'Law' for suitcase locks when travelling to the US

[ojread2]

I've just been told that by law, you cannot have a lock on your suitcase when travelling to the US. Is this true?
If so, can anyone point me in the direction of this piece of law please?
I've done some pretty indepth research on US travel and I have never come across this

[hc4361]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/thread/?ctgalias=Travel&question_id=188646 />
It wouldn't be a law, as such, it would be in the terms and conditions of the airline and/or airports.

[ojread2]

thank you

[karenmac60]

I travelled to the US a few years back and had a lock on my case. When returning they decided to do a spot check on my luggage, but they just asked me for the key and when they finished they locked the case and returned the key to me, no problem.

[SMP]

We were advised to leave suitcases unlocked when leaving the US, but didn't and nothing happened to them, although i understand they can break the lock on a spot check. U can buy padlocks that can be opene/locked by US officials.

[dzug]

I't's not so much a law as advice.

If your case is locked US security officials reserve the right to force the case open (in your absence) to check it. (Though whenever it's happened to me they've been able to pick the lock). They leave a note inside to say they've done so.

If you have a TSA approved lock they have a master key or whatever to open it without damage.

Google TSA locks for more info

[Buenchico]

From the US embassy website:

"Is it correct that I should not lock my luggage?

In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked then a Transport and Security Administration (TSA) screener will simply open and screen the baggage. However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open your checked baggage through other means, then the locks may have to be broken. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism. These "special" locks can be opened by TSA using tools provided to us by the luggage industry members. You may wish to visit the TSA website www.tsa.gov for further information."

Source:
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/faqs/faq_visa_niv.html#niv066

Chris

[ojread2]

thanks you very much for your replies
Very helpful indeed