I saw some TSA approved locks yesterday. They are combination locks with key entry by TSA agents only. I was told they are TSA approved and would make breaking the lock unnecessary should the TSA wish to open the suitcase. Has anyone ever used these or know anythinh about them? Are they OK for India?

There have been many threads posted on all of the Fodors boards regarding these locks. You can do a search in the box at the top of the page - enter "TSA Locks" and click the Find button to the right. Threads containing information will appear in the left column and you can read thru the experiences of travelers who have used these. Again, I would suggest you do this search on all the boards.

As I recall, when these were first introduced they weren't well received as many TSA agents didn't have the keys available. However, I can only hope that by now - about a year since initially introduced, that responses would be more positive. But check for specifics.

Ok, fine Sandi but how about experience with TSA approved locks in India? That is what the poster is asking. I am interested as well.

That is true Craig and why I asked specifically on the Asian board. Hopefully what Sandi said is true, i.e. inre to key availability for TSA agents.

Jacketwatch, I was in India last year - At Sahar Airpor, Mumbai the bags were scanned as I entered the airport and if necessary, people were called aside and asked to open the bag.

Going out from DFW here, it is the same, after checkin passengers take the bags to be scanned and if bags are locked you are asked to wait in case they need you to open the lock.

So I would think it would not matter what locks you have on there. As far as I know bags are only opened at the origination point of the flight - so I would think you should be okay.

Actually Indie that's what I thought too. I called our carrier (Lufthansa) just to be sure and was surprised to hear that they do recommend TSA locks just in case there is any reason for your bags to be opened along the way. Don't ask why or how but that is what they said. BTW if you don not use TSA locks then I think the best alternative is Masterlocks. Why? Well I forgot our luggage keys during our Hawaiian trip last summer. When we got to ur hotel I asked for someone from engineering to help us out of our predicament. Well this fellow came with a ring full of various luggage lock keys and got all but the Masterlocks open in a jiffy. He couldn't pick them and had to cut it which wasn't very easy BTW.

Thx jacketwatch,

Good to know, I certainly was not aware of this, hubby's traveling on Lufthansa as well - so I guess we need those TSA approved locks.

You're welcome Indie. Hope it helps.