bullethole

I am in it security and would caution anyone about TSA locks. The locks use a 3 or 4 number to lock (without the TSA key). These are similar to many compxuter locks (the ones that cable lock the computer to the desktop). We regularly played with these and I had a co!league who could sit with one and consistently unlock them o. Less than 10 min. (My best was 20 Min) with 4 digits. The TSA lock I am looking at has 3 digits. Now my colleague had lots of time to work his technique and he could break them during a meeting without anyone ware that he was fiddling with a lock. No he had no magic secret, he just had an approach to trying the combinations until it broke. Much like kids can text without looking at the keyboard on their phones. I spoke with him recently on this very subject and he told me ha has not had as TSA approved lock that he couild not open in 5 minutes. They are far from secure, despite what the kubki theater TSA wants you to believe. Note, I regularly have to carry 10ka worth of forensic computer equipment on plants that has to go in checked baggage (very large pelican cases), I have been very lucky that none of this has been stolen (most likely because the baggage handlers have no idea what the stuff is worth (can they recognize a scsi write blocker... Probvsbly not)), but I worry about it on every flight. When I can, I carry my camera equipment in my carry-on baggage, fortunately for other reasons I don't travel to any destination that may be covered by the latest govt restrictions. If I did, it would be for business, so I would just include my travel photo rif in the case with my other equipment. Always research restrictions on where you are travelling to and from and plan accordingly. Not trying to start any wars here, just stating my experience. The TSA locks are IMHO junk, and keep the honest people honest.. If yoiyoiu trust the locks, then caveat emptor

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Don't all locks keep honest people honest?

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

You don't need a lock to keep an honest person honest!

You need locks to discourage the dishonest and to get the dishonest to look for easier targets.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

The three-digit locks are sufficient enough to discourage "grab and run" thieves; they don't want to fiddle with opening locks at the scene. Of course if someone steals the entire piece of luggage, not even the most secure lock will be of much use.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Beyond that, once your checked luggage reaches baggage claim you need to make sure somebody else doesn't grab it, even inadvertently. Happened to me once, and when I went to collect my 'misappropriated' luggage he got most upset, until I quietly pointed out my name on the luggage tags...

Vigilance is a good thing.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Aside with having a hard time reading your post I have to ask what do you recommend as a better lock. My understanding, and the reason I use the TSA travel locks, is that they are the only approved locks that are acceptable by TSA. Nice of you to tell us these locks are bad but with no recommendation for better we are pretty much stuck with what we are presently using.

Dennis

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Looks to me that the OP said all approved TSA locks were poor. Maybe he could recommend the "least poor?"

katastrofa Loc: London, UK

TSA has been known to steal people's cash. Of course they will recommend that travellers use poor locks, to make stealing easier.

My attitude is, I simply won't travel to the US for leisure until it begins to treat its visitors better.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Good! We don't need any more negative people!

caddylvr

The TSA approved locks are there so the TSA can open them in case something is suspicious. If you use a lock which is not an approved TSA lock, and they have to enter the bag, they will attempt to find you to open, otherwise they cut the lock. It is safer to have the TSA lock then have none, especially if flying international. Only the TSA can open these locks properly. Of course if someone wants to get in the bag, it can be done with very little effort. There is also TSA locks with keys and TSA locks which have a card which slides to open. Better to be safe than sorry.

katastrofa Loc: London, UK

Makes me wonder why no other country makes such a fuss about it.

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

The TSA did not steal the cash. A dishonest employee did. As far as you not coming to the US, good. Stay where you are. We don't want you.

katastrofa Loc: London, UK

I know - you're banning everyone now :)

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

And you wonder why??

katastrofa Loc: London, UK

Because we don't like our luggage stolen? :)