Luggage with zipper or TSA lock is not secure

LZDBro — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 11:21:59 +0800

QUOTE

SKIP THE TSA-APPROVED LOCKS
Many frequent-flyers use TSA-approved locks on their luggage, based on the logic that a locked bag will look more difficult to access, thus deterring opportunistic criminals. While it’s true that locks may be an effective deterrent in some cases, these TSA locks are notoriously easy to defeat.

In fact, schematics for a complete set of working TSA master keys is available for free on the internet. Anyone with access to a 3D printer can easily produce a set of keys that will open any TSA lock immediately. Here’s some proof (we blurred the key patterns to discourage illegal use).

Beyond this gaping security flaw, TSA-approved locks certainly won’t prevent theft by TSA employees, who are authorized to use the keys to search your luggage. In reality, these locks are barely more effective than cinching your zipper pulls together with a plastic zip-tie.

Most importantly, it won’t matter which lock you put on your suitcase if you don’t consider our next point.

AVOID LUGGAGE WITH ZIPPERS

Remember the proverb, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We often put too much faith in locks, when the hardware that surrounds those locks may well be the proverbial weakest link.

The following video from lockpicking expert BosnianBill shows that locks on zippered suitcases are easy to bypass, but not in the way you might expect. In this case, the best padlocks on the market will be just as easy to defeat as a cheap TSA-approved combo lock.

[YOUTUBE]tbpKhHwwtiY[/YOUTUBE]

As you can see, it’s easy for a dishonest baggage handler to pop open the zipper, rifle through your belongings, and return the zipper to its original position. It’s not even necessary to touch the lock.

BosnianBill’s recommended alternative is a hard-sided clamshell case with dual hasps, such as a Pelican case. This is the same type you might use to carry a firearm, so it’s doubly useful for that purpose.

Assuming the locks are not easily-defeated and the case isn’t flexible enough to be pried open, the lack of zippers ensures the only ways to gain entry involve a saw or bolt cutters. Therefore it’s much less likely that a baggage handler or other non-TSA individual will be able to stealthily break into your luggage.

Remember that it is legal to lock your checked suitcases with non-TSA locks, even if they don’t contain a firearm as mentioned above. However, if TSA needs to open your bag during screening and you’re not present with the key, they will cut the lock. The TSA’s site states, “if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open it through other means, then the locks may have to be cut… TSA is careful to not damage any personal belongings, however, we are not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.”

So, you should be prepared to replace the locks on your luggage if this occurs. While this may become costly if your luggage is frequently searched, it still ensures only personnel with bolt cutters or large power tools will be able to access your valuables — and that decreases the likelihood of opportunistic criminals tampering with your suitcase elsewhere along the line.

https://www.offgridweb.com/preparation/trav...at-the-airport/

Since TSA master keys have been leaked a few years ago, why 90% of luggage being sold on the market still use TSA lock?
Even those expansive branded metal body non zipper luggage still using builtin TSA lock. It costs so much to build a secured luggage body but they use a compromised TSA lock?

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Luggage with zipper or TSA lock is not secure