V-Flyer

TSA this - Tsa That - What exactly is a TSA approved lock anyway -

ermm

are you asking what the acronym TSA stands for?

are you asking what "approved" means?

are you asking what a lock is?

are you aware of Google?

are you aware of the answer ?
are you aware its rude to answer like that?
are you aware its a simple question and if you dont know the answer dont answer?

TSA lock: http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/store/customer/product.php?productid=21445

Thanks Sheep - Cheers

John Lewis sell them too.

Keith - I thought we had a deal????

You told me that you would do a search before you asked a question in future - and if you had done so then you would have found out a great deal of information about the TSA, about locks and whole load of other interesting stuff!!

But no - you posted a question before searching ( or even using Google or Yahoo??

If you search and then cannot find the answer then fair enough, post away - that's what this board is for.

If everyone just posted away then the board would get so full of duplication - bear in mind that new people join all the time and they use the search facility - you need to try a bit harder and use it too!

Its HERE if you need it!!
[y]

Is the US the only country where the need to leave bags unlocked for outbound flights? I've got a couple of TSA lockable straps, and was just if the US is unique in this requirement for bags?

Thanks.

Originally posted by Decker
ermm

are you asking what the acronym TSA stands for?

are you asking what "approved" means?

are you asking what a lock is?

are you aware of Google?

Is everything alright with you today Decker? [:?]

Has someone stolen your AmEx number AND V-Flyer password? [8D]

This was a little grouchier than usual for which I apologise. The forum FAQs are however very explicit in requesting that people search before posting.

Originally posted by cshore
John Lewis sell them too.

I use a company called Tamperseal.

They ship direct from the U.S.A. in under a week, at a fraction of the cost of buying here.

http://www.tamperseal.com

I thought this thread might have potential for err...diversifying;)

VS.

Just to save anyone else having to go to the infinite bother of following one of the links in this thread, let along google, a TSA can be defined as follows (Taken from Wikipedantica)

"A lock used to secure luggage. It is differentiated from other types of luggage lock in that it has a special moulding that allows Security Staff to get a really good grip with their crow bar, and thus make a mighty meal of tearing the latch of your luggage right off your suitcase. They are yellow."

"A lock used to secure luggage. It is differentiated from other types of luggage lock in that it has a special moulding that allows Security Staff to get a really good grip with their crow bar, and thus make a mighty meal of tearing the latch of your luggage right off your suitcase. They are yellow."

LMAO[^]

...and apparently have a sign insturcting said holder of crowbar to pay no respect whatsoever to contents[}:)]

VS.

I think the Tamperseal padlocks are designed to be more of a visual deterrent than a physical obstruction to entry, given you can practically twist them off with your bare hands! Yes I own four although one is now worse than useless having undergone the aforementioned treatment.

TSA staff do not always have the necessary keys available or, come to think of it, the inclination to bother with the approach buyers of TSA locks believed they were trained to take when encountering a so called "TSA Approved" lock.

The "Search" facility is there for the benefit of us all, pity it is so under used.

Actually, to be fair, I've had some trouble trying to use the search facility lately.

VS.

Just a FYI: if you buy TSA locks, keep the package and the receipt in a safe place. If you get a brain-challenged TSA worker (most of them, alas) and they blast your lock to bits instead of using the provided key, KEEP THE BROKEN LOCK and the TSA note!

I have Prestolock TSA Search Alerts (combination) and PacSafe TSA key locks. Both manufacturers cover full replacement if TSA destroys them while removing them. Most of the lock providers do - but only if you keep the lock and the paperwork. Some require more info, like a note from your airline baggage claim department, so read the regs on the package before you leave for your trip.

Search Alerts are nice, they have a little green indicator which goes red if the TSA key is used to unlock it. Stay with a known brand, even if they cost more - there are lots of manufacturers out there, and it's worth the extra money for the better construction.

One last caveat - if your bag is close to the weight limit, weigh it at home AFTER putting the locks on! TSA locks are heavy critters. One of my bags takes 4 of them, and they add more than a half kilo to it.

Put a lock on your bags - theft happens! Just make sure TSA can open them... or else you know what will happen! [:(]

Mine are the Tamperseal Search Alerts and, in the main we have been very pleased with them. The damaged one had its shackle bent, forcing the two halves of the body apart a little. I don't think it was the TSA because there was no note in the case - fortunately nothing was stolen, it is possible that the damage may have occurred during handling.

Tamperseal do offer a Life Time guarantee, but given the cost of shipping it back against the cost of a replacement set, I have not bothered, we still have three serviceable ones.

Shortly after the TSA approved locks were introduced not all the TSA staff were aware of them and there was a shortage of available keys at security. Now because the locks have become so popular, TSA are much more switched on and there should be no need for them to break an approved lock in order to examine a locked bag.

Originally posted by VS045
Actually, to be fair, I've had some trouble trying to use the search facility lately.

VS.

I've tried using the search facility lately and found it difficult to get results. Probably just me being thick.[:I]

Martin.

Nope searches on anything other than title frequently time out 'cos SQL databases aren't suited to free text searches - all that 3NF don't you know . Searches restricted to title nearly always work and searches restricted by author or forum stand more chance of not failing. If worst comes to worst I frequently use Google with a site:v-flyer.com modifier.

Originally posted by Decker
... all that 3NF don't you know .

Spare me Decker.....I don't expect to come to V-Flyer and be reminded of BCNF and endless lectures on Relational Database theory. [:$]

Spare me Decker.....I don't expect to come to V-Flyer and be reminded of BCNF and endless lectures on Relational Database theory.

Now you have lost me,:D

Originally posted by jaguarpig

Spare me Decker.....I don't expect to come to V-Flyer and be reminded of BCNF and endless lectures on Relational Database theory.

Now you have lost me,:D

Oh I'm so glad I'm not the only fool here JP(commonly labelled in his household as ID-10T syndrome).Technology and it's variants has passed me by (admittedly, I have resisted greatly).Bores me to death...Probably explains why I still like using cash (and cheques. Remember them??).I do try the search function but do struggle sometimes .Apologies in advance for the (numerous) dimwit questions.
Ps Blame the school I was incacerated in.Sorry I mean was sent to [}:)] (and no it wasn't one APPROVED by Her Majesty).
I can't cook, type, or do anything else vaguely useful. I can however spend somewhat purposefully:D:D so just console myself that I'm doing something for the economy (apart from paying copious ammounts of tax in one guise or another).

The idea behind the TSA locks was good, however bear in mind the only advantage to having the TSA locks is that the TSA (hopefully) have a key to open the case if necesaary. They provide very little in the way of security for your belongings, in fact less so as many baggage handlers etc now have keys that open them as well! Just saves them the hassle of breaking the lock!

How do you lock your case if it is of the type that doesn't have a padlock?

TSA locking luggage straps.