Can I use a regular lock on my luggage?

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. If you're carrying your valuables with you in your carry-on bags, and you don't have anything really valuable in your checked luggage, then you may not need to use a luggage lock.



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You can put a lock on your luggage if the zippers are designed for an external lock. But a much better and safer choice is luggage that comes with TSA-approved luggage locks built in.

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Well, actually there are many different types of TSA luggage locks. So, you may choose the model and design you like. One thing that all of them have in common is the Travel Sentry logo. These locks have a master key system, which means there's a universal key that can be used to open all of them.

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The Benefits of Locking Your Luggage 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.

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Simply look for the 'Red Diamond'. Every lock that carries the Travel Sentry® Approved mark is accepted by the TSA and other security agencies.

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If you don't have any luggage locks, cable ties will serve the same purpose in a pinch. If your luggage has lockable zips (two zip pulls, with small loops at the base of each), just thread the largest cable tie that fits through the loops, and pull tight.

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According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), yes, you can zip-tie your luggage shut so no one would be able to simply unzip your luggage and go through it. You are allowed to zip-tie it because the TSA can snip it open if they need/want/desire to go through it for some reason.

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Your baggage is usually checked in front of you. Customs officers keep a record of: all baggage they open and check. any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check.

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Indeed in Europe you're still allowed to lock it with whatever lock you want, so it's perfectly acceptable to attach that, a standard padlock, a combination lock, or any other kind of lock. If they want to inspect it and can't locate you (in the queue or by paging you) they will simply cut the lock off.

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Your baggage is usually checked in front of you. Customs officers keep a record of: all baggage they open and check. any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check.

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Lock Your Luggage on Domestic and International Flights
Your luggage lock isn't just for traveling between cities in the US. While not every country has similar access to TSA approved locks, most do. There is no need to stress about luggage security when crossing the ocean.

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Countries with TSA Lock Requirements Hence, several countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Israel, Finland, Austria and South Korea) require travellers to have their suitcases locked with a specific brand of locks that can be unlocked by aviation security.

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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.

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7 Ways to Keep Your Luggage More Secure During Travel
  1. Invest in Locks. ...
  2. Keep Valuable Items Out of Sight. ...
  3. Use Plastic Wrapping. ...
  4. Avoid Keeping All Your Valuables in Your Bag. ...
  5. Divide Your Luggage. ...
  6. Tie a Ribbon around Your Luggage Zippers. ...
  7. Anticipate Any Potential Thefts.


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What is a TSA lock? Locks that are approved by the TSA, because they may be opened by a master key held by them. They are not keyed alike, but the Master Key will open them for inspection. The good thing is that if theey want to check the contents, they don't have to destroy your lock or cut into your bag.

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Without access to a master key, baggage handlers, hotel staff and others in the luggage transport chain should not be able to open these locks. Yet that's the fatal flaw – the master key, or backdoor into a supposedly secure system.

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The purpose of this lock is so that TSA officers are able to access the suitcase if need be.

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Alcoholic drinks above 70% ABV. All firearms need to be declared and packed separately. Loose bateteries/larger lithium-ion batteries: Laptops with batteries tend to be fine, but loose spare batteries aren't allowed and larger lithium-ion batteries are generally prohibited. Chemicals like spray paints or turpentine.

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