In Reply to: The best padlock to get for luggage posted by suzy on Wednesday, 27. April 2005 at 17:29 Bali Time:
He is a copy of a post from Maverick.
I asked him a few weeks ago about locks, and gave me the following information.
Hi there Kermy,
What you say is spot on with respect to locks if they are not TSA approved. However, with the correct lock TSA is able to open any lock with a special keyand you will be aware of this as the colour cde on the actual lock will indicate red. This will also happen if an illegal key has been used. In the event that the lock has been busted the damage will be obvious. For all of those who have expressed concern about resetting after the lock has been opened resetting is very simple. You simply follow some simple directions, basically just reopen, do a simple move with the actual locking section and relock. The combination can be changed at any time you like. If your case has been opened by TSA for inspection there should also be a note left in your case advising that they have looked. All of this is written down on a small set of instructions, about a quarter the size of the old dollar note, that can easily be carried in a wallet or purse.
I have two of the SearchAlert (it is one word) put out by Prestlock of CCL Security products. It also carries a small logo with the words TRAVEL SENTRY CERTIFIED. They came from Strand bags and cost AUD$21.95 before any discounts. More info on travel and security in the states can be found at www.tsa.gov/ .
Hope that this has been of some help to you. Have fun in the States. We are off there next month for a few weeks after a military reunion in Alabama.
Cheers
Maverick