TSA locks

[Karger56]

"Why, oh why, did the TSA ever stop putting their own zip tie things on? Too much unfunded costs, too much time, someone said they don't have to, ???"

too many people complained they couldnt get into their bags because their scissors and knives were in the bags they needed to get into....so they halted "securing" all bags.

Sentry or the new SearchAlert lock are still your best bet. There is a big push within TSA to educate their people NOT to cut off any lock. How well that goes...who knows. I have used the Sentry locks for a couple of years and had decent luck.

 

[sanju121]

Where can I get them?

If you have costly things in your luggage and it is very important to you then make sure you have effective luggage security. Locks don’t work and can be tamper easily. For more info please visit my profile.

 

[Gilldiver]

Work has me traveling to Europe, India, and the Middle East about every 6 weeks now and have given up on TSA locks. They may work better in the US, but seem to get cut off more often overseas.

So, nice bright color zip ties it is. They are cheap, can be got just about anywhere, can be used to "lock" outer pockets on luggage bags that have 2 zippers by threading though the holes in the zippers, can lock a duffel bag the same way, and help to ID your bag on the belt from all the other Black bags coming off of a 747. Not many bags will have bright orange or blue zips on them.

Over the last year, I have only had one cut off. But, have a very small set of children's scissors or something else in one pocket (I keep extra zips in the same pocket) so that you can cut the ties off when you get to where you are going or for when you get pulled over for a "Random" customs inspection in the US.

 

[ozziworld]

I came across this video earlier and thought it was significant enough for me to reconsider zippers on baggage.

Picasa Web Albums - OZZIWORLD

What alternatives are there to zippered baggage and TSA?

I tries this and it is so easy it's scary to rely on zippers!

 

[Scared Silly]

Skip the zip ties and go to the hardware store and buy 15" or so of 14 gauge copper wire. Cut the wire in 5" pieces and then use them as heavy duty wire ties.

Below is a picture of an $8 lock that the TSA could not cut off so they cut the zipper pulls which cost me $20 to replace. Many times the TSA does not have the magic key handy so they will cut the lock off anyways. When this happens you should file a claim for the replacement lock.

 

[ianr33]

Many times the TSA does not have the magic key handy so they will cut the lock off anyways. When this happens you should file a claim for the replacement lock.

Thats a nice idea but my guess is you dont have a hope of ever getting compensated.

How would you prove the locks were on the bag when you checked it?

I've probably gone through half a dozen TSA locks. Pretty amusing when they put the unlocked lock INSIDE the bag though. Makes me feel real safe these folks are protecting me

 

[RonFrank]

I've given up on TSA. I've had zipper pulls destroyed, TSA locks cut, zip ties cut, basically from polite and replacing the TSA lock to just cutting the thing off and discarding it along with the zipper pull.

TSA does what they please, and there is no accountability. Bottom line, insure your stuff because that is really the only protection you have when traveling.

OTOH, overall I've had good luck with not loosing gear, but I rarely travel outside the USA.