✈️ How a Wireless Iron Got My Suitcase Locked – TSA Trouble on My Flight

I recently flew to Saipan from Korea and had an unexpected issue with my suitcase - all because of a wireless iron I packed. 

Before boarding, I received a call from the airline staff saying they needed to remove my wireless iron from my checked-in suitcase. Since it was locked, I gave them the combination code. 

My suitcase is a Swiss Military Seraphic 28-inch model, which uses a three-digit code lock system only.

However, when I arrived in Saipan and picked up my suitcase, I noticed that the lock code had been changed. 

Even worse, one of the dials could now be opened with any random numbers. On top of that, I was unable to reset the code myself. 

🔐 What is a TSA Lock?

TSA(Transportation Security Administration) locks are a special type of luggage lock approved by airport security authorities in the US and many other countries. These locks can be opened by TSA agents using a master key, allowing them to inspect your bag without damaging it. 

They're convenient - but if mishandled, they can cause problems. If a TSA lock is opened and relocked incorrectly, it can disable the original code or prevent you from setting a new one, which is exactly what happened to me. 

The TSA keyhole is positioned differently in the two images below — one is horizontal, and the other is vertical. This indicates that the lock was likely tampered with or improperly re-locked.

✂️ Why Wireless Irons Are a Problem in Checked Bags

Wireless hair irons usually contain lithium-ion batteries, which are considered a fire hazard in certain conditions. Most airlines don’t allow these items in checked luggage because if the battery overheats or catches fire, it’s inaccessible during flight.

That’s why the airline needed to remove it from my suitcase. The problem is, even though I provided the correct lock code, they used the TSA key instead, re-locked it improperly, and left the combination system completely unusable.

As a result, my suitcase could now be opened by anyone, and I couldn't fix it myself or reset the combination without professional help.

When I returned to Korea, I contacted Swiss Military CS, and they asked me to send or bring the suitcase to the AS center so they could fix it.

It was a really frustrating and inconvenient experience!

Lesson learned: Avoid packing your wireless iron in your checked baggage. You're actually allowed to bring it in your carry-on, and that might save you a lot of trouble and protect your suitcase, too! 

#TravelTips #TSAApproved #LuggageFail #WirelessIron #SaipanTrip #AirportSecurity #CarryOnEssentials #TravelProblems #TravelBlog #PackingMistakes