TSA Locks
 

Planning a trip to the UK next year I am concerned about luggatge security. I noticed there are "TSA locks" available. These don't seem sturdy enough to prevent a determined theft but may add some casual security after security screening. Can these locks be used for my in-country and return flights from the UK? I will be passing through the Edinburg, Inverness, and London airports.

I have used mu TSA lock for several years now, with good luck. The inspectors have a mechanism they use to unlock it and put it back on again. However my daughter has used them and both times they got broken. Guess I have just been in luck, both within the country and to Europe. It just give me a little feeling of security. Good luck. Halfpint

Buy good quality TSA locks and you should have no problem. I use them on all my luggage, including my camera stuff just in case I have to check it. Never had a problem.
The TSA lock is only for security in the US - they are the only ones (in theory at least) who have the codes/keys to open them. If you have non TSA locks you have the choice of not locking your bags or risking them being broken into by the TSA.
Of course no lock will stop a really determined thief.

HI K,

Plastic cable ties are as good at stopping the casual thief as the TSA locks.

They are much cheaper to replace, too.

((I))

I had the locks and they were broken too.

So Ira, please clarify:
the plastics just discourage the casual thief but the airport staff can still just cut them?

You can use any locks you like outwith the US. So plastic ties on departure & proper locks after that ? Although I must admit I don't bother locking cases at all.

I've used them for years and have had no problems with my Eagle Creek ones. Happy Travels!

I've used the TSA locks for several years, but I think they're more for my false sense of security than anything else. We've had them broken many times, although nothing has ever been taken.

Yes, my TSA locks were broken in Britain last year, presumedly by the authorities. (Hmmm, maybe that was why our bags were delayed....)

I've used the locks for years in the US, no problem.

If you do not pack anything of monetary value in your checked luggage, then you don't have to worry about locks or theft.

If TSA opens your luggage, behind the scenes, they leave a letter in your suitcase explaining this.

<<< If you do not pack anything of monetary value in your checked luggage, then you don't have to worry about locks or theft. >>>

Unfortunately the thief may not know that and targets your bag precisely because it's unlocked

There's also using a lock (or tie) as a last line of defence to stop your bag opening due to it being bashed

I do not expect personnel of airports outside the USA to have the keys for TSA locks. Some might have them, but I don't want to count on getting the ones who do, so I use plastic cable ties instead.

Screeners at airports outside the US are employees of local security services, not our TSA, so experience in the US is not a reilable predictor of practices elsewhere (though there may be many in common).

Hi,

We use platic cable ties instead of TSA locks also.


Paul

TSA locks are fine - but except for TSA airports they are simply luggage locks. Out of the country - there is no difference between a "TSA lock" and any run-of-the-mill old lock.

Any luggage locks can be broken by a determined thief. The main reason to lock luggage is to deter the crime of opportunity. Two bags laying there unattended - one is locked and one isn't, the thief will try the unlocked one first. Which is why cable ties are just as effective as most any lock.

If you already have TSA locks - fine. If not cable ties will save you a bundle. Just make sure your nail clippers are in an accessible outside pocket (or in your handbag) and not inside the locked bag. You'll need them to open it yourself

Another good way to prevent casual theft is to put just a regular key ring around the zippers. Obviously anyone can get into them, but it takes more time.

Janis, surely nail clippers are not allowed onboard about your person ?

Surprisingly, I have been allowed to take tiny nail clippers in my bag! I used them to cut those ties..

No mustard, but nail clippers ok!

Hi ams,

>So Ira, please clarify:
the plastics just discourage the casual thief but the airport staff can still just cut them?<

In the USA, TSA agents are authorized to open your luggage.

If you have TSA locks, they open them.

If you have other locks or cable ties, they cut them.

Outside the US, Security staff are authorized to open your luggage.

They will cut off your TSA locks, just like any other lock.

All closure devices will stop the casual thief.

The pros can get into your luggage, no matter what lock is on it.

Save money. Use cable ties.
....................................
Hi CE,

> nail clippers are not allowed onboard about your person ?<

Nail clippers and short, blunt-nosed scissors are now allowed in the cabin.

((I))

Thanks I have wasted money on the locks which were broken and mangled in Europe and just wondered....about the ties.

I use 'twistees', just to keep the zipper clips together, as they are reusable. ((*))

Suze...Everything in one's bags is of "monetary" value. If it's stolen, then it's going to have to be replaced and nothing is cheap.

I always lock my luggage. If thieves want something bad enough, I'm aware that they'll find a way to get it, but as far as I'm concerned, they're going to have to work for it. It would be like leaving your front door unlocked or wide open vs. locking it. Happy Travels!

Plastic cable ties on the main compartments & put the nail clipper in the smallest zipped but not cable-tied pocket of your checked suitcase.

I do normally use either kitchen twist ties or plastic cable ties, just not padlock style locks, TSA or otherwise.

I do understand that everything has value in your suitcase... otherwise you wouldn't be hauling it around the world with you (lol).

But theives are looking for high value items. It's about money not potential personal use of an item.

What goes missing most often are laptops, video cameras, expensive watch or jewelry, not someones t-shirts and PJ's!

guenmai - <I'm concerned, they're going to have to work for it.>

I use twistees because one time they 'worked for it' by breaking off my zipper tabs and making the suitcase useless. ((*))

I use cable ties.

If they want to get in, they can easily cut the lock or cut the zipper. The latter cost me a new bag, ouch.

Since any determined person can open the bag, the least I can do is to save the zipper mechanism.

I use a TSA lock for a U.S. only trip.

Nail clippers have been allowed back on for quite some time now - at least a coupe of years. What often is not allowed in carry on are the pointed nail file attachments found on some clippers. So regular nail clippers are no problem. Last time I flew through LHR - the lady in front of me had clippers w/ a file and the security screener gave her the option of confiscating the clippers or letting him snap off the file bit and letting her keep the clippers.

So she got on the plane carrying her "defiled" nail clippers :)

Let's tale a realistic view of locks on luggage. Just whom will a TSA lock keep out? If a thief wants in, he gets in. No lock, twist tie or cable is going to keep him or her out if the objective is something of real value. One swipe with a knife of scapel like sharpness and a suitcase flies open. If the suitcase is metal, any cable can be easily cut off and then a good blow with a hammer will break open the hinges.

Let me suggest you watch a real pro in action. I once watched a locksmith open the "approved" safe in my office in less than 30 seconds. The lock had failed and could not be opened by conventional methods even though I had the correct combination. The solution: A 3-foot long high-grade steel lever popped it open the lock almost instantly. Pieces of the latch-lock mechanism went flying.

I often wondered why management said we had to lock our safes. Six feet of duct tape would have secured the drawers better.

I think the course of action then should be tie-wraps. The question then would be how to get them on after the screeners are done with the bag? At most US airports I've flown out of you don't touch your bag after the X-Ray machine. Back in pre-9/11 days LHR had you carry yo0ur own bag after the X-Ray machine. I haven't flown in there since.

you may be mixing up things - I assumed you were asking about locking a <u>checked</u> bag - right?

If so, you will not see the bag or have contact w/ it after leaving it at the check in counter. The screening is normally done after that. If you are locking/securing a checked bag - do it before you turn the bag over at check in.

Now you seem to be talking about hand luggage - where you carry it after screening.

If you are carrying your bag on the plane you don't need a lock on it.

For checked luggage you don't take it thru screening yourself, you just hand it to the clerk (locked).

I just got back from a trip and flew from Austin to JFK, from JFK to Paris, from Paris to Budapest and on the return from Prague to JFK, from JFK to Austin. Neither of my TSA locks was broken (I had 2 checked bags). I have used TSA locks on many occasions, both inside and out of the U.S. I have never had a lock broken, but returning from my last trip to Germany, one of the locks was missing.

I am sure that they can be easily broken, but they are inexpensive, and I enjoy knowing they are there.