The point is that the TSA can, but only the TSA. If you are not a TSA baggage inspector and on the clock, you do not have access to the special tool needed to open TSA-approved baggage padlocks without breaking them.
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A TSA lock is one to which only TSA officials have a key. You set the combination yourself and, if a TSA agent has to look inside your bag because they see something suspicious on the scanner, it can be easily opened with their master key.
The TSA combination lock has been designed to prevent damage to the locked suitcase when it is forcibly opened by the airport authority. The TSA lock can be easily opened and closed by the staff at the airport with a master key.
Actually, TSA-approved locks are recognized worldwide. If there is a red diamond (the Travel Sentry logo) on your lock, you know it is TSA-approved and recognized outside the U.S.
If you want to know if your lock was opened by a TSA master key, purchase a lock with a red/green indicator. The indicator is set to green and only switches to red if the bag was opened for inspection.
The TSA has worked with these manufacturers so security agents are able to open any of these locks with a master key, but no one else can. If you're using a lock that isn't approved by TSA, agents have the authority to break open that lock to search through a bag.
Using a suitcase lock makes it more difficult for baggage handlers or strangers to riffle through your goods at the airport. Not to mention, luggage locks are a great way to ensure your personal belongings won't fall out because the zippers are held together.
I always use a TSA lock and have never had a problem. TSA has opened the bags on occasions and used the locks to secure the bags afterwards. Cable ties can be a pain if you don't have access to a knife. To buy or not to buy is very much individual choice, there's no right or wrong answer.
All keys that are in use for TSA locks (locks at airports (I don't know if it's only in the USA) must be able to be opened by a master key) nr 7 is the most frequently used one.