TSA Recognized Baggage Locks

[zorrosuncle]

Greetings --

Does anyone know if you are traveling to Europe from USA with connecting flights in Europe whether one can lock one's luggage with TSA recognized baggage locks? I know they can be used in this country, but what about over there? What if the luggage is being checked straight through to final destination and somewhere inbetween they do a random inspection? Do they have the master keys? Even more of a question, what about starting the return trip to the USA? Anyone have personal experience with this situation?

Zorrosuncle

[Big Al B.]

We have flown to London and home from Paris and also to Rome and home from Milan within the last 7 months with no problems. I don't know if our bags were opened. (We didn't see any stickers or notes). My SIL did get her bag back with no lock. I forget, but it happened either in flying out of Hong Kong or Manila.

[zorrosuncle]

Greetings -- Just called Lufthansa and Delta. Lufthansa says that it is all right to use TSA locks all the way -- via Frankfurt connecting to Rome. Their agents have the master keys. Delta says it is all right to use the locks on the return direct flight from Rome to JFK. Their agents also have the keys. Apparently the agent's use of keys is made by special accommodation through the TSA in this country.

Zorrosuncle

[Jade13]

I don't understand the use of locks - if someone wants your luggage they can just take it. The have stopped matching bags and tags at every airport I have been to in the US. If someone wants to steal, they can just open a lot of luggage with a knife...

[Chivalrygirl]

Hmmm thats a rather negative comment above eh! Oh well just the sort of thing one needs to read.

Don't worry guys, I have even been able to buy some TSA locks down here in NZ. I guess they have gone international.

By the way Jade 13 one hopes that by locking ones bags, nobody can put anything nasty into them either.
Have a nice day

[Big Al B.]

I use the locks to provide a small modicum of security, but mainly to keep the zippers held together :).

[Denn33]

I would generally avoid putting anything of serious value in my checked baggage. If someone really wants to steal my clothes from my bag, there's nothing I can do about it.

[jtl513]

I don't understand the use of locks - if someone wants your luggage they can just take it. If someone wants to steal, they can just open a lot of luggage with a knife...They slow down the casual thief-of-opportunity who doesn't want to get caught slashing bags, but could slide a hand into a few. If your bag is locked and the next one isn't, guess which one is more likely to get "frisked".

[Mikey2611]

I suppose everyone has to do what they are comfortable with when it comes to Locking bags. Personally I never have anything of real value in checked baggage but I do like to know if someone has been in my bag - at the least it makes me check to see if anything is missing. Hence I simply use electrical wire ties (white ties available at most hardware stores). That acts as a deterent for the quick open and grab artists yet are easily removed by immigration. I can easily re-lock using another tie if I find it has been cut and I know to check the bag.

Keep a list of the contents so that you can make an insurance claim if anything goes missing.

[zorrosuncle]

Greetings -- Clever idea; I really like that! How do you cut the wire ties at the destination, assuming you can't put such a cutting tool in your carry-on luggage because of security and that you are not someplace that has such a tool?

Zorrosuncle

[WindyCity]

Manicure scissors work well. We just pack the manicure kit in the OUTSIDE pocket of our checked luggage and then can use them to cut the ties. Nail clippers also work and, again, we put them in the outside pocket of our checked luggage.

[grannynurse]

I carry a nail clipper in my handbag. They fit and cut the cable tie very efficiently.
GN

[Jade13]

Hmmm thats a rather negative comment above eh! Oh well just the sort of thing one needs to read.

Don't worry guys, I have even been able to buy some TSA locks down here in NZ. I guess they have gone international.

By the way Jade 13 one hopes that by locking ones bags, nobody can put anything nasty into them either.
Have a nice day

Yea I know. It's a deterant. Btw, my stepson works for the TSA. Perhaps when I see him I will ask about the locks. One hopes that the baggage people are honest and leave your luggage alone. I only check clothes, no electronics or valuables.

[Jade13]

They slow down the casual thief-of-opportunity who doesn't want to get caught slashing bags, but could slide a hand into a few. If your bag is locked and the next one isn't, guess which one is more likely to get "frisked".

Yes, I know that's the point but I would be more likely to lose the lock so think it may be more trouble than it is worth.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We always use the TSA locks and so far we have not encountered any problems with the locks being cut off.

We always have a list of what is in each suitcase - mainly because if the airline loses a suitcase we will know what we have to replace.

We never have anything valuable in the suitcases.

We use the locks so no one, hopefully, will not put something in them that could get us into trouble.

[jtl513]

Once I got home with someone else's TSA lock on my bag on a side pocket where I had not used one! :eek: I was just glad it didn't happen outbound.

[zorrosuncle]

I suppose everyone has to do what they are comfortable with when it comes to Locking bags. Personally I never have anything of real value in checked baggage but I do like to know if someone has been in my bag - at the least it makes me check to see if anything is missing. Hence I simply use electrical wire ties (white ties available at most hardware stores). That acts as a deterent for the quick open and grab artists yet are easily removed by immigration. I can easily re-lock using another tie if I find it has been cut and I know to check the bag.

Keep a list of the contents so that you can make an insurance claim if anything goes missing.

Greetings -- I went over to home depot and for about two dollars and change I was able to buy a package of 100 assorted ties. What makes this a special bonus, is that the ties are in five different "shocking" colors: pink, blue, yellow-green, yellow and orange, so they also serve the nice purpose of quickly identifying my luggage in the baggage area.

Zorrosuncle

[spiritkat090909]

I don't understand the use of locks - if someone wants your luggage they can just take it. The have stopped matching bags and tags at every airport I have been to in the US. If someone wants to steal, they can just open a lot of luggage with a knife...


True...BUT...suppose a criminal wants YOU to smuggle something in for them without your knowledge? They find unlocked bag, stash what they are afraid to get caught with...and if you get through security, steal your bag back!

OK so the odds are against it, but it could happen! Easily. Particularly if said potential criminal is a baggage handler. Imagination.

[Coastaljen]

I live in Charleston, South Carolina. I was taking a trip to Canada this summer, and the Charleston airport employee told me to open the locks. I said they are TSA locks. He said we can't open them. Only large airports have the keys. Thus, we have to cut them off if we can't open them. I opened them, so he could search the suitcases.

[jtl513]

... and the Charleston airport employee told me to open the locks ... He said we can't open them. Only large airports have the keys. Thus, we have to cut them off if we can't open them.And this was a TSA person? :confused: I find that very strange! :eek:

[pms4104]

I live in Charleston, South Carolina. I was taking a trip to Canada this summer, and the Charleston airport employee told me to open the locks. I said they are TSA locks. He said we can't open them. Only large airports have the keys. Thus, we have to cut them off if we can't open them. I opened them, so he could search the suitcases.
Very strange indeed. When dealing with the TSA, you always have the option of asking to speak to a TSA supervisor if you need clarification or assistance in dealing with difficult personnel.