TSA Locks out of the US

[Kelly]

What's the deal with TSA locks and airports/security out of the country? Will security at European airports be able to open my locks if need be? Do other countries have as strict of regulations as the US?

[WillTravel]

Other countries have varying regulations, but many are strict in different ways than the US. I'd check with your airline. Plus take a look at the forums at Flyertalk.com - that's the best place to get up-to-date info on any aspect of aviation.

I know in some places, it is recommended you lock your luggage, to prevent the scenario of a rogue baggage handler sticking dope or explosives in it. Also, in some places they are not supposed to search your luggage without you being present. But I can't say for sure where or when with these.

[Eagle]

Kelly, I'm not absolutely sure whether European security agencies are also able to open TSA Locks, but if I had to make an "educated guess" I believe they are able to open the Locks. It wouldn't be logical for U.S. security screeners to be able to open the TSA Locks with a special tool, while their counterparts in Europe would only be able to cut the Locks off. It's quite probable that many of the security regulations are being "harmonized", given that the planes travel between the two jurisdictions.

From what I know, the regulations in some countries (Israel is a good example) are more strict than in the U.S. If you're planning on buying TSA-approved Locks, you might consider the models that have the small "flag" that shows if they've been opened.

The scenario mentioned by WillTravel is certainly something to consider. An Australian girl was sent to prison in Thailand or somewhere in that part of the world several months ago, after drugs were found in her luggage. She maintained the drugs were "planted" by a baggage handler but the Courts weren't convinced of that, hence the conviction.

Happy travels!!!

[Kelly]

Thanks! I guess I should just ask at the ticket counters before I check my bags. It doesn't really bother me not to lock the bags on the planes as I'll have all my valuables with me (although that story about the Australian thrown into jail is scary, I think it was in Indonesia actually). I was just curious since I just bought a set of locks last week.

[rissama]

so they don't break the locks off in Europe or the U.S.?

[Eagle]

rissama, any airport security screeners WILL break or cut Locks, if they decide to screen someone's luggage. However, if the traveller is using TSA-approved Locks, these can be opened using a special tool so breaking the lock is not necessary. Some of the TSA locks now on the market also have a small "flag" which indicates if the lock was opened.

Hope this helps? Cheers!

[freshsprout]

Upon my way flying back and forth between UK, France and Germany, I used 2-3 TSA locks on my backpack. Good to say, the agents/screeners didn't break or cut them - although I noticed sometimes they would clip the locks back in the most fastest way (meaning it may not secure your bag). But.. I guess that's better than breaking them. If you have time, when you hand your baggage to the TSA screeners, I would point out the locks to them and usually they're a lot more willing to assist.

[pointofnoreturn]

I used locks on my bags but they weren't TSA-approved. They were just old ones that my grandad gave me. Never had them cut off so I was one of the lucky ones I guess!