Pointless Locks
Friday, June 25, 2004
Section:
Tidbits
There is almost no point in locking up any of your baggages when travelling by air these days. Any locks on checked baggages will most likely be broken by the TSA (Transportation Security Agency) agents for inspection. Many lock manufacturers are beginning to make locks that can be opened by TSA agents without breaking them. These TSA agents are given a special set of tools and master keys to open these TSA accepted baggage locks.
Well, the point of locking the checked baggages in the first place is to keep any airport personnel from rummaging through your stuff. With so many TSA agents circulating in airports these days, what is to prevent foul thinking non-TSA agents from getting a set of these special tools and keys to open the locks. Can we really trust all the TSA agents? So far, 9 out of 10 TSA agents I had to face were, for the lack of a better word, assholes!
Furthermore, TSA says, "TSA also has the ability to open luggage from some other luggage and/or lock manufacturers not listed above, although time pressures may require screeners to cut these locks rather than open them because there are many manufacturers, each using multiple master keys. It is very important to TSA that your baggage makes it onto your plane, and we will do everything possible to balance that need with security and customer service considerations. Screeners will always strive to open a bag, if required, without breaking the lock."
Personally, I do not see the point locking up the luggage or putting anything valuable within a checked baggage. The lock can still be opened and broken which defeats the whole purpose of keeping your things secure or stolen in the first place. Let's face it. We put locks on luggages to prevent any airport staff from stealing our precious items. If these locks can still be opened and broken without any notice at any given time, why bother?
Here's a list of TSA certified locks