On a more serious note, I was informed on the very day of flight to USA that heightened security measures by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) require baggage to be unlocked so that they can be inspected. Using a conventional lock to secure one's baggage will likely result in them cutting and breaking it open. The recommendation is to use
TSA-approved locks.
It was too late for me to do anything about it back then, since the supermart at Changi airport does not sell such products. I was later relieved to hear US Customs would check in the presence of the owner, thereby granting to chance to unlock. This however did not happen and we scooped up our luggage without hassle at the Seattle-Tacoma airport.
The real significance of this matter dawned upon me only when it was time to
leave USA. Baggage flying in from other countries may be hard to control, and besides, they are landing onto American soil and
staying on the ground. However, taking off from a US airport presents the issue of bring goods up into the air and opportunity for some funny business. This has really been a lesson of ignorance for me that left me with an unlocked bag. Shouldn't be too terrible though, unless somebody wants to steal me chocolates and raisins.
UPDATE: everything is back with me safe and sound.