Luggage locks could soon be broken

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Locking your luggage might not do any good, Transport Canada is looking for input on a new law that would allow security screeners to break the locks of suspicious bags.

The US already allows security to break in if they see something suspicious on an X-ray scan.

In Canada, the airline has to be called first and they then attempt to notify the passenger.

International security expert Andre Gerolymatos with SFU likes the idea.

“This just makes it faster and easier. A lot of us, like me, who travel to the United States, I don’t bother locking it because I know that they would break it open anyway. I think it’s a necessary precaution.”

Some manufacturers do offer locks that can be opened with master keys, given to security staff.

“It’s not all that difficult; it’ll just make the luggage more expensive. If they have to put special locks and create master keys, you’ll have to pay more for the luggage,” says Gerolymatos.

He’s had his nightmares, just like everyone else.

“Oh yeah, I’ve had luggage come back semi-opened because somebody opened it up, as a security check. And it’s very frustrating, very annoying there’s nobody you can really complain to.”

But he harkens back to the Air India tragedy when a bomb in a suitcase made it on board without its owner.

“That’s a very steep price to pay to have a lock on your luggage, to lose a human life.”

Transport Canada is currently looking for feedback.

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