TSA lock or just safety pins?
 

I was curious to know if i should get a TSA lock on my luggage or a safety pin? If there is a possibility they need to open it, i would rather them just break the safety pin since that is disposable. I've heard stories of them breaking open TSA locks too. I will be traveling to Europe. Any advice? Thanks.

I only do carry on -- but when I need to check it for some reason, I use cable ties. Makes it easy to identify the bag on the carousel and you can just cut it w/ nail clippers at your destination.

Stick a couple of spares inside the bag to use on the return flight.

I use the plastic cable ties also.

Good idea. Sounds convenient too. Thanks.

I use kitchen twist ties (saves needing clippers to get them off).

OSH carries the plastic cable ties in hot neon colors! They make your luggage stand out even more!

I just bought some today...100 for $6.99.

I bought 2 TSA locks when they first came out years ago after having my favorite lock cut off my bag. Been using the same 2 ever since and have never had a problem. I wonder why they'd break them when, in theory, they have a key? Maybe that's it, only a theory.

Anyway, I also carry some of these and use them if I'm leaving a backpack or something as well and don't have enough locks. I think they're better than safety pins, will come off easily but you know then the bag's been tampered with:

http://tinyurl.com/3cml5ux

For what it is worth, every time I've checked a bag that was locked it with a TSA approved lock someone has always cut the lock open before it was returned to me. After doing this several times I now just use twist ties - after all it seems somebody is going to open the bag so why bother with anything more permanent.

FYI - I've never had anything missing from the "opened" bags. Keep anything of real value in your carry-on.

I use a small carabiner type clip to fasten the zipper together. I can't imagine it would slow down someone intent on getting into my bag but it does prevent it from accidently opening.

My thinking is similar to what the last two posters mention, I don't pack anything valuable in my suitcase, and just assume it could be opened by someone at some point. I only use the kitchen ties to make sure the zippers stay closed.

Aren't TSA locks only a USA thing? As far as people not having keys for them in Europe and elsewhere?

Regarding TSA locks and travel out of the US, I believe especially in Asia they use heavy duty x-ray scanners on the luggage and don't bother opening them. I've never had the experience elsewhere of having locks removed. It could be that removing locks is a TSA "show" of concern. I'm not sure is all is what it seems.

I wonder if anyone's ever done a survey of the type of luggage that gets gone through the most by thieves. Would expensive bags be more susceptible to pilferage? Maybe there's an argument for using innocuous looking luggage. I don't have valuables in checked luggage either but I dislike the idea of a strangers hands on my stuff in any case.

I don't know if there's has ever been a survey, but yes personally I have always figured using an uninteresting and inexpensive suitcase would draw less attention than an expensive fancy one, leather, Louis Vitton, whatever.

I'm used to the idea of 'strangers hands on my stuff'. Traveling back & forth to Mexico frequently, I'd say it's every other trip there's that TSA note that they leave inside your suitcase to let you know it's been checked through.

The scary thing about this is the complete apathy that has developed in regards to the TSA. We have all apparently been cowed by the idea that the TSA is God and absolutely nothing can be done about it.
The idea that 'oh well someone went through my luggage, I have no idea when or who, and oh yeah they took my (insert item here)' has somehow become the norm, is quite fascinating.
You wouldn't continue to eat at a particular restaurant if it was common knowledge that the waitress was breaking into your car during dinner. You certainly wouldn't keep visiting a website if you knew it was planting viruses on your computer that blew your hard drive after each visit.
So the idea that the TSA can be and do anything it wants is startling.

Maybe we need an independent watch dog group, separate from the government. Kind of like how Joint Commission audits hospitals.

If only the OWS crowds could actually affect change by occupying LAX!

While I have no love for tactics of the TSA I think it's generally agreed that it's primarily the airlines' luggage handlers that are responsible for pilferage from our luggage. I've yet to have had anything taken from my checked bag and, while I have no idea if the use of the TSA openable locks has deterred thieves or I've just been lucky, I think we ought to consider that a more targeted way of dealing with threats is in order.

I mean profiling, along with intelligence, the tools that El Al has been using for many decades now to great effect. It may not be particularly popular to say it but I think it may ease our anger with the way things are done now and be the solution in the long term.

cable ties is good idea.