Locked Up

By Barbara Kiviat Sunday, Dec. 07, 2003
    • Fewer travelers are using locks on their checked bags, what with the more vigilant Transportation Security Administration (TSA) breaking open those attached to luggage that has been selected for hand searches. So John Vermilye, a former TSA consultant, created standards for locks that could be easily opened for inspection and then closed. Six brands have been certified, each bearing a red diamond logo and priced in the $5-$10 range. Locks are available now at specialty retailer Brookstone and expected to arrive by early January at Macy's, Samsonite, Burdines, REI and other shops. Manufacturers like CCL Security Products pay Vermilye's company, Travel Sentry, a licensing fee to make the locks, which are opened by TSA workers with tools and codes provided by Travel Sentry. The tool kits are at more than 400 U.S. airports, but there's no guarantee your lock won't be broken by overzealous inspectors.