Why You Need ClipLok
If you are planning on travelling to the USA, then the security of your bag is something you will need to consider before you check it in with an airline in that country.
Since January 2003, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has requested that passengers leave their checked luggage unlocked for security screeners. However, the TSA carries out these screening procedures after check-in, thus conducting them behind the scenes, and out of sight of the bags’ owners. This has caused a great deal of anxiety amongst concerned passengers, and has generated thousands of lost property claims.
Complaints and claims to airlines and the TSA about lost, damaged or pilfered luggage have been rising since the TSA began screening all checked bags in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. No doubt some of these are less than genuine, but the problem is a serious concern for travellers and security agencies alike.
In the recent past, there has been some confusion however, perpetuated by uninformed gate agents and signs around some airports, that leads passengers to believe that they have to leave their luggage unlocked. Not so. There is no law that says you must leave your luggage unlocked. What is clear however, is that any standard luggage lock stands a good chance of being clipped (cut off) by TSA inspectors in the event your luggage requires further examination.
TSA Luggage Locks
In late 2003, the Durham NH based Travel Sentry and New Jersey based Safe Skies came up with systems of standardised locks that inspectors can open with coded master keys supplied by the luggage industry. They are generally referred to as TSA-Approved Luggage Locks, but the TSA has never officially "approved" any travel locks, (although they are "recognised" by them). Travel Sentry’s red diamond and Safe Skies' flaming torch logo identifies them to inspectors.
The TSA however, or the Transportation Security Administration in the USA, should not be confused with Travel Sentry the lock manufacturer.
How well do they work, and how smart is it to use a travel lock to which thousands of people have the key? This is question of no small concern, and people really haven’t had much of a choice - until now.
ClipLok Does It Better
Origineering has patented a very clever and elegant solution. The “ClipLok” is essentially two travel locks in one. Instead of relying upon thousands of insecure master keys, a ClipLok actually invites luggage screeners to cut (or clip) it! The reason for this is that the lock comes with a replaceable “clipable” shackle which can be clipped at a special location on the lock. Once clipped by a luggage screener, it can be re-locked (reinstated) onto the luggage using a second locking mechanism built in to the actual lock body - and all without the need for a key! The concept is very simple, and relies on no pass-keys or any other infrastructure for it to work. Passengers are instinctively alerted to the fact that their ClipLok has been clipped and reinstated, as a quick check of the clip port reveals a cut shackle. This is an indication that the TSA (or other security organisation) has inspected the bag, and a corresponding note to this action should have been placed inside the bag by the luggage screener. One has to presume criminal entry if this note can’t be found.
Spare shackles are available for just a few cents (the ClipLok is shipped with a spare shackle in the pack), and clipped shackles can be replaced very easily in just a few seconds by using the lock’s anti-pick 4-digit combination lock.
Once ClipLok use becomes widespread, the TSA and other security agencies will no longer have to worry about the administration of hundreds of thousands of passkeys, which is problematic at best. Furthermore, in situations where these keys cannot be located, or where they've been broken, a luggage screener will just clip the lock anyway!
With ClipLok, all luggage screeners have access to the only “key” required – a pair of bolt cutters! ClipLok thus has the potential to reduce the number of lost property claims, and save security agencies significant amounts of time and money.
To complement the security of your luggage, we are planning to package other goodies with the ClipLok. Apart from the spare shackle, Origineering will soon start shipping a patented zip breach detection system “Zip-Check”, as a bonus. Based on the patented Tell-Tag technology, Zip-Check can be used in conjunction with a ClipLok, and will provide the same level of protection as a Tell-Tag. Also very clever.
ClipLok™
“The best security solution for your luggage”
