TSA approved locks for luggage?
 

I'll be flying BA from Phoenix to London the end of May. I can't decide whether to lock/not lock. Has anyone had any recent experience with the new TSA locks? I remember the postings several months ago were mixed on whether the TSA screeners even knew about these locks. Any comments or suggestions? Thanks!

Yes, I was one who was considering using these "approved" TSA locks. I ended up taking the suggestions of many here and got cable wire ties. They are so easy to use, cheap, and can be cut with a (toe)nail clipper. I put one on each zipper compartment. None were broken nor cut off by TSA. I would suggest you use them instead of purchasing that lock that possibly no one knows how to open.

I used two TSA-approved locks on a recent trip across the country, and the locks were not damaged. However, someone neatly tied together with cable two zipper ends that I hadn't bothered to lock.

That's pretty funny, Underhill. I hope you got as much of a laugh out of it at the time as I just did reading your post!

We've been using self-lock plastic ties available at Home Depot. We've used them several times and our checked baggage has never been opened. But I figure they'd be real easy to cut if the TSA wanted in. We carry extras for the way back. No sharp ends like the wires. It's been an inexpensive and easy solution for us.

I've bought some for our next trip. Last trip we used the cable ties , mainly to keep the zippers together and when we arrived in Paris every single one of them had been removed..and not by TSA. I know this because at OIA you can actually watch your bags going thru the TSA inspections and see if they are pulled for hand examinations.
Fortunately nothing valuable was missing, only a small cosmetic bag containing corkscrew,nail scissors, nail clip, etc. I guess it sounded like jewelry! Maybe I should be glad they ripped off the ties..they took the clippers I planned to remove them!But it is yucky to think of someone messing about your personal items.

I'll try the locks and also use the ties , hopefully to keep the zips together.

We bought a couple to use on our trip to the UK in a couple of days. I'll let you know if we had any problems when I return.

We wait until we are checking in our luggage to put the plastic ties on.
We have never had one removed or cut.

I carry a small nail clipper in the outside pocket of the luggage to give us quick access to opening the bag, those ties are impossible to remove otherwise.

I used a TSA approved lock on my recent trip to Paris and it was neither opened nor damaged. I used it again on a recent trip to New Orleans and it was GONE on my return to LAX.

Holly,

I did find it pretty funny--it made me think of Flora Post in "Cold Comfort Farm," who liked things to be tidy.

I was told that since TSA is a US entity, overseas airports don't have keys for these locks.

Post check-in baggage inspection is another good reason to sort and pack your clothes and items in Ziploc bags. I write my name and phone number on each bag with a felt tip marker.

I always use a wire/cable tie. On a domestic trip last month the TSA cut it off and inspected the contents. I watched the fellow as he swabbed around in the bag and then put the swab in his chemical detection instrument. Then he put the TSA's blue plastic tie on the zipper pulls to re-lock my bag.

I haven't tried it with these new TSA approved locks, but any key-operated luggage lock I've ever used could also be opened with a bent paper clip, hairpin, or any key that would fit into the slot. You just have to jiggle the "burglary tool" a bit and the lock will open.

I just used them to keep zippers from coming unzipped. So now I use a carabiner or plain snap hook. Easy for inspectors to take off and put back on, but keep the zippers from opening accidently.

I wasn't aware there was such a thing as a "TSA approved lock", but what I've used is the ring portion of a key ring to hold my suitcase zippers closed. They can be removed and replaced easily if security wants to opne my bag, yet they prevent accidental opeing and are actually sturdier than the pre-911 suitcase locks we used to use. Plus they're virtually free - I always seem to have odd key rings laying around that can be canabalized - my DH usually brings them home from trade shows.

Great idea, Daisy!