If you’re here and thinking about buying TSA luggage locks, that means you probably already have a pretty good idea of why you may need one. Maybe you had some of your belongings stolen on your last vacation (I’m so sorry!). Or maybe you had your luggage locks cut off or destroyed by a TSA agent on your last trip (GASP! Again, so sorry). Or maybe you’re about to go on vacation and want to remove yourself from the “easy mark” category by adding an extra layer of security to your bags.
No matter the case, you’re here. You’re looking at luggage locks. And that’s a good thing! Because that means you’re getting prepared. You’ll want a lock that’s easy for you to use (and for TSA to use) so that your bag can be inspected as needed, but you’ll still want it to provide enough protection that thieves simply move on when they see your bags.
Wondering what features you need to look for in a lock? Curious which ones are the best? I’ve picked out 10 of the best TSA approved luggage locks on the market so that you can find the perfect one to help you protect your bags and belongings on your next trip!
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Best TSA Luggage Locks: Quick Comparison Guide
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Why Use a Luggage Lock?
A luggage lock comes in handy in a variety of situations as a first level of defense against theft. By using a lock on your luggage, you are better able to protect your personal belongings…whether you use it on your checked baggage or carry on luggage.
Luggage locks are also great for when at your destination, particularly if you’ll be leaving your luggage checked somewhere or if you’ll be staying in a hostel where you want an extra layer of security for your things.
Most luggage locks can be easily cut with bolt cutters or the like, but keep in mind that their purpose isn’t necessarily to keep out thieves who come prepared. Instead, it’s an extra deterrent to help keep unwanted people out of your bags. The locks may not always be 100% effective in preventing theft, but they do especially help prevent thefts that occur simply by opportunity.
What is a TSA Approved Luggage Lock?
In the United States when you fly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may need access to your luggage without you being present. All bags are screened electronically, which is usually enough, but in certain cases they may need to open and physically inspect your luggage. If you have a lock on your luggage, then they may have to cut it off in order to see inside your bag. This is terrible because when you arrive at your destination, you no longer have your luggage lock to use!
TSA approved luggage locks solve this issue, however. TSA has worked with lock companies to ensure that security officers can open all the locks with a set of master keys that work only for TSA locks so that in most cases your lock will not have to be cut. Keep in mind that while TSA is careful not to damage your personal belongings, they may have to damage your locked bags if you do not use a recognized lock that can be opened by TSA. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you have a good TSA approved lock!
You will know if a lock is TSA approved because of the red diamond logo. If your lock has one of these, then you know that TSA has a key that can open it if the need arises.
Luggage Lock Features: How to Choose the Best TSA Luggage Lock
There are many different features across a range of locks, so if you’re looking for the best suitcase locks or the best carry-on locks it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here are some aspects you’ll want to consider before you decide which luggage lock to buy!
Size
When considering which TSA approved luggage lock to buy, it’s important to consider a few aspects of size. First of all, what size do you want the actual lock to be? I prefer smaller TSA locks, as this allows me to use them for double duty as a lock on my everyday backpack if I choose to. However, some people prefer heftier locks as that makes them feel safer.
Secondly, you will want to consider the size of the hole in the zippers you will be locking together. There’s nothing worse than buying a lock that you can’t actually thread through your luggage! This is one reason that some people prefer cable locks, as the cable is flexible and can fit through nearly any zipper.
Type of Lock
There are a few different types of TSA locks, with the most common types being combination locks, keyed locks, and card locks. The best luggage locks are the ones that are easy for you to use, so it really is up to your personal preference on which type of lock you choose.
Combination locks are the most common (and are also my favorite) as all you have to do is remember a 3 or 4 digit code to open your luggage. There are also a few really cool locks that use letters instead of numbers, so all you have to do is remember a 4 letter word…which may be easier for some of us 😉
Keyed locks, not surprisingly, use an actual physical key to open them. Depending on how you look at it, this can be a good or bad thing. For me, I don’t like having to find the key to open my luggage…or accidentally losing the key and not being able to open it. However, for some people this may be better than a combination lock. It’s entirely up to you!
The last type is the most rare: a card lock. These locks open with a key card (like the cards you receive for hotel rooms) which you can then slip into your wallet and have on hand when you need to open your locks. Like the key locks, you still need a physical item to open your locks, but many people love and swear by these!
Search Alert Indicator
Some TSA locks come with a search alert indicator to let you know if TSA has opened your bags. Sometimes this is a red button that pops out, other times it’s a light that changes from green to red. While TSA usually puts a slip of paper inside your bag telling you it’s been searched, the search alert indicator can give more peace of mind and allow you to see easily that your bag has been searched so you can take a look inside if you want before you even leave the airport.
Lock to Another Object
Another aspect to consider is whether you want your luggage lock to help you lock your bags to other things (tables, railings, or other fixed objects). Some locks come with long cables or other methods of attaching your bags to other objects, so if you are interested in this then definitely keep an eye out for a lock that offers this option!
Best TSA Approved Luggage Locks
There are lots of great TSA luggage locks on the market, so to help you choose let’s take a look at the features of some of the best ones!
1. 4 Digit TSA Luggage Locks
These luggage locks are the ones I use and trust, and that many of my family and friends use on my recommendation as well. I’ve had a set for the last several years (all the way since 2016) and they are still holding up and going strong…so in my opinion this is possibly the best TSA lock!
One of the things I love about this set of locks is that it is unlocked by a combination. I find this to be the best practice, as you don’t need a physical key but only need to remember your code. When traveling, there are a lot of moving parts and I definitely don’t want to add having to find a key to open my luggage to my list of things I have to worry about! I also love that this set utilizes a 4-digit code. So many codes today are 4-digits (phone pins, passwords, etc.) that it makes it easier to remember in this format (or you can even reuse another 4-digit code if you so choose).
These locks are easy to set a new combination for (just tilt the metal part while opening and then set your combination). However, because the metal needs to be tilted you also aren’t likely to accidentally change your combination while it’s open either. Truly the best of both worlds!
I find these to be some of the best travel locks because they are small enough and lightweight enough that I can use them on my checked luggage or I can use them on my Osprey carry on backpack or even my everyday backpack as a backpack lock! It’s nice having this extra layer of security from pickpockets and petty thieves.
Check the price of these 4 Digit TSA Locks or read more reviews!
2. Forge TSA Approved Cable Luggage Locks
These cable luggage locks come highly rated, and some people prefer the flexible cable material over the hard metal loop of the 4 Digit luggage lock above. While I personally prefer the hard metal because I think it’s less likely to be tampered with as it’s more difficult and unwieldy to carry around a bolt cutter than a wire cutter, in the end this is simply a matter of personal preference as a determined thief could get into either with enough persistence.
These Forge luggage locks come equipped with a 3-digit combination lock, which is great (in my mind) as you don’t need to carry around a key! To set your combination, you simply flip a switch…which ensures you won’t accidentally reset your combination while your lock is open.
Like the above 4 digit luggage locks, these locks come in a handy small size that is perfect for checked luggage, carry-on, and adding as extra security to your favorite anti-theft everyday backpacks.
Check the price of the Forge Cable Luggage Locks or read more reviews!
3. Master Lock Keyed TSA Padlock
These Master Lock Padlocks are small (1″ wide) locks that use a key to open them. They come in a set of four, which all open with the same key to make it easier for you if you are traveling with multiple bags.
One of my favorite features of this lock is that it has front access, which means it is very easy to unlock with the key. And there are several color options: blue, pink, purple, and silver. However, unfortunately, Master Lock does not allow you to choose the color you want but instead randomly selects a color at the time of shipping.
If you are looking for a keyed lock and don’t mind the color you get, then this is a great option! But if you’re picky about your lock color or are afraid you’ll lose the key, then keep looking at the other options on this list.
Check the price of the Master Lock TSA Padlock and read more reviews!
4. Lewis N. Clark Travel Sentry TSA Lock
These Lewis N. Clark TSA locks are another keyed lock option for those of you who prefer this type. These come in a set of two black padlocks with four keys (in case you lose a key somewhere).
They are durable and tough, so baggage handlers and conveyor belts won’t break them, and are a reliable padlock. Because of the small size they are also perfect as a backpack lock, laptop or purse lock, gym lock and more!
Check the price of the Lewis N. Clark Travel Lock or read more reviews!
5. Master Lock Word Combination TSA Lock
This Master Lock TSA lock comes equipped with a word combination opening system, which is really awesome for those who have an easier time remembering a word than a numerical code. Of course, due to size there are only so many letters…so you can’t spell every word in the book! But this Master Lock does come with an instructional set that will give you a lot of words you can spell.
These locks utilize the cable format, so they should fit nearly every suitcase and bag’s zippers. They are sturdy and TSA approved and do exactly what they claim they will! So if you’re looking for a unique combination lock to try, this is a great one. Do be aware, however, that while they come in black, blue, pink, and silver, you cannot actually choose which color you receive but instead will randomly be shipped a lock in one of these colors.
Check the price of the Master Lock Word Combination Lock or read more reviews!
6. Pacsafe Prosafe TSA Lock
Pacsafe is a great brand (they make my favorite everyday travel backpack!) and this lock is no exception. This lock is one of the more unique on the market, as it opens using a key card rather than a normal key or combination lock.
Each lock comes with two coded credit card sized key cards, so you have a backup key in case something happens to the first one. If you can’t remember or don’t want to remember a combination, I like the idea of using a key card lock as it’s less keys to jangle around and you can easily keep the key with your credit card so you always know right where it is!
Check the price of the Pacsafe Prosafe TSA Lock or read more reviews!
7. Forge TSA Approved Luggage Locks
These Forge TSA locks work like many of the combination locks on this list, but have the added bonus of an open alert indicator. If TSA opens your lock during transit, you will see a little red button that will pop up below the metal loop that closes the lock. This means someone has used a key to open your luggage without you being present and giving the combination.
While this is a nice feature, it seems that these locks do occasionally cause trouble for TSA agents as several people have mentioned they find their locks broken and unusable inside their luggage upon their return home. It seems that sometimes, perhaps, the TSA keys get stuck or otherwise harm the lock and then they become unusable. While this isn’t the case for everyone, it is something to consider…and to consider whether the indicator is important enough to you to risk the possibility of breaking and having to replace the locks. (Remember, TSA should always leave a note whenever they open your suitcase…so technically this little red indicator isn’t the only way to know when your luggage has been inspected.)
Check the price of these Forge luggage locks and read more reviews!
8. Fosmon TSA Approved Luggage Locks
The Fosmon luggage locks are very similar to the Forge luggage locks above, in that they are combination locks with a red indicator that will pop up if TSA or anyone else opens your luggage. However, these Fosmon locks seem to have a slightly better track record of staying intact through the TSA inspection process. If you are looking for a luggage lock with an indicator, this is probably your best bet for security and durability!
One thing that I do love about these locks is that they come in a pack with four different colors included. This is especially nice for a family who all needs luggage locks, as each member of the family can have a different color that is theirs so no one steals a lock that belongs to someone else. The colors are also really nice, which is a plus!
Check the price of the Fosmon luggage locks and read more reviews!
9. Lewis N. Clark Triple Security Lock
If you are looking for a combination lock that you can also use to lock your luggage to fixed objects, then this Lewis N. Clark lock is a unique way to go! It has a cable on each side which means you can secure two objects together—whether that be securing your luggage to a railing or securing your luggage to another bag like your toiletry bag, purse, or backpack.
This is a nice compact option with multiple ways of securing your items. It can be a bit tricky to figure out at first, but read the instructions that come with it carefully and you’ll get the hang of it and love it for many years to come!
Check the price of the Lewis N. Clark Triple Security Lock and read more reviews!
10. Lumintrail TSA Approved Cable Luggage Lock + Steel Cable
The Lumintrail TSA luggage lock is your standard cable combination lock, but it’s made special by coming with a 4 foot steel cable. Like the above Lewis N. Clark lock, the added cable for this lock means you can secure your items to fixed objects such as tables, rails, etc. This is a good extra security feature to have…and while you could buy a cable on its own, there’s really no reason not to buy it with this Lumintrail lock if you think this feature will come in handy for you.
Check the price of the Lumentrail TSA luggage lock and read more reviews!
Luggage With TSA Lock Built In
While many people simply purchase an external TSA lock like the ones mentioned above, sometimes people prefer purchasing a suitcase with a TSA lock built in. This has some pros (no locks or keys to lose and luggage is always secure) and some cons (if your lock breaks, so does your suitcase).
However, overall many people do love this new trend of built in TSA luggage locks. And certainly after watching the following video promoting TSA locks on suitcases, you’ll feel like every suitcase should have a lock!
So if you find yourself in the market for new luggage and are considering purchasing a suitcase with a built in TSA lock, then here are a few good options to consider!
1. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Luggage
Samsonite is a well-known and trusted luggage maker, and has been in the business for over one hundred years! They bring that same reliability, durability, and innovation to their modern suitcases today.
The Samsonite Freeform comes in three sizes: Carry-on, Checked-Medium, and Checked-Large. All three sizes come with the best features that luggage has to offer today, including 360° spinner wheels! Not to mention the built in TSA combination lock that you can use to make sure only you and TSA will be opening your bag. There are no keys required for this lock, so just grab your luggage and you’re good to go!
Check the price of the Samsonite Freeform and read more reviews!
2. American Tourister Tribus 29 Spinner
If you’re looking for fun but durable luggage, American Tourister is a great choice! With over 75 years experience, they know what they’re doing to create luggage that will last across international flights.
This American Tourister suitcase comes with a TSA-compliant combination lock so you can secure your belongings without worrying about keys or extra locks lying around!
Check out this American Tourister suitcase and read more reviews!
3. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage
If you’re looking for a slightly less expensive option, Amazon makes their own luggage version with this suitcase that has a built in TSA lock. I wouldn’t recommend it for people who travel all the time or for international flights as it may not hold up so well, but for those who only travel occasionally or for short distances it may do just fine. Of course, if you have a little more money to spend I much more highly recommend buying a suitcase that will last you for years and years to come!
Check the price of the AmazonBasics Spinner Luggage or read more reviews!
TSA Luggage Lock FAQ
Here are a couple common questions about TSA luggage locks, in case you have any of these questions as well!
1. Do I need to use a TSA luggage lock?
No! You are perfectly within your rights to not use a luggage lock, or to use a lock that is not TSA approved. Keep in mind, however, that if you don’t use a luggage lock you do open yourself up to thieves who are eyeing an easy mark…and if you do use a lock but choose to use one that isn’t TSA approved, TSA is perfectly within their rights to cut off your lock so they can inspect your luggage. For these reasons, it is recommended to use a TSA approved luggage lock when you travel.
2. Are TSA luggage locks worth it?
This depends on the type of traveler you are, where you are traveling to, and many other factors. I usually travel carry-on only whenever I can, and I love the extra security of having locks on my carry-on backpack. When using locks on checked luggage, it’s nice to know your belongings are secure and that the locks will help keep your zippers from coming undone in transit. And when at your destination, it’s nice to know you can leave your luggage locked up in your hotel room or hostel without thieves easily being able to break into your bags and steal from you.
Having a lock that can do all these things brings great peace of mind to me and to many others, but it really depends on you and what you want. But for the low price that many of these locks are, I certainly believe it is worth it!
3. Do TSA luggage locks work internationally?
Yes and no. Many locations outside of the US use the lock system developed by Travel Sentry to make TSA locks, so if you are traveling to these areas then it should be fine to use your TSA approved locks. (You can find a list of countries here).
However, in other areas you run a bigger risk of having your lock cut. Of course, if you use a regular lock you run an even bigger risk of having your locks cut…so as I see it, your best option in these situations is to either risk it and leave your luggage unlocked or risk it and leave your TSA locks on. You can always purchase new ones later if something happens to the ones you already have!
4. Does using a TSA luggage lock mean my locks won’t ever be cut again?
No, unfortunately. While using the best TSA approved locks reduces your risk of having your locks cut and having to buy new ones, it still doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility that they will be cut. Sometimes TSA locks malfunction, sometimes TSA’s keys malfunction, and other times maybe you just get a TSA agent trying to open your bag who has had a long day and is at the end of their rope and ends up pulling out the bolt cutters. But I like the odds with using TSA locks instead of regular locks…after all, the TSA approved ones are far less likely to be cut!
5. Does using a TSA luggage lock mean no one will be able to steal from me?
Again, sadly, the answer is no. TSA luggage locks (and all luggage locks) really only work as a deterrent for petty theft, pickpocketing, etc. While a working lock will provide some measure of protection, a really determined thief could easily get into your bag if they wanted. Additionally, anyone with a set of TSA master keys could simply open your bags if they wished.
While this sounds bleak, the true beauty of a luggage lock is in deterring thieves and helping them to move along and look for someone more vulnerable than you. Usually the thieves you’ll encounter on your travels aren’t determined to get into your bag—they’re just determined to get into someone’s bag. By removing yourself from the easy mark category by using luggage locks and other precautions, you set yourself up to have a delightful and theft-free vacation!
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