Depends on the type of bag. And they don't cut them off if you use the correct lock that's sold for which they have a key to open it.

I've locked my suitcase before and it was locked when I got it back from the airlines. So unless they found the exact lock for the exact key, I don't believe you.

skeleton key? lock picker? I have literally no idea what airlines do with locked bags so I'm just spit balling

They split the zippers with a pen or something.

on TSA website they let consumers know that airport terminals sell TSA safe open locks(as well as some department stores) Locks that are marked as TSA safe on their packaging are safe for flight because TSA has master key sets for those specific lock brands all others are liable to be cut off.

I can tell you that they'll cut the lock off a big heavy duffle bag of you don't put a TSA approved lock on it. That's why I always carry on my luggage now. X-ray it and gimme it back.

No they don't. I have never once had a lock cut off any of my bags. Not even when flying into third world country's.

I could understand wanting to lock your carry on luggage if you plan on sleeping on the plane.

#37 At that point, your luggage is in the safest place possible: under the plane and not easily accessible. If you're talking about the carry on, which is not where it seems they had put their passport, then what I usually do, if it's small enough is keep it under my seat so that it's out of the person behind me and I could also use it as a foot rest of I wanted. And that's only IF I need to and I most likely don't. No idiot is going to, on a packed plane, open up the overhead storage and steal from a bag which isn't theirs. It's like they're asking for the air marshal to arrest them right there and then.

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