Also, just because you have a TSA approved lock doesn't mean that they will open it using the universal key. They do still force them off and break those.
On a recent trip, my bag was checked arriving into USA. It was then checked on each of 4 internal flights AND on the flight out. Had a nice collection of little TSA notes. They checked both my golf bag and my suitcase. I never lock suitcases, so no damage.
Cant see what the fuss is all about, Flown with BA, Virgin KLM and Thomas cook and never had an issue.
I have been to the states roughly 20 times always with my clubs, Never locked the golf club case in all of the times I have flown, Never had a problem :mmm: