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TSA-Approved Locks

I READ WITH amazement the statement by U.S. Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman Amy Von Walter [Coming and Going, Sept. 10]: "I'm not aware of instances where the bags, rather than the locks, were cut." I have had TSA locks cut (albeit during the earlier days of their availability), a difficult-to-find luggage strap either taken or cut and discarded (it disappeared en route), and most recently a duffel bag zipper cut off, thus rendering the bag unlockable.

TSA is definitely aware of all three incidents because I submitted claims and was reimbursed for all three damages/losses. Van Walter undermines TSA credibility if she continues to deny what many travelers have experienced personally.

Susan Jakubiak, Potomac

SECURITY SCREENERS at many foreign airports do not have the TSA passkeys, and it is much easier to cut through the zipper pulls than the steel lock hasp. Please advise your readers that the use of TSA-approved locks abroad is risky.

Henry Gabelnick, Bethesda

EVEN THOUGH I have TSA locks, my zipper pull was cut. I didn't even think to submit a claim. It is irritating to know that the TSA feels it is okay to damage someone else's belongings.

My favorite story was the time I returned from India. The airport there had a plastic wrap machine at the gate, and I figured the best way to ensure the security of my bag's contents was to wrap it. I picked up my luggage at customs in Chicago, and as I dropped it back off to send it the rest of the way to D.C., I asked the TSA staff if it would be okay to leave the plastic wrap on or if they were going to take it off. I mentioned that I would be happy to take it off myself. I got a wishy-washy answer, but I was tired and went to my gate to await departure.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at DCA and picked up my luggage, which not only wasn't wrapped, but had a slice all the way down the front. The TSA not only irreparably damaged my suitcase but also the clothes in the front pocket. Why couldn't they slice down the zipper where nothing else would be damaged? Why didn't they just tell me to take the wrap off in Chicago?

May the TSA games continue.

Elizabeth Fleming, Oakton

THE FIRST TIME I used my TSA lock, the TSA "ripped" the lock off and pulled the tabs off my new suitcase. I didn't even bother filing a claim since nothing was missing. It's really hard to open my suitcase without the tabs. Now I just use plastic electrical ties. TSA can cut those off if they want. The only problem is that I need to have a pair of scissors or a knife at the end of the journey to get the suitcase open.