After the well-known terrorist attacks of 2001 the American transport security service TSA (Transportation Security Administration) practices mandatory 100% screening of luggage, and, if necessary, its inspection, without notifying the passengers-owners of the luggage. All baggage arriving or departing from the United States, as well as those that move within the country, are subject to control.
TSA agents have the right to search any suitcase or bag they think is suspicious. If they cannot find the key to the lock, they simply cut it off, without bearing any responsibility for damaging the lock or luggage. The passenger will learn about the fact of inspection upon arrival, seeing a neatly (or not very) cut lock. Inside there will be a piece of paper in which it is written that the luggage has been examined and everything is in order. How good! Now you know that everything is in order in your suitcase. Did you doubt it before?!
The TSA representatives themselves suggest not locking luggage in order to avoid damage during opening. Which is what many law-abiding US citizens do. That is why very often the luggage of American manufacturers does not have a built-in combination lock. Recently, information has appeared that similar requirements will be introduced in the European Union.
Of course, passengers do not like to check in an unclosed suitcase or bag. Because no one promises the safety of things at the same time. And even if they disappear, you will not find traces of hacking.
Better protection for your luggage — lock with TSA
Everything was decided and thought out for us by the large luggage manufacturers who invented the lock, which is now called the "TSA lock". It differs from an ordinary lock in that it has a larva for a special universal key, which is "in service" customs and security services. If your lock is a combination lock, the code does not, of course, change when you open it.
All locks from well-known luggage manufacturers, such as Samsonite, Roncato, American Tourister, Delsey and others, are certified by the Transport Association and are equipped with a special red diamond badge.
At the moment, not only expensive series of trolley suitcases, but also budget ones, are equipped with such locks. But you can also purchase TSA padlocks separately and hang them on your favorite suitcase or bag.
Attention! Several of our clients have tampered with the TSA lock, such as inserting matches into the grub, "For there is no need to dig into my suitcase!" But the insidious security officers of Western airports simply bit the zippers with wire cutters and inspected the luggage without the knowledge of passengers. Please don't do that!
We wish you brilliant travels around the world!
