Something to Consider
 

Once your baggage goes down the conveyor belt, it's not in the hands of Alaska employees. All baggage is first screened by TSA, and then handled by Menzies, the ground personnel for many airlines now, including Alaska.

Suggestion: Buy a TSA lock. Then only TSA can look into your luggage, and if anything is missing, you can go to them.

I agree with buying the lock now that I know I can but since Alaska Airline contracts out Menzies, this is still the airline's job to make sure this part of their business is not damaging and stealing from bags. As a professional with an oraganization, if I contracted out for support from a third party, I would do EVERYTHING in my power to ensure that my customer's needs are being met. That is a good business with customer service and care that will keep customers coming back.
I am researching both Canadian and American airlines to see how each and everyone handles this and I am confident that I will find an airlines that puts the CUSTOMER first...regardless of the flawed system that goes on behind the scene. And, I will choose to fly with them.

I agree with buying the lock now that I know I can but since Alaska Airline contracts out Menzies, this is still the airline's job to make sure this part of their business is not damaging and stealing from bags. As a professional with an oraganization, if I contracted out for support from a third party, I would do EVERYTHING in my power to ensure that my customer's needs are being met. That is a good business with customer service and care that will keep customers coming back.
I am researching both Canadian and American airlines to see how each and everyone handles this and I am confident that I will find an airlines that puts the CUSTOMER first...regardless of the flawed system that goes on behind the scene. And, I will choose to fly with them.