel Sentry locks
Lockage Travel Sentry Luggage
LockMagellan's Travel Sentry locks
Master Lock Travel Sentry locks
Pacsafe by Outpac Travel Sentry locks
Pelilocks for Pelican cases
Prestolock SearchAlert
Restoration Hardware Travel Sentry locks
Ricardo Beverly Hills Luggage
Royal Traveller by Samsonite Accessories
Samsonite Accessories
Samsonite Luggage
Sharper Image Travel Sentry locks
Sunco Luggage
Target Embark Travel Sentry locks
Tumi Luggage
Voltage Valet Travel Sentry locks

Updated 01/24/2005

TSA also has the ability to open luggage from some other luggage and/or lock manufacturers not listed above, although time pressures may require screeners to cut these locks rather than open them because there are many manufacturers, each using multiple master keys. It is very important to TSA that your baggage makes it onto your plane, and we will do everything possible to balance that need with security and customer service considerations. Screeners will always strive to open a bag, if required, without breaking the lock.

 

[fairytalelover]

So the above listed luggage already have TSA approved locks on them?

 

[wltdsnyfan]

I have the TSA Locks and they are great. They opened my luggage back in August 2004 and then put the lock back on.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

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.

Same thing happened to me in last October. I didn't bother trying to get reimbursed, I didn't want to deal with the hassle of dealing with the TSA.