Sicy said:
Ok but why do they break open your suitcase, even if its not locked? I have to admit that's pretty fucked up.
In the bigger airports, bags are randomly screened by TSA. If they are locked, and need to search it, they will break open the locks. They usually put it throught these HUGE scanners...but if they see something suspicious...or an alarm is set off, they need to get in it and check it out.
At my airport, every bag is checked by being "Swabbed" in front of the passenger. The swab is then put into a device that detects explosives. If the alarm goes off, they "dump search" the bag (go through it by hand). We had a university wrestling team travel through the other day...they use some weird substances. ALL of their bags set the alarm off.
Another thing...if you need to sit on your bag to get it shut...there is a good chance it may pop open with very a very little bump. repetively lifting 50-70 pound bags (clearly looked like his bag could have EASILY been that heavy) is quite a bit of wear and tear on your body. Occasionally, you drop a bag. if it is overpacked..it may burst ALL OVER.
And do not buy designer luggage (gucci, YSL, etc. etc.). It looks damn nice, but gets beat around by all the crap bags people have. I tried to explain this to one of those "TV judges" that got off our plane all pissed once.
OK, enough about me. Let's talk about you.