{"id":2223,"date":"2017-11-18T09:47:44","date_gmt":"2017-11-18T15:17:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.journohq.com\/blog\/?p=2223"},"modified":"2020-03-24T05:31:56","modified_gmt":"2020-03-24T11:01:56","slug":"how-safe-are-luggage-locks-plus-6-checked-bag-commandments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.journohq.com\/blog\/how-safe-are-luggage-locks-plus-6-checked-bag-commandments\/","title":{"rendered":"How Safe Are Luggage Locks? Plus 6 Checked Bag Commandments"},"content":{"rendered":"

 \"luggage<\/h2>\n

First thing first.<\/h2>\n

Using a TSA\/CATSA luggage lock while traveling from, through or to the USA or Canada is not mandatory.<\/p>\n

You can actually use any lock at all. BUT if your checked bag needs further inspection, and it\u2019s not openable with the master key for the approved locks, it will get snipped. So if your gonna use one, make sure you pick one that has that \u201caccreditation\u201d.<\/p>\n

But before you do, some further information on the matter.<\/p>\n

\"TSA
@Johnny Xmas\u200f<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2014 the Washington Post released an article that included high-resolution photos of these TSA master keys. It was a major oversight that was quickly realized and the images were pulled.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, it was enough time and visual information for 3D printer plans for the master keys to circulate. Making it possible for anyone with a 3D printer technology to whip up a set and run their own \u2019inspections\u2019.<\/p>\n

Strike 1 against safety\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

In fact, let\u2019s get this question out of the way right now.<\/h2>\n

Luggage locks are a small step above no lock at all.<\/p>\n

This is probably not shocking news as we\u2019ve all seen what a luggage lock look like. How impenetrable can those tiny shackles be? They can\u2019t be hard to pick or discretely snip with wire cutters to a seasoned thief\u2026<\/p>\n

Forget the lock. It\u2019s not even a part of the equation. Let me explain with a video demonstration:<\/p>\n