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Comments (33)
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Save/ShareA TSA inspector at a small East Coast airport has contacted us with a tip. I am choosing not to identify her because, as a TSA employee, she is not supposed to talk to the press without official permission. Plus, TSA workers do not have whistleblower protections, which other federal workers have.
It's not necessary to buy the pricey, TSA-approved locks. You don't have to buy fancy luggage locks at all. Instead, buy a pack of plastic zip-ties, or cable locks, for about $1.
Here's what our tipster says:
I see hundreds of locks and zipper pulls get broken off as they go through the conveyor belts at airport security gates. The locks fall off and land under the conveyor belts.100 count bag of zip ties, at Amazon.com for $5. Also sold at local hardware and housewares stores, typically for $2 for 100 count bags.Most locks that people use are the kind you could pick with a bobbie pin or paper clip.
Zip ties (also called cable locks) are something that we use at the airport. They are long plastic ties that lock. They can't be opened unless cut with a scissor or nail clipper, which are allowed to be packed in a carry-on bag. The ends of the plastic ties fit through the zipper pull tabs. They come in all sorts of sizes.
Use zip ties for carry-on or checked luggage. We put them on for people after checking their bags if they want them locked. I did this for a guy traveling to India today. If we have to cut a lock we zip tie it afterwards at my airport.
The zip tie is something I use for International travel myself. TSA locks are useless in other countries. I have never had a bag opened and you know if your zip lock (in your choice of color) is still there it hasn't been messed with, unlike a lock...which you can't tell if it's been opened or not.
As an aside, I will say that out of 2000 bags today maybe 40 bags were opened. If they don't alarm the X-ray machine then the bag is cleared.
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If you don't have your checked bag locked is the tsa going to lock it for you? The last time I flew my bag was personally checked and I wasn't allowed to lock it. Does it depend on what airport you are at whether you can lock you bag or not? After the horror stories I have heard about missing items after reaching your destination I feel we should be allowed to lock our bags after they are searched.
Posted By Sharon Miller on May 9, 2008, 4:20 PM
How can we know that the TSA agent(s) will once again lock with a zip tie if they cut the original one?
Posted By jguffey on May 10, 2008, 6:23 PM
I've used zip ties for several years. I fly out of Oregon and I hand extra zip ties to the TSA inspectors and ask them to re-lock the bag if they need to open it. They've always re-locked the bag.
How do I know. I use one color when I lock it (yellow) and then hand the inspectors a different color (green).
Posted By Bob Strubing on May 11, 2008, 12:08 PM
Used the TSA locks but TSA swapped locks with someone else during an inspection got home could not open lock with out a hacksaw. Ty Wraps [in color] sound like the way to go.
Posted By KonaRoger on May 12, 2008, 1:35 PM
2 weeks ago I returned from Europe, and my airport of entry was Philadelphia. Because I had a connecting flight in the US, I had to put a bottle of duty-free liquor (a gift for a friend) In my checked bag before rechecking it. I placed it carefully between clothing and wrapped it well, then I put my tsa lock back on the bag. When I arrived at my destination 2 hours later, my bag came of the carousel dripping and soaked with no lock on it. I opened it to find a tsa inspection card, my lock, and the smashed bottle of liquor on the top of the bag with only the thin nylon zipped bag top covering it. I believe that the tsa inspector was willfully negligent and just plain nasty to do this to me.
Posted By NV on May 12, 2008, 2:05 PM
I've been using zip ties for quite a few years - never had any trouble and have had them replaced by security whenever my bags have been inspected whether I have given them spares or not.
I always carry a few extra in various colors and have often given them to other travelers who need to lock their bags
Posted By squire71 on May 12, 2008, 2:05 PM
Trouble with zip ties is that you do need to cut them off and you haven't always been able to have one in your carry-on. I've locked my bags for years with a heavy-duty twist tie. The ones on your bread bag are a little to flimsy, the ones that come on electronics work well.
Posted By katieC on May 12, 2008, 2:26 PM
I, too, have used heavy twist ties on suitcases for years. The few times my bags have been opened, they have put the twisties back on--not always as securely as I did but they have always stayed non-the-less.
Posted By Vivian Dennis on May 12, 2008, 2:57 PM
I use key rings, just the ring, putting thru zipper to zipper. Don't need to cut it to get it off, and just enough hassle to keep nosy baggage handlers out of my bags.
Posted By Tom Jonas on May 12, 2008, 3:05 PM
Last yr I flew out of local airport(medium size).
The inspector cut my tie's+then told me didnt have any to relock.Luckily I had extras on me.That's when I decided to buy TSA locks for next trip.
Posted By paba on May 12, 2008, 3:45 PM
I used to use ziplocks, but the last time I did (over a year ago) they had been cut off and not replaced???? What's a traveler to do?
Posted By JacquieB on May 12, 2008, 4:58 PM
Hi,
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post comments.
The heavy-duty twist tie is also an interesting option--thanks for suggesting.--Thanks Katie!
This is a great tip (Thanks Bob!)
I use one color when I lock it (yellow) and then hand the inspectors a different color (green).
Tom's tip on using a key ring is inspired!
The TSA has the right to open any bag for inspection. There’s nothing we can do about it. But spending a lot of money on a fancy lock that won’t stop criminals may not be necessary… It depends on the traveler. Just offering a different suggestion.
Thanks also for the suggestion: Ty Wraps [in color] sound like one good, multi-colored option.
Thanks,
Sean
Blog editor
Posted By Sean on May 12, 2008, 5:58 PM
We have been using the zip ties for years and they work well. I leave a small nail clipper in an unused outside pocket of the checked case to have easy access when we reach our destination. I also take my combination locks to use on the luggage if we make a land stop for overnight and board a cruise ship the next day. I have several of the TSA locks, however, I have never used them because I fear they will be cut by some inexperienced agent.
Posted By Carol on May 12, 2008, 7:05 PM
Las Vegas McCarren airport was the culprit- lock and zipper pull gone from a suitcase. Learned a lesson and will try one of these other options. Always have liked cable ties! No fun suitcase shopping on the first day of your vacation.
Posted By Jackie on May 12, 2008, 7:32 PM
Ummmm.... but what's the point of locking using the zip-tie if anyone can just cut it?
Posted By Erwin on May 12, 2008, 7:33 PM
I've been using the TSA locks for a while now and haven't had a problem, except that the combo locks are quite big and sometimes get a little bent.
I like the ideas of the cable locks and the key ring...will try that in the future. But the note from the tipster that we are allowed to carry on scissors and nail clippers, is not necessarily true. I think some airport security still request that ALL sharp objects be packed. But I guess you can always use the scissors in the sewing kit found at the hotel - if you're staying at a hotel that provides amenities..!
Posted By Clare on May 12, 2008, 7:54 PM
I have had several instances lately where items have been stolen from my nylon zippered bags, I'm assuming from the zipper being stabbed with a pen and opened up. The zipper can then be "healed" by running the locked together zipper pulls around the bag. Does anyone have any solutions for this problem?
Posted By Lesley on May 12, 2008, 10:17 PM
my whole worry is, how can you guarantee that the airport baggage handlers or inspectors will put ANY kind of lock back on your luggage? Aren't they too busy with thousands of pieces of luggage to bother with locking my suitcase back up for me?
Posted By dina barton on May 13, 2008, 12:12 AM
The simplest solution of all is to not lock bags at all and not check bags. I haven't locked bags in years, since my locked bags in Miami and Detroit came off the carousel opened with the locks missing and the contents rifled. I'm sure it was an "honest" mistake when my bikini top revolved around at Houston Intercontinental. As onebag.com says, there are two kinds of bags, carryon and lost. So now I plan ahead, don't over pack and manage to carryon most of the time, even for international trips. If I can't cram enough toiletry liquids in the quart ziplock bag, I buy when I get there.
Posted By Patty K on May 13, 2008, 12:15 AM
No.... I don't question the right of TSA to open my bags....just wonder if I use twist ties how I can ensure they're 'tied' again with new ones after they've been cut.....my husband and I use "TSA approved" locks with the same four digit combo on all that we may be traveling with....so we can remind one another of the combo if one of us were to forget
Posted By Judy Guffey on May 13, 2008, 1:48 PM
Hi, Judy,
It sounds like the TSA approved locks are the best solution for you and your husband!
I think it depends on the traveler.
Thank you for sharing your tip with other readers!
Regards,
Sean
Blog editor
Posted By Sean on May 13, 2008, 1:48 PM
Wrap the tie through a couple of times and make sure you tuck the ends in, so the baggage handler doesn't get "poked".
It will also work on a daypack or purse.
Posted By Katie on May 13, 2008, 4:33 PM
I'll use the zip ties from now on. Before a trip to Europe bought several TSA locks...one was gone upon arrival, sheet inside said the bag had been checked. They're too pricey to keep replacing them.
Posted By Jo on May 14, 2008, 7:39 PM
I've used the zip ties for both domestic and international and so far haven't had any issues. I, too, use different colors. Learned my lesson a few years back when my new suitcase that had the kind of lock you lay the two zipper pulls in and they snap locked. Well, when I pulled my bag off the conveyer, there it was with the zippers destroyed, never to be used again. I could get new zipper pulls, but will not ever use that lock again!
And to answer the reply above: all the airports handle this differently. I believe it all depends on how good a day the TSA agent is having as to whether or not your bag is handled adequately.
Posted By Elaine on May 15, 2008, 2:27 PM
Zip ties are easy to open-just insert something like the tip of a pointed nail file in the outer opening and press enough to release the catch piece!
Posted By Thomas Crockett on May 16, 2008, 10:34 AM
Great idea but how do you get the zip tie off once you get to your destination? I had this happen to me and the hotel did not have a scissor available, the restaurant was closed and I was stuck with a locked bag until morning!
Posted By Marcia on May 18, 2008, 4:03 PM
I've used REMOVABLE cable ties for years. They work great on backpacks, too, to eliminate pickpocketing. Also a good way to secure the bag to a chair, reducing the grab and run theft exposure. TIP: use removable cable ties, no cutting required. Yes someone with bad intentions can open them, but the idea is to discourage and delay the opportunity for easy pickings. Happy travels..
Posted By sometime traveler on May 18, 2008, 7:53 PM
I've been reluctant to use ties because of reports about things being stolen from luggage. On a recent trip from Indianapolis to Portland, someone cut off my bag's lock. If it was TSA, they did not put their paper notice inside my bag. Fortunately nothing was stolen, but then I didn't put anything valuable inside my bag. A recent letter to the editor in our local paper reported that after the TSA gets done, luggage handlers have access to the bags and they can steal anything they want. This person had a camera stolen from her bag.
Posted By SandyP on May 28, 2008, 10:37 PM
My thought is that you should not pack anything in your checked luggage that you cannot live without. I remember hearing about a couple that had their honeymoon photos printed at their destination(before digital) and packed the prints and negatives in their checked bag- it got lost. Why not just put those special items in your carry-on?
Posted By Sheryl on May 29, 2008, 8:23 PM
The last three times I've flown with checked baggage, TSA has removed my TSA approved locks and not put them back. Not only are they too expensive to keep replacing, but then I can't secure my luggage at my destination either.
In addition, I have lost a bottle of rum and an expensive bottle of wine to sticky TSA fingers. (I couldn't carry them on, since that isn't allowed)
I'm going back to the ties (and keeping a lock with me for securing my bag in my hotel).
Posted By John on June 22, 2008, 1:52 AM
I have traveled internationally many times. Most recently I have used the zip ties and I can say that they seem to work fairly well.
We have it relatively well in the continental US. The TSA authorities do their job fairly well. However, once you get into many countries around the world it is another story. I like to use locks for the other countries that I am in. Even then you may lose your lock. A little semblance of security is better than none. My philosophy is to use locks where I can and have the handy zip ties avalable for a backup.
Posted By DJ on July 3, 2008, 12:26 AM
I was happy to find this post. I am almost ready to put in a production a new luggage - backpack. Not for hiking for long-term travel. I have been perpetually traveling now for over 10 years and 77 countries. I use these wire ties.
On the new bag there will be a holding pouch to hole the ties and a pair of fingernail clipper to help you open the bag upon arrival.
Posted By Andy of HoboTraveler.com on August 13, 2008, 3:06 AM
The problem with zip ties is that they are not very tamper-evident, and crooks can replace them with their own zip tie (they all look the same?) and you won't notice a difference.
Google for:
"security seal" tamper-evident
There are many kinds of security seals. Some cost more than TSA locks. You may want a plastic one for use with luggage.
Do not "help" by giving your unused security seals to other persons, ESPECIALLY if they have the same serial number than in some of your own security seals.
Posted By Sami Finland on August 16, 2008, 4:25 PM