Thankfully, has not happened to us yet. Even when my sons bag was inspected by TSA, the bag was taped so it would not fall open..nothing was missing.
Which airline? We almost always fly Continental.
I also put the zip locks on the zippers, they can cut them off if they feel the need to inspect but it might protect things from falling into the hands of thieves who are not inspectors.

Re TSA-aproved locks and international travel: Just because TSA agents in US airports are supposed to have keys for these locks, I would not expect inspectors in another country to have them. For the return trip, I'd forego the lock if I could not ascertain that I'd be allowed to accompany the bag through inspection.
That's why I've never bothered with the locks and continue to use the plactic cable ties that offer no security, but at least when I claim my bag I can see immediately if it has been tampered with.

I keep running into folks from other parts of the world who are not aware of the new requirement in the US that the only locks allowed on suitcases are those approved by TSA to which they have a master key.

I've heard reports of having suitcase locks broken and sometimes further damage to suitcases from the forced opening.

How can we get the word out better to international visitors that they now must use these locks or leave their suitcases unlocked unless they want to risk damage?

Someone stole my dignity the last trip. #39;(

Thank goodness I was almost done with it.

Kal, losing ones dignity might be worse than losing that pair of favorite shoes...my sympathies darlin

I always think that if we have such need for security ( don't let someone else pack your bag etc) then why are those bags not locked? Anyone can stick something IN one as easily as they can take something OUT of one..

My next trip will be by car, a very long trip, I will be wishing every day that we were on a plane, with or without those pesky locks LOL