My Wife & I are going to Italy next year and plan to move about by train. I have seen advertised luggage locks that purportedly can be unlocked by TSA but are otherwise secure. I know that a luggage lock is only going to keep the amateurs at bay -- but was curious if anyone had any experience with the locks -- or are they just a waste of money?

We've used the locks ever since they became available and have had no problems. Once one was unlocked and locked back up again, with a note left inside the suitcase. Much better than not locking the luggage.

they do work - right up to the point the TSA guy can't be bothered to find the right key.

I actually just came across what I think might be a better idea.....key chain links.
They will prevent random opening of luggage by baggage handlers since they do take some time to open, but will enable authorities to open and inspect your property easily if need be. Not as secure, but I have never before used locks for European travel, and have either been very lucky or have nothing anyone else wants.

The locks may work, but I would not expect officials outside the US to have and use passkeys if our very own TSA cannot be counted on to do so.

On trains you would be better off with a cable lock to secure several bags together or to the overhead rack becasue train luggage thieves snatch and debark with the whole bag; they would cut off the lock at their leisure as you continue on your journey.

I switched to the key links last year after my TSA lock was cut off my luggage in either Milan or Schiphol (I'll never know which), and they not only cut the lock off, but the tab part of the zipper, as well. This year I asked the attendant at Schiphol, and she informed me that they open EVERYTHING.

I used a TSA lock on my checked luggage traveling from MSP to LHR earlier this year. The suitcase arrived minus the lock, but nothing else was missing. I guess in that case the TSA guy found the right key, but couldn't be bothered to replace the lock afterwards.

Heimdall - Or maybe you're just lucky they cut the lock carefully without damaging the rest of your bag.

OK, I'll ask the (I fear) stupid question. What are key chain links? Do you mean the little links that look like small beads? Hmmm, thinking about it...I think I get it. But anyone can release that...maybe I don't get it.

If you buy the TSA locks at Brookstone and they are damaged or cut off by airport personnel, the store will replace them.

I'm talking about the round ring that you use to attach a key to the key ring itself. Same as you'd use to attach a dog tag to the collar.

Thank you Holly. So it just makes it more time consuming for the thief. And the beaded thing would work too but be a lot easier to open than the ring.

that thing that you pry apart and slide the key along it

For flights I use kitchen twist ties simply to secure each zipper. For train travel I don't do anything.

Plastic ties available in any hardware store work fine.

The familar complaint against the plastic ties is finding something to cut them off with when you arrive since you can't carry anything sharp.
I'm speaking now of the type of plastic tie that can't be removed.

I keep a small pair of scissors, with a rounded end, in one of the unlocked outer pockets of the locked suitcase. Small nail clippers would work just as well.

I use cable ties - TSA only applies to the US.

Cable ties work great - use a nail clipper to cut them when you arrive. No need for scissors/knives or anything else.

And yes, you are allowed to have nail clippers in carry on's . . . . .

just to clarify - cable ties are the "plastic ties" mentioned above