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WarmWaterDiver:The TSA lost or baggage handlers broke most of our TSA approved locks in the last 3 years. Seems like the TSA would take the lock off and most often not put it back on, or the hasp would be bent to where the hasp snapped when opening after retreiving our baggage. I use zip ties anymore. We haven't had anything pilfered yet - just boneheaded handling of our stuff.
Zip ties work really well when flying on the small aircraft when you must 'gate check' your carryon. I found a package of zip ties in assorted colors including eye-popping green & pink at the hardware store one time. These really help me point out if someone else is picking up one of our bags 'by mistake' at the gate at the other end or the luggage carousel, so I can intervene quickly. I keep spares in the zipper pouch of my carryon.
kidspot:You can always go the old fashioned route and pack all your dirty socks, damp wetsuit and laundry etc.. on top of all the valuables...
Wristshot:I have a dumb question for you guys that advocate zip ties on bags (and I still tend to call them tywraps) How do you cut them off when you arrive at your destination? Since we can't carry knives, scissors or nail clippers in our carry-on, how do you cut the Tywraps? I busted a zipper in Cozumel a couple years ago trying to break a tywrap.
Wristshot