Does airport security really break the locks on checked bags in order to check the contents?
Sometimes. By government mandate all checked bags are now screened through an electronic explosives detection device. These machines are designed to reveal explosives and weapons, but sometimes they pick up suspicious-looking items maybe that box of Godiva chocolates you bought in Brussels. If this happens, screeners will open your bag to check the contents by hand. (Count your chocolates when you get home!). Locking your bags frustrates security screeners, whose job is to make sure explosives and other dangerous things like contraband Kiwi fruit don’t get past them. There’s two ways around this. First, don’t lock your bags. This is the easiest way to make sure security people do no damage if they need to open your luggage, but it also leaves your valuables open to theft, damage, loss and the occasional game of football on the tarmac. Instead, use plastic ties that can be looped through the bag zippers and fastened. This secures your bag yet allows security to open it if necessary. Loc
