Transportation Security – Luggage Locks

Travel Sentry Certified luggage locks – which allow travelers once again to lock their checked bags with confidence, have been ‘flying’ off the shelves since they were introduced two months ago. Since Nov. 12, when the Transportation Security Administration officially began using the Travel Sentry system, nearly 300,000 Travel Sentry Certified locks have been sold. This number is expected to increase dramatically now that new products are available nationwide.

John Vermilye, founder and managing director of Travel Sentry, knew there was great interest in the system and has been pleased by the overwhelming response.

We conducted an industry survey last year and knew people wanted the option to lock their checked bags; however, we didn’t expect to sell out of product so quickly, said Vermilye.

CCL Security Products, manufacturer of SearchAlert by Prestolock, said their retailers were sold out of locks both online and in many retail locations several days prior to Christmas. Most retailers now have a new supply available, and the list of retailers carrying the locks continues to grow.

While the program is running remarkably well, there have been a few instances where locks have been inadvertently cut or removed from baggage by the TSA. The TSA remains enthusiastic about the program and continues to work hard to ensure the program’s success.

We are committed to making the Travel Sentry program run smoothly for all airline travelers, said Mark Hatfield, spokesman for TSA. Nearly 80 million checked bags have passed through US airports since the program rolled-out on November 12 with very few reported problems.

When we do hear of a problem, with the help of Travel Sentry, we are able to contact the specific airport where the problem occurred and ensure any kinks in the system are ironed out.

Vermilye says he anticipated some locks would be broken during the early stages of the launch.

We expected we would have a few cut locks simply because the program is new and we introduced it during the busiest travel season of the year. With that in mind, we created liberal replacement policies with each manufacturer. Each promises to replace a cut lock free-of-charge. They also notify us immediately when they hear from a customer so we can inform the TSA of the problem.

In comparison to the millions of bags screened by TSA each week the number of locks cut in error has been small. However, both Travel Sentry and the TSA agree that one cut lock is one too many.

To improve the feedback process when problems do occur Travel Sentry and the TSA have agreed that Travel Sentry will now collect information directly from its own website and share this with TSA for immediate action. Customers can access this feedback page at http://www.travelsentry.org/feedback.htm.

Travelers are asked to include specific information regarding the airport, airline and flight number, and the date when the incident happened. Armed with this information the TSA will isolate problem areas and fix them.

Travel Sentry and the TSA are both committed to making this program run smoothly, said Vermilye. We want to hear from any traveler who has encountered a problem so we can communicate the specific details to the TSA and they can in turn deal with the problem quickly.

About The Author:

Claire Hamilton is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.luggage-n-tote-bags.com. Traveling is easier with quality luggage, suitcases, garment bags, totes & travel bags.