TSA Luggage Lock With Indicator

[huvrr]

lock it bulletproof and it may not get on the flight

[gbrdiver]

I recently sacrificed 4 TSA locks to the great security god in the sky...it seems only US inspectors have the special keys - everywhere else just cut the locks as required for an inspection.

[Diver Kat]

I've used the TSA locks a number of times, trips in the states, and to Cozumel. Haven't lost one yet. They will frequently open the bag, but always put the lock back on .... so far!

[kroorda]

I've used them and so have fellow diver-friends of mine and all of us have had them taken off of our luggage and never returned to us. The TSA says that 'They are not responsible for ANY locks placed on luggage, whether they are TSA approved or not. Their behavior reflects just that. I've given up with the locks and just put a wire tie through zippers. If they cut that off, you're only out 10 cents.

[elijahb]

Originally Posted by terrillja

They'll probably just damage the bag to get the lock off.

They will end up breaking the bag without even searching it. Thats the way airlines work!!!

[skippy11]

They will end up breaking the bag without even searching it. Thats the way airlines work!!![/quote]

Isn't that the truth!! I had a brand new bag last fall and on my first trip w/ it....it was broken. I pick it up off the luggage wheel and one of the corners was bashed in. Brand new but destroyed. Gotta love the airlines.

[oddbod]

[quote=harb99;161296]

Originally Posted by fire diver

My understanding is that the TSA key is kept secured and is a pain in the rear for them to get. However, cutting a lock is quick and easy, and works for all locks, TSA approved or otherwise.

It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power.
David Brin

Being an ALIEN to your country and having to go through immigration and customs, I think the above quote very apt. Give a person a uniform, along with what appears to be a low IQ (must go with the pay scale) and they form a sense of self importance with the power to do as they please, ie: make life miserable for others, especially after a 20 hour flight. Visa and passport were perfect, but for some reason held my wife up for 6 hours wouldn't tell me anything, and a missed connection. Really makes me think twice about coming for another holiday in the future. Oh and yes we had a Samsonite hard case "cracked" open on an internal flight coming home, then "taped" up with packing tape only to fall apart on the carousel, only thing in it was dirty clothing, so don't know what suspicious item could've been shown up on the x-ray, which was the excuse we were given as to them being opened. We were later told by the US Embassy here some of you just hate us Aussies:sm iley31:

[kroorda]

I've lost more stuff and had more things damaged DURING INSPECTION, since TSA has been doing it, than ever occurred before. Look on the internet for blogs about the TSA and you'll see that we aren't alone. I've gotten to destinations and found the TSA tag inside my luggage (letting me know they were in it). Additionally, I've found the power cord to my charger missing, my wife had ONE of her booties missing, my TSA approved locks were missing, and things are NEVER put back the way they found them. Then, if you want to make a claim or complain, you're completely out of luck. Your best bet is to have insurance on your luggage and gear, and the best way to get insurance on your luggage and gear is through your home-owners' insurance. It is MUCH cheaper and BETTER than any dive-related insurance.

[ScaredSilly]

As has been said the TSA master key to unlock an approved lock is kept under control via a check out system. It does not always get used. If a TSA lock is cut off you should file a claim for the cost of the lock. It is a hassle but it should be done. You should also call the airport and file a complaint.

Now do not expect that TSA has the right tools for cutting off a lock. Here is a picture of a cheap non TSA lock that they could not cut off so cut the zipper pulls. I filed both a complaint and a claim. The complaint lead to some changes, the claim for the damage to the zipper pulls was denied.

As for zip ties - TSA is not required to reseal your bags with zip ties if they removed them. I thought this was the case but it is not.

The advice I was given after personally talking with and getting a tour of the SLC TSA facilities is to skip the locks all together as they are a sign that there might be some good in there and zip tie or some how secure the zipper pulls and leave it at that. If the bag is open put a few more zip ties in the bag and ask that they be resecured.

Oh yeah, and if you are worried about theft from bags I would not pin it on the TSA. They have cameras everywhere recording the process. In another incident I had the TSA supper pull the tapes of one of my bags being inspected.

[Mooha182]

I am contemplating on using these on my delta flight to Germany but not want to invest on something that be possibly gone after 1 use. I think I will be using my surplus of zip ties this time.