SimpliFLY is something the American Transportation Security Administration wants us to do. This morning my wife arrived back from Newark, NJ. After a coffee, she went to move her luggage from the hall. "Oh, I've forgotten the lock. I must have been too tired! Oh, well." She then opened her suitcase. Inside was a message from the TSA.
NOTICE OF BAGGAGE INSPECTION
(part of the message)
If the TSA security officer was unable to open your bag for inspection because it was locked, the officer may have been forced to break the locks on your bag. TSA sincerely regrets having to do this, however TSA is not liable for damage to your locks resulting from this necessary security precaution.For packing tips and suggestions on how to secure your baggage during your next trip, please visit: http://www.tsa.gov/
(part of the message)
If the TSA security officer was unable to open your bag for inspection because it was locked, the officer may have been forced to break the locks on your bag. TSA sincerely regrets having to do this, however TSA is not liable for damage to your locks resulting from this necessary security precaution.For packing tips and suggestions on how to secure your baggage during your next trip, please visit: http://www.tsa.gov/
All very fine as it stands. Now I don't have a problem with all this security. Neither does my wife. I've looked at the TSA website and they all seem like decent folk trying to do an honest job in difficult and demanding circumstances. But this lock business - I was puzzled. If by travelling to the USA your bags are likely to be opened by force, what is the point of locking them? Also, if bags are not locked, are we safeguarded from lightfingered opportunists whilst our bags are in transit? I would think not. Down to insurance, then?
The only piece I could find on the TSA website that refers to "secure your baggage" is this. A statement of Charlotte Bryan, Acting Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management, TSA. In it she says, "TSA's public website (http://www.tsa.gov/) provides travelers with tips on packing for air travel, including a recommendation to use a TSA recognized lock if the traveler wishes to lock their checked baggage." I noticed the reference to wishes. If we don't wish to lock our bags are we being a bit naive? I then put "TSA recognized lock" in their search box and got to this page.
TSA Recognized Baggage Locks! Now, I've got the picture. Get yourself one of these, and the highly trained lockpickers can get at your stuff without busting the thing. Great. Both sides win! But what of the light-fingered brigade? Ms Bryan is less comforting on this. She reveals -
Theft from passengers is a problem that affects all key players in the aviation industry, and unfortunately, TSA is not immune. Our policy regarding theft is to take action to deter it, and react aggressively when we become aware of it. Our Transportation Security Officers are held to the highest professional and ethical standards. As a result, we have a zero-tolerance policy for theft in the workplace. Allegations of misconduct are aggressively investigated, and when infractions are discovered, offenders are swiftly removed from the agency's employment. Since August 2002, 87 TSOs have been removed from employment for theft from passengers' checked or carry-on baggage.
So! The TSA checks bags, can break unrecognised locks, doesn't have total faith in humanity (that part that comes closest to baggage!), and suggests buying a pickable lock (in the jargon - by special secured tools!). I've found where to get one!
I think the message for my wife on her next trip is - "get yourself a TSA Recognized Baggage Lock!". The message for the TSA is - "Please make the website less of a web and more of a site!".
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