Posts Tagged tsa locks
Safe Skies TSA-approved Security Locks
Safe Skies TSA-approved luggage locks
Checking bags when traveling these days is daunting enough with strict weight limits, hefty fees including overweight surcharges, and the need to drag your bags to TSA security checks at some airports. The concern of baggage theft hardly enters the mind of most travelers considering all of the other burdens they must endure. Still, there are plentiful choices for bag locks if one must check their bag.
Many, however, will end up broken because TSA (an acronym that many Americans think stands for Thousands Standing Around instead of Transportation Security Administration) must open it to “take a look.” Other airport or airline employees may feel the same way. The Safe Skies Security Lock prevents that concern since these locks are approved by the TSA yet are unaccessible to anyone else insuring the security of your valuable checked items.
The TSA has received the proper training on how to access baggage with these locks. They also are instructed how to lock them after accessing baggage if the need for further security checks arise.
The Safe Skies locks come with easy-to-understand instructions on how to lock and unlock them. A special TSA-approved cable lock provides added security while still allowing security officials access to your bag. While this does prevent theft from outside intruders, there have been reports of TSA officials also stealing from baggage, which causes alarm. Still, these locks are your best bet in preventing theft from your checked baggage.
They are approved for use domestically.
Certain Safe Skies locks come with the added feature of glow in the dark locks, perfect for those early morning airport runs before the sun rises or late night arrivals.
I tested these locks on the one occasion where I did have to check a bag, and I found them easy to use and lightweight. My concern was that they would add extra pounds to my bag, which they did not. Safe Skies even guarantees that if the TSA clips or breaks the lock that it will be replaced free of charge!
This is clearly the go-to baggage lock for domestic travelers who want the assurance that their baggage will remain safe, but also who must comply with the draconian procedures imposed by the TSA. This lock makes a great stocking stuffer and can be purchased at www.SafeSkiesLocks.com.
Posted by Ramsey in Travel Light on November 14th, 2011
Word-Lock Luggage Lock
I can’t think of one instance when I’ve used a combination lock to secure my checked luggage. Maybe when I was 20 and backpacking through Europe; I vaguely recall using a big ol’ school-locker lock to keep safe my backpack in various hostels. But, frankly, I figure that if someone really wants the stuff out of my suitcase, they’re going to get it whether the zippers are locked shut or not.
That said, you do hear some crazy tales about items being stolen out of checked baggage. So if you do feel like you’re checked valuables would be more secure with a lock, you might consider the easy-to-set combination lock from WordLock.
I like the idea behind this lock since four-letter words are so much easier to remember than four-number combinations. The instructions to set the combination are easy to follow. In fact, my 7-year-old (with the help of his 9-year-old sister) figured out how to change the combo I set (R-O-C-K) to D-O-R-K.
In case you can’t come up with your own clever four-letter combination, a list of different options comes with the lock instructions. Each dial has 10 different letters on it; not all 26 are available, so you are somewhat limited. (Even so, there are 10,000 possibilities.)
The lock is recognized by the TSA, and inspectors can use a universal key to open it if they need to inspect your luggage by hand — no bolt cutters necessary. (Note, however, that sometimes it’s the TSA inspectors doing the stealing.)
My advice: If an item is really valuable, put it in your carry-on luggage.
WordLocks are available at many big-box retailers; plug in your zip code here to find one near you. Or purchase online at Amazon.com for under $10. The lock makes a nice travel gift or stocking stuffer.
Posted by Kara in General Gear on December 18th, 2009
