I agree, it's not what can be taken out, but what can be put in. We always use those teltale tags on our luggage that are numbered. We keep the number series on a memory stick, if they are broken when out of our site we know straight away and can opt to tell the authorities. Also if customs wants to look inside without your presence they only have to snap the band.

Hi rptlam,
I had a TSA approved lock on my suitcase when I departed Washington DC last year. When I arrived in Sydney, after flying via LAX, there was no lock, just a note in my luggage saying they had inspected it. My lock was stolen, not broken.

Wow, Pauline:

So you think the TSA agent took your lock? Or maybe forgot to put it back on in haste? Either case, that doesn't leave much comfort in having your suitcase secure. Anything can go in or go out. I am not paranoid & I dont leave valuable inside. But just dont like the idea of leaving suitcase unlocked (unprotected).

rptlam,
I usually use a small padlock with key. This time I thought I'd do the right thing and buy a TSA approved lock (and they aren't cheap) and then to arrive home and find that the lock was missing, I was not impressed. Which ever way you look at it & for whatever reason, my property was 'missing'.
Like others, I'm not concerned about what might be taken from my suitcase, more concerned about what could be put in it. Anyway, it's all water under the bridge now.

I put the ties that you can use to keep wires together. They are cheap and they have to cut them off. When I pickup my luggage I put a regular combination lock on for the rest of the trip. Remember to put a pair of scissors in your suitcase so you can cut them off at your destination. I am afraid of someone being able to get into your luggage at the hotel. They just might have a TSA key.

south, that sounds like a great idea but how do you get the scissors out of the suitcase to cut the lock that is securing the suitcase?

Exactly what I was wondering Pauline.

I put them in one of the little pockets on the outside. I never lock them anyway as they are so small I just put the extra locks, scissors and a few other things like rubber bands, duct tape and super glue which have been a lifesaver for me a couple times when my zipper broke I put super glue on the zipper and duct tape over the top of the spot where the zipper came apart on the bottom.

South:
That sounds like a good idea.
However I had items stolen when I put them unlocked in the outside small pocket. It was a clothes-line with suction cup (about $15, nice kind)& a $2 pen. Even though it wasnt a big monetary lost, but it makes you wonder what hands the luggage has gone through. It was stolen somewhere starting from TSA (when they checked without my presence), baggage handler at the airport.
When I picked up the luggage at the destination airport, I was with the luggage till arriving the room in the hotel. So it wont be the taxi driver nor hotel bellboy.
Years ago I remember watching an investigative report on TV about airline industry. They showed through hidden camera workers opening passenger's bags & rummaging thru them while working. Can you believe that? Thats while I always locked the main compartment & dont leave anything in that I cant afford to lose.

I know what you mean. The cost of items is low and you sometimes have to take a chance. I've been doing that for 5 years and so far so good.