The luggage was compromised when you purchased it. Heck, they even advertise it as a "feature." Here's a quote from Samsonite's website:
> TSA Lock - provides additional peace of mind when checking belongings, but can still be easily accessed by TSA agents in the event the case needs to be searched.
So compromised by design. So nothing has really changed, it was compromised then, it is compromised now. In either case most luggage can be opened with a ballpoint pen, by just force separating the zipper.
I myself won't waste money on a TSA lock. I want to discourage casual criminals, and I want to know if my bag was accessed, so I just purchase inexpensive zip-ties[0] in unusual colors (i.e. not white, typically orange, black, or green) and just zip tie up the bag, the TSA can cut it, but at least I'd know if they had. It is not "secure" but at least I cannot pretend it is. TSA locks can be opened without leaving any traces.
PS - Although even with a zip tie someone can open the zipper. I just assume that laziness will win out, and they'll just cut the zip tie instead.
I've done it on tens of flights, nothing bad happened yet. I've had my bag searched twice in all that time, and one of those two times I knew exactly WHY (there was a piece of camera equipment that may have looked odd under x ray, a "Giottos Rocket Blaster," they did unzip the inner-camera case, and leave a leaflet in the bag).
I do recommend if people zip tie they cut off the excess/tail so it cannot get caught in any machinery.
I've seen a lot of international frequent fliers who zip tie when they have to check bags.
> TSA Lock - provides additional peace of mind when checking belongings, but can still be easily accessed by TSA agents in the event the case needs to be searched.
So compromised by design. So nothing has really changed, it was compromised then, it is compromised now. In either case most luggage can be opened with a ballpoint pen, by just force separating the zipper.
I myself won't waste money on a TSA lock. I want to discourage casual criminals, and I want to know if my bag was accessed, so I just purchase inexpensive zip-ties[0] in unusual colors (i.e. not white, typically orange, black, or green) and just zip tie up the bag, the TSA can cut it, but at least I'd know if they had. It is not "secure" but at least I cannot pretend it is. TSA locks can be opened without leaving any traces.
PS - Although even with a zip tie someone can open the zipper. I just assume that laziness will win out, and they'll just cut the zip tie instead.
[0] $5 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6235-Assorted-Cable-200-Piece/d...