Do they open suitcases to search ?

[tspill]

It all seems a lot of hassle when TSA locks cost a couple of pounds and last for years.

[Sweetie Babes]

Originally Posted by tspill

It all seems a lot of hassle when TSA locks cost a couple of pounds and last for years.

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Until the lazy beggars just cut them off and discard them. I used to have 5 TSA locks. I now only have 3.

[Bellasmummy]

We've always used the cheap locks that came with our cases, wasn't worried about them cutting them off as we used them just to make sure the cases stayed shut.

We've bought new Tripp cases this year though with the integrated tsa combination locks.

Is it best to leave them unlocked? Wouldn't want the locks busted just because someone to too lazy to use the tool to open it.

[tspill]

Originally Posted by Sweetie Babes

Until the lazy beggars just cut them off and discard them. I used to have 5 TSA locks. I now only have 3.

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They can cut cable ties and anything else off as well. And yes, I have had them cut mine - once in about 25 trips - and it was only at the start when they introduce these locks. Haven't had a problem since - for under a tenner.

[Sweetie Babes]

Originally Posted by tspill

They can cut cable ties and anything else off as well. And yes, I have had them cut mine - once in about 25 trips - and it was only at the start when they introduce these locks. Haven't had a problem since - for under a tenner.

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I don't use cable ties. I just leave them unlocked now.

What pigged me off was my first 2 TSA were actually over £3 each. I then bought a pack of 3 from Walmart for $5.99 back in 2008 - the year that $6 was only £3. The locks were quite pricy when they first came out.

[Kazorina]

We returned just recently with 3 out of 5 bags searched, I think it was all the pancake syrup I had!
Anyway they snipped off my TSA lock and taped it to the letter to say they'd searched the bag Would have taken less time to open it properly!

[Unexpectedpenny]

Originally Posted by Yordaman

What's the experience with simple straps? We've been given some simple 'clip together' ones for our trip (with our family name on) which we are going to use more for identification than security. Do the TSA people take the trouble to unclip and re-clip these when they search the case?

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Our suitcases have a strap and TSA lock. Always have at least one searched and they've always re locked and put the strap back on.
Ours were both searched on our flight back last week and had the lock/strap put back on.

I'm sure it just depends who you get and how much of a rush they are in as to how it's done!

[lilo82]

our suitcases are always searched always a note in there as well.

[bighal]

Originally Posted by Wembleygal

I have used TSA locks for years. My cases get opened all of the time (and I get the little note at the top of the case). My insurance states that I have to lock my case.

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Most insurance probably states the same (or words to that effect) but most people don't bother which won't be a problem until they need to make a claim.

[wombat girl]

I tie my zips together with thin elastic - not for it being searched but just to keep them together and don't open up during transit.

They could be cut off or untied.

I never put anything in the hold that I can't afford to loose.