TSA approved suitcase locks

[MountainHawk]

I've recently gotten new luggage, and it came with suitcase locks that state they are approved by the TSA. Apparently, they have a combination or master key or something that the TSA can use to open them. Has anyone heard of these? Used them successfully?

Thanks.

[NoName]

I've heard of them but not used them; see here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ant/locks.shtm

[Judge Dredd]

I don't get it. So the TSA can get in? Do they have a key or a combination?

Like that key/combination will never fall into the hands of bad guys. I guess it adds a layer of security to prevent some theft.

[MountainHawk]

Originally Posted by Judge Dredd

I don't get it. So the TSA can get in? Do they have a key or a combination?

Like that key/combination will never fall into the hands of bad guys. I guess it adds a layer of security to prevent some theft.

Looks like a key, since there is a keyhole, but no key.

[Traina]

Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon?

[atomic]

Some TSA approved locks have a feature that shows if the lock has been opened with a TSA key for the purpose of inspection--an indicator changes color. If you put a non-TSA approved lock on your check-in luggage, it *will* be cut open if you do not remove it at check-in and the clerk does not notice the item is locked.

In any case, the TSA is horribly mismanaged and provides no real security, just the appearance of security. If you simply must fly with valuables, they should never leave your sight, so it's always carry-on. Otherwise, they should be transported via a shipping service. If the items are of a private nature, or are known to have been tampered with in the past (check-in items reportedly have been opened and their contents handled inappropriately by employees), then ship it or don't bring it.

And don't forget to send the TSA a nice thank-you card for their judicious use of your taxpayer dollars to keep you safe.

[MountainHawk]

Originally Posted by Traina

Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon?

We leave next Saturday ... green card paperwork to do this week

[Examinator]

Looks like it just keeps honest people honest.

[Malik Shabazz]

Originally Posted by MountainHawk

I've recently gotten new luggage, and it came with suitcase locks that state they are approved by the TSA. Apparently, they have a combination or master key or something that the TSA can use to open them. Has anyone heard of these? Used them successfully?

We've been using them for several years. Our locks have never been broken, but as far as we know our bags have never been opened. (They're supposed to leave you a note if they open your bags.)

There's supposed to be a TSA supervisor who has a master key and can open the locks without destroying them, but I'm sure they'll cut your lock if the supervisor isn't right there. Still, I think that TSA locks are a better bet than (a) non-TSA locks or (b) no locks at all.

By the way, if you travel overseas, I don't think anybody at foreign airports has a master key. So on your return flight you're no better off -- but also no worse off -- than you would be with any other lock.

[ClubberLang]

Use 'em all the time... it's like my gf is on a list or something, hers got cut off every time, and since we got the TSA locks she always has the "inspected" sticker.

The way ours work is they have a number on them (dunno how many there are), and presumably they have a key ring with all x keys on it. They open the lock, poke around, close'r back up. Works for me, if they're going in there anyways they might as well not break another lock doing it.