TSA approved locks, are they really worth it??????

I am from Canada and flying to Hawaii in October. I have just recently purchased the TSA approved locks (3 dial combination), but after reading messages on these boards is there really any point in having these locks? At first I thought they would be great, because the little locks that come with suitcases are just so crappy, and get damaged, but now I am not so sure??

TSA approved locks, are they really worth it??????

Abgrl,

There are different opinions about the locks. Some people just opt to leave their bags unlocked. This practice used to be discouraged as it leaves you vulnerable to someone actually putting something contraban into your suitcases. Any type of lock was considered ok. After 9/11 and before TSA locks - some airlines would tell you to either leave your bags unlocked at check in or be prepared to have your locks cut off by security. Which I have had done- cheap suitcase locks - it didn%26#39;t matter to me.

Now with TSA locks, you can lock your bags if that gives you a sense of security to do so and security can open them to search without cutting your locks. I have them, but to be honest , my biggest desire to lock my bags is based on seeing too many bags with zippers broken wide open spilling out the contents onto tarmac or conveyors. In my thinking, if I lock my suitcase with zipper in the middle of the case, if the zipper breaks , it will at least hold the case closed to some degree.

I think it is just a matter of your comfort or perference. Have a wonderful trip. Seems you are going from one beautiful place to another. Hoping to visit your area next summer.

TSA approved locks, are they really worth it??????

Airports have such long chains of security and anywhere along that line, someone can decide to open your case. They may or may not have a key to open it and will cut the lock off if not. If you have valuables, cameras, laptops and don%26#39;t want them stolen, keep the valuables on you. If you are worried about someone putting something in, I guess a lock would stop that.

Last two times I flew (Nov %26#39;05 %26amp; April %26#39;06) TSA asked me to unlock my bags at checkin and leave the lock unlocked so they could lock it after their search. Why purchase a TAS lock when they are going to have you unlock your bags anyway?

Den

On our trip to Hawaii earlier this month (plane change once), the locks were still secured when we reached our final stop. I do know that the bags were opened at one point because I saw part of the search process. I like the locks. Maybe it is psychological, but I will continue to use them.

NatureCat

=^..^=

I just flew back from Europe and used the TSA locks - no problem no one asked to unlock them.

We were talking to our Virgin Atlantic stewardess who told us that she always locks hers no matter what because of what she has seen baggers do.

We flew Useless Airways (US Airways) in June to Maui, my bag had been gone through and 2 brand new blouses (with the tags still on) were stolen out of my luggage. We will be purchasing the TSA locks next trip for sure....

Locks in general are used to keep honest people honest. Other than someone putting something in if someone wanted your suitcase they just take they whole thing and cut the lock off at thier leisure. I guess if having a lock makes you feel more secure then go for it otherwise I don%26#39;t think they do a whole lot of good.

I think the TSA locks are good because only the screeners can open them, not every person who handles the baggage. More accountability if something is missing maybe, might make an incentive to be honest, plus the locks eliminate rifling by at least some of the people.

Stuff does get stolen after it%26#39;s checked, sadly. It%26#39;s happened to my family. If I can lock my luggage before handing it over to a chain of people, one or two of whom may be thieves, of course I%26#39;ll lock it!

I flew with them on this last trip, worked well, except one of the locks was gone after flying our first leg (on Hawaiian). The other was fine.

I LOVE my TSA locks. It just makes me feel more comfortable about my stuff. Noone has ever asked me to unlock them before going thru the X-ray and I%26#39;ve been using them for 4 years.

LOVE them

I travel weekly and never lock my suitcase. I regularly am asked (when I leave it at the security checkpoint) if it is unlocked ... so I%26#39;m not sure what would happen if you said, ';no but it has TSA approved locks on it';.

I%26#39;ve never had anything stolen but then again I%26#39;ve never packed anything valuable ... and I don%26#39;t suppose anyone wants my clothes!

As has been said, the most they probably provide is peace of mind; if someone really wants your stuff, they%26#39;ll get it. But if it makes you feel better, put them on.

You definitely don%26#39;t want to use the ones that come w/your suitcase. There is a very good chance they%26#39;ll be cut off.