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TSA suitcase locks

Hi -- I have not traveled to Europe in a decade; are people still using them?

Posted by
490 posts

You only need them if you are flying in or out of the USA - the rest of the world doesn't have the TSA!

Posted by
14804 posts

TSA locks are not just for the TSA. They have become a brand standard and are now marketed as "TSA Locks." It basically means they are the combination type that can be opened with a master key.

Customs people around the world are used to them and have keys.

If you want to use them, go ahead. It's a personal choice.

Posted by
2744 posts

Actually what TSA means the lock can be opened by just about anybody with a YouTube account. They don’t actually do any good. I can defeat them

Posted by
1259 posts

They don’t actually do any good. I can defeat them

I use gate-lock carabiners on my carryon-only setup. They only take a few seconds to open but are not intended to make anything secure, just to deter prying fingers and make the bag next to mine look more appealing.

https://imgur.com/gallery/8U9W92e

Posted by
2093 posts

I use the RS twist off flight locks. Cheap, easy, and you can readily tell if someone has been through your checked bag. Also keeps the zippers from accidentally opening during transit. Good buy.

Posted by
3065 posts

I've used cable ties/zap straps for years.
No padlocks = no lost keys or damaged locks.
Snug the straps as tight as possible.

Posted by
490 posts

I always lock my bags - even though anyone with the right tools can break any padlock. The point is not stopping a determined thief - its being able to answer the question "did you pack your bags yourself and do you know what's in them" . Putting drugs in unsuspecting people's bags is a thing that happens worldwide. If the lock is gone or broken I'm clearly not answering that question!

Posted by
17636 posts

Actually what TSA means the lock can be opened by just about anybody
with a YouTube account. They don’t actually do any good. I can defeat
them

But no one will if there is an unlocked bag next to it; and that's the point.

Posted by
32171 posts

The cheap "TSA" locks (keyed or combination) don't really provide much security, but may be a slight deterrent to "opportunistic theft". I use them mainly to keep the zippers closed on my backpack, as in the past I've found them partially open when I reached my destination.

Posted by
2744 posts

I don’t think some you have figured how the system worked. The TSA screens your luggage on X-ray. They see something fun in there. They tell their friends in baggage handling which bags to loot. And yes that really has happened.