The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Fit TSA compliant combination locks to your suitcase, so the TSA can open and inspect without cutting the lock off.
I had a lock cut off about 6 years ago and since using the TSA locks they have not opened my case, they leave a letter when they do. A few people leaving Vegas early had their bags checked after Shot.

Everything firearms related in checked baggage only.

Ah yes, the old "We've been in your luggage and had a good rummage through your underwear" leaflet
Had a few of those, also had several TSA approved locks go missing as well

I always pack my filthiest stuff right on top for them to enjoy and pack any small items in filthy cargo pants pockets.

Might be bit late to get TSA approved locks this side of the pond as my flight leaves on Friday. Can I get them at the airport Stateside?

I have heard of them but wondered whether it's worth the bother locking my soft luggage. If any member of the TSA can access them with a master key then any wrong 'un among them can simply open my luggage at will, help themselves, then close it again. Anyone else would just slit it open with a knife. Locking it just flags up that I have something worth stealing. I thought I'd just bury everything under a few pairs of my semen-shattered underpants as a deterrent. :)

Amazon have them.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TSA-Luggage-Pa ... =tsa+locks

You can open any zipped suitcase with a pen, they're far from secure.

The TSA lock is just you playing the game and they, possibly, see it as you having nothing to hide.

I keep the locks on to stop the zips from moving during handling and possibly coming open.

The designs for 3d printing your own copies of the TSA master keys for most of the locks are available online since the TSA allowed the keys to be photographed:
https://3dprint.com/143860/tsa-master-k ... ked-again/

I could just put an ordinary small cable tie on the zipper to hold it in place. I'm guessing criminals already have access to the master key as these locks have basically pandered to criminals by creating a back door. And as above - a knife or a pen to force the zipper renders my luggage no more secure than an open sack.

I did the zip tie, but then my knife or multitool for cutting the zip tie off was inside the bag!

As already said, you can open a zip with a pen/pencil then rezip it and you would be none the wiser. A TSA padlock stops the zip coming undone in transit, nothing else. used zip ties before but if inspected they won't bother using new ties so can come unzipped.
I have the combination TSA padlocks so don't have to worry about keys (padlock has keyhole on bottom for the TSA) They're available at all airports or Boots etc. Few years ago I put several packets of Pool Shock (chlorine) in pockets of my golf bag. They must of shown up on the scan as they opened it for inspection, bet they were disappointed not to find it to be drugs .